Fablehaven

Fablehaven was written by Brandon Mull and first published in 2006. It is the first in a series about an ecological preserve for magical creatures. In the novel, middle-school-aged siblings Kendra and Seth take a trip to their grandparents’ land in rural Connecticut, which they soon realize is hiding magic of all types. The siblings explore the magical world they have discovered while learning how to be both brave and responsible.

Fablehaven deals with themes concerning the importance of rules, the subjectivity of perception and experience, and the importance of place. It explores these themes through the symbols and motifs of confinement, magical creatures, and the magical forest. The novel also contains elements of magical realism.

This guide references the 2006 hardcover edition.

Plot Summary

Kendra and Seth, 13 and 11, respectively, are dropped off at their grandparents’ sprawling estate in rural Connecticut. Their parents are going on a cruise with several other family members, and children are not invited. Kendra dreads being left alone with virtual strangers for three weeks, and though Seth resents having to leave town as well, he welcomes the opportunity for adventure and troublemaking.