Greenbuilding, fairy-style

A couple years ago during a summertime park playdate, a then-5-year old taught my then-3-year old daughter about fairy houses. Fairy houses, as told by author Tracy Kane in the book by the same name, are tiny shelters built in natural settings out of natural materials that are found on the ground. The story goes that if you build it, the fairies will come. The book, which we finally read last week, offers tips for building these little structures, which can be as primitive or elaborate as your child wants. The idea is to encourage exploration and respect of nature: the fairies won't come to any houses if leaves or branches have been pulled off trees in order to make it. It's also a great exercise in creativity and problem-solving: how can we set up these little twigs to support a roof? Can we make a hammock out of a fallen leaf and two twigs?

So for the past two summers, we've built numerous fairy houses around our yard. For the most part they've been very simple and easily toppled in a light wind. But it's been great to watch my daughter, and now my son, scavenging for twigs, getting their fingers dirty and imagining how delighted the fairies will be when they find their new house. Check out the fairy house Web site and see what other kids are building (some of them are pretty amazing). Building fairy houses is a great substitute for watching Bob the Builder on a sweet, summer day.

(The above photo was borrowed from www.fairyhouses.com)