The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black receives praise for its captivating illustrations and engaging narrative, ideal for young readers. Critics commend its imaginative world-building and relatable characters. However, some reviewers note the plot's simplicity and predictability. Overall, it’s a charming introduction to fantasy for children.

A reader who enjoys The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black is typically a middle-grade fantasy enthusiast who loves richly illustrated books and stories of magical creatures. They might also be fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black follows the three Grace children—Mallory, Jared, and Simon—who, after moving with their mother to a dilapidated Victorian mansion, encounter a mischievous boggart living within the walls. The children uncover a hidden library and discover Arthur Spiderwick's field guide to faeries, leading to a series of magical and troublesome events as they try to appease the creature and learn more about the secret world around them.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Adventurous / Humorous / Informative

- The Field Guide is the first book in the popular Spiderwick Chronicles series, which sparked a resurgence of interest in folklore and fairy tales among young readers. 
- The authors, Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, drew inspiration for The Field Guide from classic children's literature and their own fascination with faeries and mythological creatures.

**Jared Grace**  
A nine-year-old boy who feels lost after his father leaves, Jared is smart but troubled, eventually becoming deeply engaged in solving the mysteries of the Spiderwick mansion.

**Simon Grace**  
Jared’s identical twin brother, who is orderly but harbors a love for small animals, and provides steadfast support to Jared, particularly during their investigations.

**Mallory Grace**  
The 13-year-old older sister of Jared and Simon, Mallory is headstrong and skilled in fencing, acting as both a protective and sometimes impatient figure among her siblings.

**Helen Grace**  
The mother of Mallory, Simon, and Jared, who tries to maintain stability for her family after a move, unaware of the magical happenings around them.

**Thimbletack**  
A small faerie known as a brownie, living secretly within the house’s walls, whose actions play a crucial role in the unfolding mysteries within the mansion.

**Arthur Spiderwick**  
The previous owner of the mansion who documented his discoveries about faeries in a field guide, providing critical information to the Grace children.

Tony DiTerlizzi

Holly Black

Middle grade

Novel

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Field Guide reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Field Guide | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Field Guide and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Field Guide Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Field Guide Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Foreword-Chapter 2

The Field Guide Foreword-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5

The Field Guide Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-7

The Field Guide Chapters 6-7 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Field Guide Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Field Guide Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Field Guide Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Field Guide Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Field Guide Essay Topics

The Field Guide Further Reading & Resources

The Field Guide

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Field Guide?

Reading Age

Book Details