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342 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5362-0941-9$18.99 New ed. (1987, Orchard)
(2)
YA
Illustrated by
Frances Castle.
This valuable collection of almost fifty stories from the British Isles is a reissue of Crossley-Holland's 1987 British Folk Tales, with tales from his 1997 collection The Old Stories folded in. Divided into themed sections, the volume covers a wide range of tale types and includes standards (e.g., "Mossycoat"; "Tam Lin") as well as many less-familiar stories. This master storyteller's prose employs inimitable turns of phrase but never at the expense of the original folktales. An appended section meticulously identifies sources.
(2)
4-6
Mollie sets out to return Guest, a changeling child, to the Kinde Folke and bring home her true brother, Thomas--but on the journey, she grows to feel compassion for the unwanted creature. Mollie's sisterly affection toward both of her brothers gives the story its heart. Twists and turns provide ample opportunity for Irish folklore and legends to mingle with very human concerns about family, growing up, and bravery.
Reviewer: Sarah Berman
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
312 pp.
| Quercus
| January, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62365-874-8$17.99
(4)
4-6
When a unicorn, the embodiment of magic, is wounded with a poison dart, Maddy (The Feral Child) is called upon to re-enter Tír na nÓg and track down the unicorn's attacker. Hostile faeries of the Tuatha de Dannan court complicate her quest. Although the action is slow to get going, Golden breathes life into Irish mythology by highlighting real antagonisms.
391 pp.
| Clarion
| August, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-73964-9$16.99
(3)
YA
Goblin Wars series.
In this third book, Teagan and her friends deal with the evil creatures seeping out of Mag Mell and into the streets of Chicago. Teagan and Finn work together to fight the darkness while their love continues to grow, even though it's now forbidden. Fans of fast-paced adventures and Irish folklore will find the two components nicely intertwined.
297 pp.
| Clarion
| November, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-43560-2$16.99
(3)
YA
In her second book, high schooler Teagan (who found out in Tyger, Tyger that she's half-goblin) is back safely from Mag Mell. While she, her little brother Aiden, and love interest Finn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool from Irish folklore) regroup at home in Chicago, wicked forces track them. Well-incorporated folklore elements blend nicely with everyday concerns (e.g., Teagan's post-high-school plans; best friend/boyfriend rivalry).
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Zachary Pullen.
Although giant Finn is brave and good-hearted, he's also "a bit of a turnip head." Longing to be wise, he attempts to eat the source of all knowledge, a red salmon. Finn can't do it, though, and the fish rewards him with wisdom. Told in a lilting voice, the wordy story is accompanied by bold illustrations of the larger-than-life Finn.
311 pp.
| Clarion
| November, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-33008-2$17.00
(3)
YA
Previously unbeknownst to her, driven high-schooler Teagan’s family bridges the gap between humans and goblins. When Teagan's ostensible cousin, Finn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool from Irish folklore), comes to stay, she's dragged into a dangerous and twisted world. Threads of mental disabilities, death, and the deep-rooted bonds of family are effectively intertwined with the depiction of Teagan’s exploits.
114 pp.
| Random
| January, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-375-85650-1$12.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-375-95650-8$15.99
(3)
1-3
Magic Tree House series.
Illustrated by
Sal Murdocca.
Jack and Annie must inspire a girl named Augusta living in Galway in the nineteenth century, "a time when it is not easy for girls to explore their creativity." Complicating the task is Augusta's envy; she's desperate to see the Shee (Irish fairies) but isn't able to until the kids inadvertently get her kidnapped by them. The fantastical adventure is entertaining and enlightening.
128 pp.
| Random
| January, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-375-96009-3$12.99
|
PaperISBN 978-0-375-86009-6$4.99
(4)
K-3
Stepping Stone series.
Illustrated by
Sal Murdocca.
Magic Tree House stars Jack and Annie escort readers through their research into Irish folklore, particularly “wee folk” and their human experts. It's lucidly told, but as a stand-alone, the book reads like a list of fairies and their idiosyncrasies. It features black-and-white photos and illustrations, including a gem of Jack and Annie in fairy regalia. Reading list, websites. Ind.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Brandon Dorman.
Drawing from several Irish folktales, Tegen tells the story of how the jack-o'-lantern came to be. A stingy and thieving man named Jack gets his comeuppance when he makes a dodgy deal with the devil. Rich-hued, detailed illustrations complement the spooky tale. Additional details about the history of the jack-o'-lantern conclude the book.
96 pp.
| Sterling
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4027-3772-5$14.95
(3)
4-6
Folktales of the World series.
Illustrated by
Igor Oleynikov.
This collection includes thirteen traditional Irish folktales and legends, tales of the "Wee Folk," and stories of village life. The tellings are lyrically written and richly detailed (if wordy). Rough-hewn gouache and digital illustrations ably reflect the tales' humble origins. Some source information and Gaelic pronunciations are included. Bib., glos.
190 pp.
| Milkweed
| April, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-57131-687-5$16.95
|
PaperISBN 978-1-57131-686-8$6.95
(4)
4-6
Kyna's terrified of water; her family drowned during a storm, and only she survived. It isn't easy for her to spend a summer near a lake, even with her adoptive parents' tales of silkies (seal/human creatures that protect swimmers) to comfort her. The story's lyricism, though smooth, slows the plot, and the secret is obvious, but the Irish folklore element adds interest.
(1)
4-6
J.J. Liddy (The New Policeman), now grown up, is the guardian of a changeling named Jenny. Jenny, J.J.'s son, and an aged neighbor work to protect the world from a púka (mythical goat). Thompson's rich portrayal of family benefits from folkloric play on trickster motifs and otherworld creatures. Resonantly Irish, Thompson's storytelling still easily leaps geographical and cultural boundaries. Glos.
Reviewer: Betsy Hearne
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2008
(1)
4-6
Time is leaking out of the human world and into the timeless land of Tír na n'Óg. The book's complex plot features alternating narratives, enigmatic subplots, and a large cast. The story sometimes gets a bit crowded but winds into a suspenseful climax. For those who appreciate an original twist on authentic lore, this will be spellbinding. Glos.
Reviewer: Betsy Hearne
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2007
32 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1573-2$$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Preston McDaniels.
In this retelling, the jealous queen commands her stepson to bring her a giant's three magic stallions or die trying. Dramatic, sometimes humorous watercolor and graphite illustrations with strong lines and a muted palette suit this Irish tale about a resourceful prince. The story is told with wit and a touch of brogue, making it a good read-aloud choice. An author's note discusses sources.
80 pp.
| Barefoot
| September, 2003
|
TradeISBN 1-84148-097-5$$19.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Olwyn Whelan
&
Olwyn Whelan.
Six folktales and six traditional poems and blessings together form a collection that gives readers a taste of the ancient Celtic culture of the British Isles and Ireland. The retellings, including "The Black Bull of Norroway" and "The Lady from the Lake," are solid and readable. Whelan's decorative illustrations and handsome borders create a strong setting and romantic tone for the stories. Source notes are appended.
32 pp.
| Holt
| February, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-8050-6852-X$$16.95
(1)
K-3
Irish folk-hero Finn McCool hides behind his clever wife in this teasing tale of two cowardly giants. When Finn sucks his magic thumb, he can see fierce Cuhullin, who has his own magic finger, coming after him. Finn runs home to his wife, who hatches a plan to fool Cuhullin and deprive him of his magic finger. Both the light, playful text and vividly colored art are well matched to the comic tale. A well-made source note is appended.
Reviewer: Lauren Adams
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2002
96 pp.
| Oxford
| June, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-19-274534-4$$19.95
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bee Willey.
With a mixture of scholarship and the oral tradition passed on by her own mother, Daly retells Irish myths including "The Children of Lir" and "OisÃn in TÃr na nÓg." While the illustrations are sometimes gaudy and inelegant, Daly's writing style is fresh and light, her retellings are well shaped, and she includes a pronunciation guide as well as context to explain TÃr na nÓg and other Irish words.
(3)
K-3
After getting her foot stuck in a grave, Kate must dig up the coffin and carry its occupant into the village, where he drains and consumes the blood of three brothers. Hague's watercolor illustrations convey the Weird Tales atmosphere of this gruesome Irish folktale, a good choice for older kids who want a really scary story.
96 pp.
| Barefoot
| October, 2000
|
TradeISBN 1-902283-97-X$$19.99
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Niamh Sharkey.
Doyle has retold seven of his favorite tales, beginning with "The Children of Lir," one of the best loved of Irish tales. "Lusmore and the Fairies" warns of the need to respect supernatural powers; "Fair, Brown, and Trembling" is a Cinderella variant; other tales are deeply rooted in Celtic mythology. The illustrations are richly colored like illuminated manuscripts. Thorough source notes are included.
Reviewer: Mary M. Burns
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2001
27 reviews
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