{"title":"Varla A. Ventura","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarla A. Ventura’s works invite readers into a world where folklore and nature intertwine, exploring mystical plants, fairies, pookas, and changelings with a delicate blend of myth and observation. Those interested in the wonders of the natural world will appreciate the unique perspective her books offer, merging traditional tales with scientific curiosity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRooted in both \u003cem\u003escience and nature\u003c\/em\u003e and personal discovery, Ventura’s writing also touches on themes of self-awareness and growth, encouraging a deeper connection with the environment and ourselves. Her books provide a thoughtful journey through enchanting ecosystems and timeless legends alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"enchanted-plants-by-varla-a-ventura-9781578638604","title":"Enchanted Plants","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuided by fairy folk and Ventura's own botanical wisdom, this book is an enchanting walk on the path of green magic and folklore.\u003c\/strong\u003e — Coby Michael, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Poison Path Herbal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom fairy tales to your garden, \u003cem\u003eEnchanted Plants\u003c\/em\u003e is an illustrated treasure trove of the lore and magic in the kingdom of plants.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake a walk through mystical, magical, and folkloric gardens and discover the plants and flowers that have captured our hearts and minds for centuries. Will you dare to pick a golden apple or seize the perfect rose? Will you sneak through the gilded gates of the poison garden where plants both alluring and life-saving intertwine?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the baneful bog to the garden gate, plant lover and lover of the bizarre, Varla Ventura brings together forgotten lore of plants for the ultimate romp through a botanical wonderland, including excerpts from fairy tales and a lively discussion of each plant's legendary magical and medicinal properties. Don't forget your scissors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnchanted Plants\u003c\/em\u003e is arranged by general environment:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ecultivated plants and edibles;\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003etoxic plants;\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003emeadowlands;\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ethe woods;\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003emarshes and swamps; and\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003etropical plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter contains a cultivated selection of plants, arranged alphabetically by popular common name, with additional information including botanical name, common names, folklore, ethnobotanical properties, magical and occult properties, and modern usage if applicable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854475645164,"sku":"9781578638604","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781578638604.jpg?v=1759243891"},{"product_id":"fairies-pookas-and-changelings-by-varla-ventura-9781578636112","title":"Fairies, Pookas, and Changelings","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile it's true that fairy folk love a good garden and take great pleasure in a tulip, there are dozens of beasties who fall under the fairy domain that are not quite as delightful as the quintessential flower fairy. \u003cem\u003eFairies, Pookas, and Changelings\u003c\/em\u003e is an exploration of the many things that go bump in the night near the fairy mound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with an exploration of folklore and historical literature, readers will delight in fairy tales that demonstrate everything from striking a bargain with a fairy to staving off changelings to laughing with the dwarves. Included are fairy tales and myths from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia plus classic stories by Thomas Crofton Croker, Joseph Jacobs, Clara Stroebe, the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Yei Theodora Ozaki, and others on goblins, trolls, gnomes, pookas, changelings, banshees, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChapters include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eFairy, Fae, Faerie Way: What Is a Fairy, Anyway?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Hand That Rocks the Cradle: Changelings and Baby Snatchers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eI'm Not Drunk, It's My Pooka: The Legacy of the Trickster Fairy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eI Begged You Not to Stay: What You Might Meet at the Crossroads\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Fear of Little Men: Leprechauns, Hobgoblins, House Elves, and Other Little Things\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you think fairies are merely delicate beings who follow you about on gossamer wings, you are in for quite a shock: the kingdom of the fairy is one of vengeance, thievery, trickery and wild creatures. Consider yourself warned!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47932157264108,"sku":"9781578636112","price":47.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781578636112-fairies-pookas-and-changelings.jpg?v=1783855258"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/varla-a-ventura.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}