Irish Tales and Myths  Back to Irish Interests Across A Dark and Wild Sea Don Brown     The life of Columcille, also known as St. Columba, is presented in picture book format. In a few well-chosen incidents, Brown is able to capture the importance of the man and his contribution to civilization. He also provides insight into the character of this sixth century monk. When Columcille makes a copy of a one-of-a-kind book owned by his former schoolmaster, Finnian, the schoolmaster demands he hand over the copy. The arguing continued until Diarmait, the great king of Ireland, decides in Finnian's favor. In a great battle, Columcille's followers defeat the king. Finding this to be an empty victory, Columcille leaves Ireland forever and sails to the island of Iona, Scotland where he gains a following that eventually builds a great monastery. Anyone interested in Irish history will learn a great deal here. In addition, the author's note at the end provides more details of this saint's life. A soft palette is used throughout the book. There is an intentional "fuzziness" to the pictures that works well with scenery but sometimes gives a peculiar look to the faces. There is a brief but clear description of the tools used in creating a medieval manuscript, and the uncial alphabet, widely used for "Christian manuscripts through the eighth century," is shown. The bibliography will be most useful for adults and older children. 2002, Roaring Book Press, Ages 6 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-7613-1534-9 ISBN: 0-7613-2415-1 The Ballymara Flood: A Tale from Old Ireland Chad Stuart Illustrated by George Booth    Children and adults alike will delight in this rollicking adventure poem about the near disaster that struck the town of Ballymara. The tale begins with a TV-watching mother who consigns her son to the bath, which overflows, only she doesn't notice it until the waterfall cascading down her steps washes away the television. Neither the dad, fire department, National Guard, the navy, or local politicians could stem the tide which consumes the entire town. In the end the boy is declared a hero for saving everyone. Booth's humorous drawings enhance the liveliness and absurdity of the text. 1996, Harcourt Brace, Ages 6 to 12, $15.00. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 0-15-205698-X Best Books: American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Spring, 1996 ; American Booksellers Association; United States The Braid   Helen Frost    Amazing, lyrical, and fascinating, Frost’s work is astonishing in both its design and execution. Written in verse with alternating chapters from two different narrators, Frost tells the story of sisters born in Ireland in the 19th century on the Isle of Barra. Hunger leads to their family’s being ordered to leave the Isle by the bailiff; Sarah, the elder sister, chooses to stay with their grandmother in Ireland, traveling to another island Mingulay. Jeannie leaves with the rest of the family on a ship for Canada. Despite an incredible use of form, neither story becomes in the least bit stilted, flowing easily through the events of each child’s life over a roughly three-year period. In her endnote, Frost reveals that she wrote these long narrative poems to be braided vertically, so that the last word of each line in each of Sarah’s chapters connects to the first word of each line in the following chapter from Jeannie. Furthermore, the long narrative poems are structured such that each line has the same number of syllables as each girl’s age, growing almost imperceptibly as the novel progresses. The symmetry Frost uses is simply breathtaking, more so for being nearly unnoticeable without close examination. Her use of imagery and depiction of the girls’ lives elevate this work to the level of art. 2006, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-374-30962-0 Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure Robert D. San Souci Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport   With her flaming red hair flying as she charges ahead on a mighty black steed, Margaret is a heroine that will fire the imaginations of young girls. Living alone in a cottage located in the west of Ireland, Margaret dreams of adventure and burns with a desire to visit the world beyond her view. When she convinces Simon, the son of the King of the East to take her with him, the adventure begins. Margaret faces grave danger, bravely battles serpents and giants and in the end achieves her hearts desire. The story moves at a good pace and the pastel illustrations are full of dark foreboding scenes, motion and bright flares of light- they fuel the imagination and accelerate the story towards its action-packed ending. A great choice for Irish studies, a unit on legends, or a list that features strong female characters. 1999, Simon and Schuster, Ages 5 to 10, $17.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-689-81072-5 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Celtic Myths Sam McBratney Illustrated by Stephen Player   With chilling tales of children trapped in the bodies of swans, magic ointments that allow eyes to see through enchantments and all sorts of mythical creatures from stoorworms to two-headed giants, this collection of Celtic myths will entertain many readers. However, without an overview of Celtic mythology, the reader must make connections among the stories, but each story does contains a rich description of the relevant aspects of Celtic culture. The vibrant illustrations, which show a full range of emotion from humor to horror, help bring the stories to life. 1998, Bedrick, Ages 8 up, $22.50. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye ISBN: 0-87226-561-7 Best Books: Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1998 ; Smithsonian; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Utah Children's Book Awards, 2000 ; Utah A Celtic Night: A Fifteen-Year-Old Girl's Telling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream   Bridget O'Dwyer    Determined to shake up her life and do something different, fifteen-year-old Sarah decides to move from Syracuse, New York, to Ireland to live with her relatives in the small town of Thurles. If the prospect of living for six months so far away from home does not provide enough excitement, Sarah not only encounters the cultural differences across the pond but also is immersed in the fairy tales and folklore of Ireland. This modern retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is filled with details of life in rural Ireland. After just a short time, Sarah meets Declan, a member of the hurling team. Handsome and funny, he seems to be everything that she could hope for, but the appearance of a mystery boy who manages to stay just beyond her reach fills her imagination. Following the general plot lines of Shakespeare's comedy, Sarah works as a waitress at a wedding and that night dreams of her future husband, a man who looks remarkably like the mysterious figure. Drama ensues as Sarah, her friend Kate, Declan, and the mystery boy, Liam, are touched by magic, leaving each of them loving the wrong person. Only the fairy can right the mistake, realigning their love. Earnest and clever, O'Dwyer's debut novel manages to follow the complicated twists of Shakespeare. Unfortunately the story suffers somewhat under immature writing and uneven characterization. Even marred by these flaws, however, this tale manages to hint at what this young writer could accomplish with guidance and some heavy editing assistance. VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2006, Fresh Writer Books (13386 Judy Ave. NW, Uniontown, OH 44685), 160p., $5.95 Trade pb. Ages 15 to 18. Reviewer: Heather Hepler (VOYA, August 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 3)). ISBN: 1-932802-94-0 Celtic Tales of Enchantment Liam MacUistin Illustrated by Shane Johnson and Ruiseal Barnett     These four ancient tales are told in a lively and engaging style. Readers are introduced to Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, his group of loyal and upstanding men from several clans. The first story, "The Enchanted Palace" finds Fionn and his men battling the invading Lochlannachs and their magic. In the second story, readers will delight in the humorous account of the penalty given to Abhartha, a magician who kidnapped several of the Fianna. The third story is the wonderfully romantic tale of Oisin and Niamh Cinn Oir and the magical land of Tir na nOg. The final story is called, "Ailne's Revenge" in which the widow of the king of Iceland conspires to kill Fionn and the Fianna through treachery and magic. While the names may be difficult for American children, they will soon come to know the main characters well enough so that this will not present a difficulty. Bloody battles with a great number of decapitations, revenge and magic are all integral parts of these stories. Along with that, however, is the code of honor lived by Fionn and the Fianna. These stories are required reading for anyone wanting to know about Celtic folklore and literature. 2001, The O'Brien Press, Ages 12 up, $7.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-86278-692-4 Deirdre: A Celtic Legend David Guard Illustrated by Gretchen Guard   Black and white sketches on every page illustrate this retelling of Deirdre of the Sorrows, a famous Irish legend. A druid foretells, at her birth, that she will be the cause of destruction in her land. King Concobar devises a plan to seclude her until she is of age and marry her himself, thus thwarting the prophesy. Deirdre falls in love with another and sets into motion the foretold events. The author has provided a list of sources used in compiling this retelling, and has also included a glossary of persons and places. 1993, Tricycle, Ages 10 up, $8.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 1-883672-05-8 Emma Dilemma and the New Nanny   Patricia Hermes    With a name like Emma Dilemma, how can the main character not get into trouble? Eight-year-old Emma is more mischievous than devious, but she constantly causes problems in her family of seven. First of all, her beloved ferret, Marmaduke, cannot seem to stay in his cage, while almost daily her mother threatens to return him to the pet store. Just when Emma is trying to prove to her parents how responsible she is so she can join the traveling soccer team, Emma accidentally causes a small fire in the kitchen and nearly knocks the nanny off a two story ladder. To add to her list of woes, the new nanny is in danger of being dismissed, and she is the best nanny Emma and her siblings have ever had. This book has a colorful cast of characters besides Emma. It includes the Irish nanny, Annie, with a genuine brogue and bright red hair; her bratty sister, McClain, who insists on wearing her bathing suit even in the winter; and her brainy and sensible brother, Tim (who never gets into trouble!). Everything works out by the end of the book, and Emma learns some important lessons about maturity and responsibility. 2006, Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books, $15.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Leslie Wolfson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7614-5286-7 ISBN: 0-7614-5286-9 Everybody's Revolution: A New Look at the People Who Won America's Freedom   Thomas Fleming    What does the American Revolution have to do with me? Fleming asked himself this question as a schoolboy. As an Irish American, he believed that America's earliest history did not hold much personal relevance. After a good deal of study, a more detailed picture emerged. This book reveals a more complete version of American history, shedding light on the ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of colonial America. One chapter addresses the myriad ethnic backgrounds of the Revolution's leaders. Paul Revere was the son of a French Huguenot; Patrick Henry and John Paul Jones were Scots. Other chapters detail the roles played by African Americans, American Indians, women, and teenagers. Many readers will know of Crispus Attucks, killed in the Boston Massacre. But few will be familiar with the First Rhode Island Regiment, a 200-strong troop of free blacks who valiantly kept the British from advancing at Newport. One woman took her dead husband's place in battle and drew a military pension following the war. The chapter revealing the role that teenagers played in the Revolution, including an account based on a young man's diary, will resonate with most students. Presenting a series of anecdotes told in a relaxed, conversational tone and illustrated by original artwork from the period, this book is appropriate for middle school and junior high school students. Although it lacks a bibliography and source notes, it would make an excellent supplement to other texts in a history unit and an interesting read for teens who enjoy history. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2006, Scholastic Nonfiction, 96p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Further Reading., $19.99. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Amy Fiske (VOYA, December 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 5)). ISBN: 978-0-439-63404-5 Fair, Brown & Trembling: An Irish Cinderella Story Jude Daly    There was once a widower who had three daughters. The older two, Fair and Brown, would not allow the youngest, Trembling, out of the house because "she was very beautiful, and they were terrified she would marry before they did." But lo and behold, the henwife arrived one Sunday and asked Trembling why she wasn't at church. When Trembling said she had only her old clothes, the henwife put on her cloak of darkness, clipped a piece of fabric from Trembling's old clothes and created a beautiful gown and a pretty pair of shoes. Off she went to church, not once but three times. On the last visit, the Prince of Emania grabbed her slipper. Readers will easily recognize this Cinderella variant. The tone and descriptions will draw the reader into this smoothly written retelling. The crisp stylized figures in medieval garb stand out against the clean backgrounds and the lush green of the countryside, allowing the reader to focus on the marvelous facial expressions. Don't miss the green-with-envy faces of the older sisters when the prince recognizes Trembling. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 6 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-374-32247-3 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Favorite Medieval Tales Mary Pope Osborne Illustrated by Troy Howell   Once again author and illustrator have combined their talents to bring readers a beautiful collection of stories. Most, such as "Beowulf," "The Sword in the Stone," and "Robin Hood and His Merry Men," are familiar but these retellings are enjoyable and the words flow, making them perfect for reading aloud. At the beginning of each tale, Osborne has provided a few words in the original language accompanied by an English translation. As she states in the introduction, the stories are sequenced to demonstrate the development of the English language. Her extensive notes at the end provide additional source information and a chronology, definitions, and a description of the evolution of English. The illustrations by Howell resemble pages from an illuminated manuscript. They are full of details appropriate to the time and place of each story like the gold circle pin on Finn MacCoul's cloak, tile floors, and plant motifs. Some paintings are romantic and other filled with gore-Beowulf clutching Grendel's dismembered arm and the headless Green Knight. His notes explain what resources he used to develop the paintings and why certain scenes and settings were selected. There is an index. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 8 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-590-60042-7 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, June 1998 ; Cahners; United States Fergus and the Night-Demon: an Irish Ghost Story   Jim Murphy Illustrated by John Manders    In this ghost story a lazy young boy is threatened by the Night-demon, a combination of the Dullahan, a headless phantom, and the Air-demons, mean Irish goblins of the mists and clouds. He is a death figure come for Fergus to punish him for his laziness. Lightheartedly Fergus departs for his kailee, night of fun, only to be met on the dark road. Fergus first ignores the creature that grows larger with each of Fergus' excuses. The wily boy attempts several escapes, but is finally confronted with a headstone, "Here Lies Fergus O'Mara, a Lazy, Good-For Nothing Lad." Fergus must use his wits to trick the Night-demon into believing he has the wrong boy; the real Fergus would not dare venture out on a fearsome night, much less help to dig his own grave. In a "great, whirling storm" the demon sweeps off to find his victim, now convinced the real Fergus lives some 20 miles off. Fergus, the trickster, returns home promising his surprised mother he'll "be the hardest working lad hereabouts." The language is lilting and the illustrations spooky yet humorous. This is a scary bit of suspenseful Irish fun. Recommended. 2006, Clarion Books, 32pp., $16 hc.. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Beverly Vaughn Hock (Library Media Connection, February 2007). ISBN: 978-0-618-33955-6 ISBN: 0-618-33955-8 Fiona’s Luck   Teresa Bateman Illustrated by Kelly Murphy    Is it better to be lucky or clever? “Tis a question that is asked over and over again, and here it is, once more, in a delightful tale. Long ago luck was free and plentiful in Ireland. When the big folk arrived in that country, they soon soaked up the luck, leaving little for the leprechauns. The leprechaun king would not stand for that and so he ordered all the luck to be gathered and hidden away. The big folk in Ireland soon ran out of eggs and milk, and “the potatoes rotted in the ground.” Bring on a spunky heroine who has her wits about her and cleverly challenges the leprechaun king and you have a delightful original story reminiscent of the duels between humans and leprechauns in the traditional folktales of Ireland. Murphy captures the greens, browns and golds of the Irish countryside in her softly muddied palette while the leprechaun king’s throne room glistens in jewel tones. The mountains, sheep, cottages and stone walls form the background for the scenes of the “big people” at work, and the little people can be seen hiding behind stumps, and sheep, and other objects. Fiona’s body language and facial expressions are just right for this tale of a battle of wits. It is perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day story hour and just plain fun for the rest of the year. Lucky the children who read this cleverly composed story. Charlesbridge, $15.95, Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children’s Literature). ISBN: 978-1-57091-651-7 ISBN: 978-1-57091-651-9 Goblin on the Reef Victor Kelleher Illustrated by Stephen Michael King    Gibblewort is an Irish Goblin who never stops talking and who is as nasty as ever. One day, his goblin friends get so tired of him that they pack him off to the wettest part of Australia. And so starts an adventure where Gibblewort meets loads of new people as he tries desperately to return to his native Ireland. The Goblin from Goblin in the Bush (currently short-listed for the CBC Awards) is back. This new adventure is zany and unusual, and is sure to appeal to boys who have already acquired basic reading skills but want something a little bit more structured and substantial. The illustrations are nicely creepy and bring wackiness to this larger-than-life story. A must read! 2003, Random House Australia, A$11.95 Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Cecile Ferguson (Lollipops -- What's On For Kids (Australia)) ISBN: 1-74051-855-1 The Gold at the End of the Rainbow Wolfram Hanal Illustrated by Loek Koopmans   Brendan and his grandfather enjoy a special relationship. While their lives are rich with love, they have concerns about day-to-day living. Having finished their meager fare, and while it is raining, Grandfather tells Brendan a special story about following the rainbow after a storm to a magical island where a pot of gold can be found. When they awake the next morning, they find both a rainbow and a boat, and they set out on a journey. On the island, they find an elder tree, the reputed home of leprechauns, and they begin digging. While their trip does not yield a pot of gold, they do find cows, pigs, and chickens in their shed the morning after. They also find a never-emptying bottle of elderberry juice. The soft, dreamy hues of the illustrations bring the magic of this story to life. 1997, North-South Books, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95 and $15.88. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 1-55858-692-X ISBN: 1-55858-693-8 Half Moon Investigations   Eoin Colfer    The newest addition to the "kid detective" genre is Colfer's twelve-year-old Fletcher Moon, who solved his first case from a playpen at three. Short for his age and smart beyond his years, Fletcher, using his father's birth certificate, has graduated at the top of his class from an Internet detective school, the youngest certified detective not only in the U.K., but in the whole world. Nicknamed "Half Moon" by the other kids, he is hired by one of Les Jeunes Estudiantes, a group of popular pink-clad girls, to find a missing lock of pop-star hair. There is more to the case than meets the eye, however, and not only does Fletcher cross the Sharkeys, the nastiest family in town, but he also becomes a victim and has only twelve hours to solve what turns out to be a string of crimes that puts him at the end of a finger pointing "guilty!" Witty, well-paced, and filled with colorful-literally-characters, this mystery by Artemis Fowl series author Colfer is sure to please middle-level readers, both fans of Artemis and those new to Colfer's work. No doubt, Fletcher Moon will be back again, sniffing out clues and tracking down criminals in many adventures to come. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2006, Hyperion, 304p., $16.95. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Michele Winship (VOYA, June 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 2)). Best Books: Books for Holiday Gift-Giving, 2006; Association for Library Service to Childrern; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 30, 2006; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-7868-4957-6 Half Moon Investigations   Eoin Colfer Read by Sean Patrick Reilly    Fletcher "Half" Moon is only 12, yet he is an accomplished investigator. Having graduated from an Internet course offered by a prestigious detective school, he proudly carries his certified detective's badge. He is must continually prove himself to others. Sean Patrick Reilly narrates this story, set in his native Ireland, with aplomb. The mix of hard-boiled detective and Irish brogue is a delightful combination, adding to the many humorous situations. Using elements of the detective story, Colfer offers Half Moon as a new and fresh character for preteens. Reilly's pace and intonation are just right in this contemporary school-yard mystery, and Half Moon is a great young alternative to Colfer's “Artemis Fowl” series. D.L.M. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine 2006, Listening Library, Six CDs, $34.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Denise Marchionda (Audiofile, October/November 2006) ISBN: 0-7393-3528-6 Harp O' Gold Teresa Bateman Illustrated by Jill Weber    Have you ever heard someone say, "Be careful what you wish, because you just might get it?" The hero of this cautionary fairy tale finds out how true this bit of old folk wisdom is. Tom is a wandering Irish minstrel who plucks beautiful music from his travel-worn harp. His audiences applaud and dance with joy to his tunes, but unfortunately have little money to spare. They can afford only to pay Tom with home-cooked meals, modest lodging and heartfelt kindness. After years of barely scraping by, Tom complains to the sky that the life of a minstrel had not been as he hoped it would be. His dream had been to play for the rich and powerful of the land. He imagined that they in return would fill his cap with pieces of gold. At that very moment, Sean O'Dell mysteriously appears out of nowhere. The odd little man offers Tom a shining harp of gold, along with the chance to latch onto the life of his dreams. Tom trades in his old harp for the new. But how will Tom cope with the unexpected results of his choice? The charming acrylic paintings that grace the pages help bring a touch of humor to the rather somber text. Readers of any age will find a well-told tale and a thought-provoking message between the covers of this picture book. 2001, Holiday House, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 0-8234-1523-6 Hero's Song Edith Pattou   The first "Song of Eirren," this book is crowded with fantasy-like forms of Irish mythology. Collun is drawn from his beloved garden when his sister disappears. He is determined to find her, and then to free her from the Firewurme, the dragon-like creature whose saliva and other bodily fluids mean death. Wizardry and loyal companions help him, so the book is long, involved, and busy. Pattou's series is a little more adult than Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. For fans of the fantasy genre, this will be fun to read. 1998 (orig. 1991), Magic Carpet/Harcourt Brace, Ages 12 up, $6.00. Reviewer: Judy Silverman ISBN: 0-15-201636-8 Best Books: Young Adults' Choices, 1993 ; International Reading Association; United States The House Gobbaleen Lloyd Alexander Illustrated by Diane Goode   Tooley has invited the greedy Hooks into his home, for surely nothing could be worse than Tooley's life and luck as it is now. With Hooks as his houseguest, Tooley quickly learns the true meaning of Hook's words "Once in, never out" as things change for the worse. Thanks to Tooley's inventive cat and the "House Gobbaleen", Tooley learns how to "make" his own luck. The original tale and expressive illustrations are sure to make this book a hit. 1995, Dutton, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 0-525-45289-3 ISBN: 0-14-056504-3 Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 1996 ; Children's Literature; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 1995 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 1995 ; Cahners; United States The Hunter’s Moon   O.R. Melling    In search of romantic adventure, Gwen and her Irish cousin Finn fall asleep on a Faerie mound...and Gwen wakes up alone. Her cousin has been stolen away by the King of Faerie, and it is up to Gwen to save Finn, against her will if need be. Armed only with her wits and a few helpful friends, mortal and otherwise, Gwen must outwit the celebrated tricksters. But the stakes turn out to be even higher than she suspected. Originally published in 1992, this first book in The Chronicles of Faerie series begins as a charming if not very original take on ancient fairy lore, but it really takes off in the last 100 pages, and readers will be anxious to read more. Bound to be popular in fantasy collections. (The Chronicles of Faerie) Category: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror. KLIATT Codes: JSA--Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2006 (orig. 1992), Abrams, Amulet, 289p., $7.95. Ages 12 to adult. Reviewer: Deirdre Root (KLIATT Review, March 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 2)). ISBN: 0-8109-9214-0 The Illustrated Book of Myths Retold by Neil Philip Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry   Myth comes from the Greek word muthos, meaning a fable or a word. This collections of tales and legends comes from a variety of cultures around the world-Greek and Roman, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, Native American, Aboriginal, African, and Asian. As with other DK books there are insets and sidebars that provide glimpses into the culture explaining unfamiliar terms, objects, artifacts, and locales that relate to each tale. The central themes of the stories recur in a variety of disparate cultures. A point that author, Uma Krishnaswami makes with her retellings of flood stories. Divided into categories such as Creation, Beginnings, Fertility and Civilization, Gods and People, Gods and Animals, Visions of the End, it all ends with a Who's Who and an index. 1995, DK, Ages 10 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7894-0202-5 Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of the Social Studies, 1995 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 1995 ; Cahners; United States The Irish Cinderlad Retold by Shirley Climo Illustrated by Loretta Krupinski   This "Cinderella" variant has readers cheering for the cowherd, Becan. On the Day of the Dragon, the King's daughter is to be sacrificed: only Becan is brave enough to tackle the fearsome Serpent and save Princess Finola. She tries to thank him but grabs his boot as he pulls away. Now she must find him. His mean stepsisters call him "Bigfoot" and know the boot will never fit. What a surprise they are in for! 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 6 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman ISBN: 0-06-024396-1 ISBN: 0-06-024397-X Irish Leprechaun Stories Bairbre McCarthy   These stories will bring smiles as kids read about or listen to eleven tales about leprechauns those magical creatures who hoard gold and who can bring good luck. One theme that appears in stories such as "A Little Bit of Luck" and "The Greedy Landlord" is the basic goodness of the poor farmers and how the leprechauns help those who have a pure heart and are not looking out only for themselves. The lessons are evident, but the stories are entertaining and are perfect for reading aloud. Not surprising, since McCarthy is a storyteller herself who was born in County Clare but now resides in New York state. 1998, Irish American Book Company, Ages 5 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-85635-229-3 Irish Myths and Legends Retold by Ita Daly Illustrated by Bee Willey    Daly recalls the stories her mother told her as a child as the basis for this book. She has researched those and other myths and written them here in a colloquial style. They are perfect for reading aloud. As a good storyteller does, Daly fills in with background information for those who may be unfamiliar with some of the history and culture of Ireland. The stories are presented in chronological order, beginning with the oldest tales from the Mythological Cycle. Here one finds the story of The Children of Lir. This is followed by The Cuchulainn Cycle, which contains the woeful tale of Deirdre. The Fianna Cycle "comes some three hundred years later" with stories of Fionn MacCumhaill. There are ten tales, with the last two coming from the Cycle of the Kings. The stylized Celtic illustrations present the magical and mystical as well as the plants and animals native to the land. The pronunciation guide and glossary at the end are very helpful. 2001, Oxford University Press, Ages 6 to 12, $19.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-19-274534-4 Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folktale Tomie dePaola   Jamie O'Rourke, the laziest man in all of Ireland, tries to avoid work at all costs. When his wife Eileen hurts her back and can no longer work, Jamie decides to visit his church. During his walk, he captures a leprechaun and demands his pot of gold. Instead of giving the Irish man his gold, the tiny green-clad fellow gives Jamie a potato seed. Upon returning home, Jamie plants and waters the magic seed, which becomes the biggest "pratie" he or any of the villagers has ever seen. In his effort to uproot the vegetable, Jamie and his fellow villagers get the potato stuck in the middle of the road. When he is blamed for the mishap, Jamie invites everyone to take pieces of the potato home with them. After a winter of nothing but potatoes, the villagers promise to give Jamie and his wife plenty of food each day in return for not ever planting another magic potato seed again. 1992, Putnam, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95 and $5.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico ISBN: 0-399-22257-X ISBN: 0-698-11603-8 Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Jamie O'Rourke and the Pooka Tomie DePaola    Jamie, the laziest man in all of Ireland, is nevertheless intent about keeping the cottage clean until his wife returns home from visiting her sister. When his three cronies learn that Jamie is alone, they go to keep him company. What a time they have! And what a mess they make. Overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning, Jamie heads to bed only to be awakened by a donkey that cleans the entire house. Jamie has a good deal going with this pooka, or animal spirit, until it outwits him. DePaola's character of Jamie O'Rourke returns in this story patterned on an old Irish tale. His familiar illustration style takes on a cartoon look for this charming and whimsical story. There is a lilt to the prose that makes this a fun read- aloud. DePaola gets us to feel a bit of pity for the rascally Jamie, the laziest man in all of Ireland. 2000, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-399-23467-5 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 2000 ; Cahners; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Golden Sower Award, 2001-2002 ; Nebraska Juliet's Story William Trevor Illustrated by Alan Clarke    Juliet's Story was first published in 1995, and has now been re-issued with new illustrations. When Juliet's favourite storyteller dies, she is left restless and story-less. Her best friend prefers television, but Juliet wants a story of her own. So her grandmother takes her on a trip to France, telling her on the way an Irish story, a Welsh story and an English story. (Scotland gets one later, told by a Frenchman.) Juliet's grandmother has her own story too, involving the three interesting men who meet her in Dublin, London and France. Juliet learns a lot about life beyond County Tipperary but she still has no story of her own -- until she sees a trout swimming in the hotel restaurant, waiting to be chosen. Her distress and outrage prompt her to take action -- and from that point she has her own story. Some of these stories are crazy, magical, inside-out tales; they may tell of distress but their effects are benevolent; they are inclusive and welcoming; they induce laughter and healing; and they hold people together. Juliet -- a perceptive little girl -- notices how stories allow her to become the main character of the story, even when it is a boy or a grown-up. Alan Clarke's gently droll illustrations depict what Juliet sees or imagines -- except the last, which shows her back at home, her world and her future held together by stories. This story belongs to an ancient tradition which speaks to young and old alike. 2003, O'Brien Press, 126pp, €6.50 (pbk). Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Victor Watson (Inis - The Magazine of Children's Books Ireland, Summer 2003 (Vol. 2, No. 1)) ISBN: 0-86278-823-4 The Kingfisher Treasury of Irish Stories Chosen by James Riordan Illustrated by Ian Newsham    This delightful selection of stories includes retellings of folktales as well as original tales from several of Ireland's best storytellers. Included are Edna O'Brien, Eamon Kelly, Martin Waddell, and Michael Scott. James Riordan's retelling of Jack O'Lantern and Michael Killey's Poor Banshee would be ideal read alouds for Halloween, and Last Bus for Christmas is a warm, satisfying story for that holiday. The collection would not be complete without a giant or two. They are found in the tales of Una and the Giant Cucullin and in Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant. This collection is a fine introduction to Irish literature and folktales for American children. An occasional word in Irish, and the terms "pound" in place of "dollar" and "lorries" instead of "trucks" transport the reader to the Irish villages and countryside. The flights of fancy in the tales will carry them to imaginary worlds. 2003 (orig. 1995), Kingfisher/ Houghton Mifflin, Ages 6 to 9, $5.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-75345672-9 Leprechaun Gold Teresa Bateman Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger   Donald O'Dell is a good-hearted man with no need for riches. When he saves the life of a leprechaun, he surprises the little man by refusing the leprechaun's offer of gold. The leprechaun is determined that Donald should receive the gold. Their battle of wills is a delightful story which ends happily for all and teaches children a lesson about true riches. Litzinger's illustrations are very well done, and children immediately begin to notice details in the illustrations that add to their understanding of the story. 1998, Holiday House, Ages 8 to 11, $15.95. Reviewer: Karen Porter ISBN: 0-8234-1344-6 The Leprechaun in the Basement Kathy Tucker Illustrated by John Sandford   Michael McKeever needs new baseball shoes for the spring season, but his Dad is out of work and down of his luck. Fortunately for the McKeever family, O'Leary the leprechaun lives in their basement. Michael finds the leprechaun counting his beloved gold, and while the leprechaun can't bring himself to share any of it, he is able to surprise Michael one morning with a pair of lucky green baseball shoes. A warm hearted St. Patrick's Day story illustrated with full-page watercolor paintings. 1998, Albert Whitman, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson ISBN: 0-8075-4450-7 The Lighthouse Land   Adrian McKinty    When it comes to heroes, 13-year-old Jamie O’Neill is a highly improbable choice. A year earlier, he not only lost his arm to cancer, but his voice as well, choosing to remain silent. Although his loving mother struggles to pay the bills and Jamie struggles to cope with the devastating loss of his limb, they are barely surviving. Then, out of the blue, they inherit a house and a lighthouse on a remote island in Ireland. Thrilled at this new beginning, they leave immediately. Shortly after their arrival, Jamie is befriended by Ramsay, a strong, likeable classmate who excels in math and science. While exploring the lighthouse, the boys discover a secret room containing a strange-looking device which teleports them to a planet 96 light-years away. Their arrival, while shocking to them, signifies the final hope for a girl named Wishaway and her people to save their city from invading warriors. Compounding this astonishing predicament is the equally amazing return of Jamie’s amputated arm, which leads him to speak once again. Agreeing to risk their own lives to help, Jamie and Ramsay find the resourcefulness and determination to fight alongside Wishaway and her fellow citizens against tremendous odds. When their efforts come to fruition, Jamie insists on showing mercy to the would-be destroyers: “We came…to save your city, not kill all of your enemies.” The first in a trilogy, this thought-provoking sci-fi adventure offers universal appeal, excitement, and a one-of-a-kind hero whose courage and compassion will inspire any reader. 2006, Amulet Books/Harry N. Abrams, $16.95. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Naomi Milliner (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-8109-5480-9 ISBN: 0-8109-5480-X Looking at Celtic Myths and Legends Rosalind Kerven   Drawing on history as well as mythology, this Celtic edition of the "Looking at Myths and Legends" series tells two tales drawn from the rich Celtic tradition. The stories tell of the famous Celtic hero Finn ma Cumhaill's battle against the evil giant Dryantore and Finn's son Oisin's marriage to the beautiful princess from the mythical land over the sea, Tir-na-n'Og, where no one grows old. Each story is filled with the magic of Celtic myth from enchanted fog to fairy hills. Like the other books in the series, this one has great sidebars with photographs of artifacts from the time period in which these myths originated that are put in context with short blurbs from the author. Intentionally treading the line between myth and history, this book draws the reader into an ancient world that will intrigue and entertain them. Suitable for the classroom and the personal library, this is a great book to add to any mythology collection. 1998, NTC Publishing Group, Ages 8 to 12, $12.95. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye ISBN: 0-8442-4764-2 The Luck of the Irish   Margaret McNamara Illustrated by Mike Gordon    The class is preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Katie, whose family is Irish, decides to make a shamrock for everyone in the first grade. Her parents describe what the shamrock looks like—three leaves that are heart-shaped. When Katie gets to school, her teacher pulls out a shamrock and shows it to the class, but it is nothing like Katie’s. It has four leaves and they are not heart shaped. After she shows hers to her teacher, they go and look up shamrocks and sure enough, Katie’s are correct. What the teacher has is a four-leaf clover. It is interesting, but it sure does not say much for that teacher. A Level 1 book in the “Ready-To-Read” series which contains tips for parents and teachers on the inside cover. 2007, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children’s Literature). ISBN: 978-1-4169-1539-3 ISBN: 1-4169-1539-7 Lucky O'Leprechaun in School Jana Dillon    Who is taking bites out of the students' snacks; Kevin O'Malley and his classmates are truly bewildered. At first they think it might be Kevin since he is the new kid in class and not very well known, but those little tiny bites couldn't be his. Mr. Eliot tires to get the kid to focus on their lessons which include reports due the next week about the moon. He too tries to help catch whatever is creating the mayhem in his classroom, but it is Kevin O'Malley who tells them about tricky little men in green known as leprechauns. He advises his classmates that they can get their wish granted if they capture the little man and don't take their eyes off him. The kids come up with a clever scheme and a very interesting wish. It fits in with their studies and everyone ends up with something special, even the tricky leprechaun. A story with an Irish focus, but one that can be read anytime of the year. The class has a real multicultural look and the teacher is both male and African-American. A nice touch not seen in many picture books. 2003, Pelican, $14.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-5898-0035-4 Lucy Dove Janice Del Negro Illustrated by Leonid Gore   When the fortune-teller said that "a pair of trousers sewn by the light of the full moon in the graveyard" would bring the rich laird good fortune, the laird immediately issued a proclamation for a tailor. Lucy Dove, a seamstress by trade, knew the stories about the churchyard being haunted by a "fearsome thing," but the promise of a sack full of gold took her there. She sat on a tombstone and began to sew as a monster began to work his way out of the marble tomb beside her. Del Negro has taken the old Celtic tale of the Sprightly Tailor and given it new form with a brave old woman as the heroine. The refrain from the monster, "Long have I lacked blood and meat, so now it is just skin and bone, bone and marrow, skin and bone, bone and marrow" makes this even scarier than the original. The illustrations, done in dark acrylics with some double-page spreads, make this picture book doubly spooky. The creepy monster will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, while the bright patchwork pants and Lucy Dove's calm walk along the beach provide a satisfying ending. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, this is a rousing and gratifying tale for those who wish to be scared. 1998, DK Ink, Ages 9 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-7894-2514-9 Best Books: Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Best Science Fiction, 1998 ; Locus Magazine; United States Capitol Choices, 1998 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Children's Choices, 1999 ; International Reading Association; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999 ; Children's Literature; United States Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 1998 ; Cahners; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 1998 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1998 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal: Best Books, 1998 ; Cahners; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2001 ; Louisiana Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2000 ; Rhode Island Maggie's Amerikay   Barbara Timberlake Russell Pictures by Jim Burke    Through this title young readers can travel with an Irish lass to New Orleans in the late 1800’s. Maggie’s family is fleeing the hardships of their homeland, but the girl has doubts about their welcome in the vibrant Southern city. When her baby sister gets sick, Maggie tries to bring in extra money to make up for the wages her mother is losing by taking care of the little one. She takes a job writing down the memories of an old black man and learns about his experiences, first as a slave, then as a soldier during the Civil War. The author brings a sharp ear for the rhythms and vocabulary of period speech to this beautifully written story about a girl and man, separated by race and generation, coming slowly to a better understanding of and respect for one another. Burke’s illustrations bring the city vividly alive through scenes of cigar-rolling girls, crowded markets and ragtime music jams. 2006, Melanie Kroupa/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $17.00. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).    The year is 1898. Maggie and her family have just immigrated from Ireland to New Orleans. Her father sells his wares from a street cart, and the family is struggling to buy a home. Dad insists that his daughter go to school, but Maggie's not sure why she had to leave her homeland and certainly is not pleased to be in this new place. Yellow fever, the street scenes, and the musicians all come to life with Jim Burke's distinctive style. His wonderful muted illustrations depict Maggie being teased as she carries her books to school and Mam's worry as she cares for baby Bessie. The text follows perfectly, and the story comes alive with Russell's perfect ear for the first person narrative. Maggie befriends a young African-American boy who leads her to an "old man propped up in bed" who pays her to write for him. The unusual setting of New Orleans during this time period provides a different perspective for young people to learn how families coped with the hardships of immigration and with intolerance that crosses racial lines. 2006, Farrar Straus Giroux, $17.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Augusta Scattergood (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-374-34722-2 ISBN: 0-374-34722-0 Mightier than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys Jane Yolen Illustrations by Raul Colón    This collection of stories opens with a letter from the author to her sons and grandsons and closes with their reply. The premise is that much more is involved in being a hero than using a weapon and that brains often prevail over brawn. The author mentions as heroes Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein, Johnny Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), Neil Armstrong and those firefighters, police and medical personnel who risked their lives to save others on September 11, 2001. The stories are retold tales from many nations. They include "The Magic Brocade" from China, "Jack and His Companions" from Ireland and "Language of the Birds" from Russia. Perhaps the most compelling story is the last, "Mighty Mikko" from Finland, a version of the "Puss in Boots" tale in which a fox helps a lad named Mikko to gain fortune and happiness. Reading the book over a period of time is advisable because many of the plots are quite similar. A section titled "Notes on the Stories" appears in the back of the book along with an extensive bibliography. 2003, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $19.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-1521-6391-3 Mother Jones   Kathlyn Gay    Mother Jones was an activist from the 1880s until her death in 1930. She fought for the rights of American workers in all lines of work and helped labor unions gain strength. At one point, Mother Jones was recognized as the “most dangerous woman in America.” Born Mary Harris in Ireland, she immigrated to North America with her family during the Irish potato famine. The family settled in Canada, where she stayed until she came to the United States in 1859. As a woman in her twenties, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she met and married George Jones. Six years later, her husband and four children all died of yellow fever. Jones then relocated to Chicago and opened a dressmaking shop. Three years later, the shop was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Jones spent the next sixty years fighting for worker’s rights, including coal miners, seamstresses, and railway workers. She started working with the United Mine Workers in 1891 and continued until 1904, when she moved on to help other industries. The forty-four-page biography includes many photos. A time line, bibliography, and a list of pertinent web sites are in the book’s appendix. 2006, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, $26.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Lynn O’Connell (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-59935-016-5 ISBN: 1-59935-016-5 Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin: An Irish Tale Jessica Souhami    When the great giant Finn McCool learns that the giant Cuhullin is coming for him, Finn pleads with his wife to come up with a plan to thwart his enemy. When Finn tells her that Cuhullin will be arriving at four o'clock, she exclaims, "That's tea-time!" and sets her plan in motion and hides Finn in the baby's cradle. Being well aware of Cuhullin's strength, Oona McCool enlists his help to pick up the house so she can clean under it, and lift a boulder so she can get the spring water. Convinced that it is Finn's baby in the cradle, Cuhullin puts his magic finger in the baby's mouth to feel his teeth and gums, and Finn bites it off. As Cuhullin loses his power, he diminishes in size as well, as seen in the illustrations. The double-page spread of Oona waiting for Cuhullin to enter, which only shows the giant's hand on the door is full of great anticipation. Souhami says that she has based this telling loosely on Joseph Jacobs 1892 retelling of William Carleton's 1846 version. She captures the humor of the tale in both her language and in her angular illustrations. The two giants are distinctively different, and Oona always keeps her cool. Bright colors and bold illustrations make this useful for reading to large groups. 2002, Henry Holt, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-8050-6852-X My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier   Lynda Durrant    Jennie Hodgers put on boy’s clothes to herd sheep as a girl in Ireland, continued to dress and work as a boy when she immigrated to the United States, enlisted in the Union Army as Albert Cashier, fought in the siege of Vicksburg, and retired with a pension before being revealed as a woman shortly before the end of her long life. This engaging first-person re-creation of her story believably explains the need for such a deception and its physical and emotional difficulties. Living a lie sets her apart from others, keeps her a private person, and, at the end, one who has to live behind physical locks as well. The book boasts a gentle, unfulfilled love story in Jennie’s friendship with fellow soldier Frank Moore, who is also based on a real person. There is also an interesting inclusion of the then, new ideas of Charles Darwin, pointing out that while animals adapt over time, people can decide to adapt overnight, if necessary. This different perspective on a soldier’s life includes the hard physical labor, the endless uncertainty, and a gripping battle scene, as well as sympathetic reminders of the suffering of women and children caught up in the Civil War. Carefully researched and clearly told, this book would be solid supplemental reading for middle school history students. An afterword describes the known facts behind this story and a selected bibliography includes Internet sources. 2006, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs (Children's Literature).    In the annals of Civil War soldiers, perhaps no single person presents a more unique life story than Albert D. J. Cashier. Born in Ireland, Albert Cashier migrated to the United States shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 Albert joined Company G, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Cashier then fought during the final three years of the war, seeing action at places such as Vicksburg, Bryce’s Crossroads, and Mansfield. What makes Albert Cashier’s story so interesting is that nearly fifty years after the end of the war, he was discovered to be a woman named Jennie Hodgers. In this title author Lynda Durrant presents the story of this plucky soldier and daring woman. This is a fascinating story told with some skill in this novel. Durrant is at her best when she attempts to delve into the psychology of Jennie/Albert. However, a careful reader with an eye for detail will also discover the sad fact that Durrant has not taken sufficient time to understand the nature of life in a Civil War regiment. Frequent oversights and errors related to weaponry, tactics, equipment, the sequence of historical events, and speech patterns are troublesome. Also, keynote elements of Albert Cashier’s service that could have augmented both the narrative and the impact of the novel are left out. For example, historical records indicate that Albert was taken prisoner and subsequently escaped during the Vicksburg campaign, but this potentially exciting plot element is mysteriously left out. Further, at times Albert, who was reported to be illiterate and uneducated, comes across in an unrealistic fashion. Therefore, while the story of Albert Cashier is a fascinating one, this particular fictional rendition of it is at best adequate. 2006, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, February 1, 2006; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2006; Cahners; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Parents' Choice Award Recommended 2006 Fiction United States ISBN: 978-0-618-57490-2 ISBN: 0-618-57490-5 The Names upon the Harp: Irish Myth and Legend Marie Heaney Illustrated by P. J. Lynch    Eight carefully chosen tales, two from the Mythological Cycle, three from the Ulster Cycle and three from the Finn Cycle, represent many aspects of the Irish cultural tradition. The author begins each cycle with an introduction to provide background information. As a result, the reader will experience a deeper understanding of the tale. Several are well-known stories, such as "The Children of Lir," "Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge," and "Oisin in the Land of Youth." Readers will learn about the battle for Ireland between two powerful tribes, the birth of Cuchulainn, and will discover a poem translated from the Irish by the author's renowned husband, Seamus Heaney. The author's eloquent prose is matched by the dramatic illustrations by one of Ireland's best-loved illustrators. The mythic scenes come to life as Lynch depicts a ferocious Balor with his pointed teeth and evil eye, and grisly battle scenes. Other scenes capture an other-worldly countryside and the love between parent and child. There is a pronunciation guide for the Irish names and words used in the tales, source notes and a bibliography. A beautiful and sophisticated package that will reward the reader. 2000, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-590-68052-8 Best Books: Not Just for Children Any More, 2001 ; Children's Book Council; United States The New Policeman   Kate Thompson    The old tales of fairies are true after all, J.J. discovers. Time seems to be slipping away even faster than usual in his little Irish village, and when the 15-year-old passes through the wall of an ancient souterrain (an underground room) he finds out time has been leaking into the formerly unchanging realm of the land of eternal youth, inhabited by carefree fairies who resemble humans. A stolen flute and a dreadful crime that J.J.’s great-grandfather might have committed in trying to get it back play an important role in resolving the mystery of why the passage of time has been altered. Traditional Irish music--despised by the clergy because it led to “immoral behavior” and kept alive superstitions about fairies originating it--is a key. J.J. is a gifted musician, and transcribed dance tunes divide the chapters of this captivating tale of magic, set in the present day, that harks back to Irish fairy tales. (Thompson gives some sources in her bibliography.) This jaunty, enchanting fantasy won the Whitbread Award and the Guardian Award when it was first published in Great Britain, and it’s sure to appeal to readers on this side of the Atlantic as well. A glossary at the end helps explains some of the Irish terms used. Category: Hardcover Fiction. KLIATT Codes: JS*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2007 (orig. 2005), HarperCollins, Greenwillow, 416p. bibliog., $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick (KLIATT Review, January 2007 (Vol. 41, No. 1)). ISBN: 978-0-06-117427-8 ISBN: 0-06-117427-0 ISBN: 978-0-06-117428-5 ISBN: 0-06-117428-9 The Prince of Ireland and the Three Magic Stallions Retold by Bryce Milligan Illustrated by Preston McDaniels    Three years and a day after his first wife's death, the king of Ireland remarried She bore two sons who, she thought, should be more than just uncles of princelings. She therefore put a spell on the king's oldest son and told him to bring her the "three magic stallions that the young giant Sean O'Donal keeps at the edge of the western world." With his younger step-brothers accompanying him, the prince happens upon O'Donal's sisters and follows them back to his house. With help from a grand tale, the prince receives the stallions and "all was well and naught was ill." Milligan states in his Author's Note that he has written this in the style in which an Irish shanachie would tell it and so it should be read aloud. Indeed, the story has a bit of a lilt and a touch of humor in the telling. Appropriate gruesomeness is here: a toe is cut off and a wicked old giant is blinded with a red-hot pitchfork. These are simply stated in the prince's story and then he moves on. The repetition of the phrase "all was well and naught was ill" adds a marvelous connection between storyteller and listener. McDaniels has captured key scenes in his watercolor and graphite illustrations. They are full of movement and expression. This is a fine retelling of a grand adventure, where the young queen gains humility through a spell placed on her, and all three princes are happy with one another. 2003, Holiday House, Ages 5 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8234-1573-2 Safe House   James Heneghan    Twelve-year-old Liam Fogarty is jarred awake at 1:00 a.m. by the sound of gunfire. It is 1999 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and his Catholic parents have just been brutally murdered by militant Protestants in a random retaliation killing. Before Liam manages to escape, he gets a good look at one of the murderers, placing himself in grave danger. This man, whom Liam dubs the "Mole" because of his distinct features, tracks Liam relentlessly, causing the police to take him to a secret "safe house" staffed by a Catholic couple, where he is to remain until the killers are caught. But one of the couple accepts a bribe to turn Liam over to the Mole, who turns out to be a corrupt police officer. Liam makes a daring escape, and in the process, the Mole is injured and arrested, freeing grief-stricken Liam to start a new life with family friends. Because of his crisis, Liam realizes that both good and harmful people exist among Catholics and Protestants, and that there is no black and white. This stark, tight thriller starts off with a bang and does not stop racing until the Mole is caught. Heneghan's juxtaposition of Liam's terror with comforting flashbacks of his gentle, intelligent parents keeps the reader tense but sympathetic. To help teens understand more clearly the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, the author provides a helpful appendix of important dates in Irish history. Heneghan's poignant adventure story will be relished by most teen readers. VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P M J (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2006, Orca, 160p., $7.95 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Dotsy Harland (VOYA, December 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 5)). ISBN: 978-1-55143-640-1 ISBN: 1-55143-640-X The Sailor Who Captured the Sea and Other Celtic Tales Deborah Nourse Lattimore    These Celtic tales set in Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall sound like ancient legends handed down through oral tradition. But they are new stories spun in the old style by Ms. Lattimore, who has traveled all over the world as a scholar, artist and writer. Her childhood was steeped in stories and artifacts from ancient times and when she was 12, she wrote her first story set in the far past in Egypt. The title story, The Sailor Who Captured the Sea, grew out of her fascination for the early Irish artists who created the breathtaking illuminated books and the fact that there seemed to be no legends about them. As she researched and experimented with drawing intricate Celtic patterns, this story of artists who created the amazing works grew in her mind. The other stories in the book involve a battle between King David and the Fairy Queen Maeve for control of Scotland and a mysterious, shape-changing beast who brings about disaster in Cornwall. 2002, HarperTrophy/HarperCollins, $4.25. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley ISBN: 0-06-442153-8 Saint Ciaran: The Tale of a Saint of Ireland Gary Schmidt I llustrated by Todd Doney    Schmidt brings to life the legend of the first saint of Ireland, who discovered his calling as a child while watching a hawk carry a dove out of its nest. Ciaran "held his hands upward and prayed to a God whose name had never been heard in Ireland." As he did so, the hawk laid the dove at Ciaran's feet. Even as he prayed to this God, he had a great longing to travel east. When he did so, he went to Rome where he was baptized and met Patrick who told him to return to Ireland. Upon his return, Ciaran built a hermitage where the forest animals came to assist him and the monks of the community thrived. Schmidt's legend of St. Ciaran combines the closeness with nature, so strong in the Celtic culture, with the faith and piety of the people who embraced the Catholic faith. The smoothly flowing text is accompanied by vibrant, light-filled oil paintings that recreates calm, pastoral settings of Ireland and then contrasts them with the scenes of the city of Rome. This just begs to be read aloud and shared with a group. 2000, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $18.00. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-8028-5170-3 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Savage Satire: The Story of Jonathan Swift   Clarissa Aykroyd    Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) is best known for Gulliver’s Travels, his satire of both period governments and period travel literature that has been watered down to its Lilliputian adventures for contemporary young readers. As part of the “World Writers” series, Clarissa Aykroyd has firmly set the writer and cleric within his Anglo-Irish environment of Parliamentary politics and coffeehouse dissension. The author of such scandalous pamphlets as “A Modest Proposal”--in which he facetiously suggests eating babies as a solution to the Irish Problem--comes alive as a man torn between vanity, self-promotion, and his role as the suitor/idol of three women, none of whom he satisfies with marriage. The dry age of Swift, Alexander Pope, and Addison and Steele comes alive with the added help of maps and judiciously selected portraits and illustrations. The library-bound book includes a time line, sources, a bibliography and an index. It will make a useful addition to middle and upper school libraries. 2006, Morgan Reynolds, $27.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-59935-027-1 ISBN: 1-59935-027-0 Scarlett   Cathy Cassidy    Scarlett’s behavior has gone from bad to worse. She has been enrolled in five schools in two years and expelled from every one. She has been sent to live with her Nan and then with her Uncle Jon, and both have sent her packing. According to her mother, Scarlett is an out-of-control, selfish, destructive little troublemaker. Now (like it or not) Scarlett is to be shipped off to Ireland to live with her father and his new wife. Almost before she knows what has happened, Scarlett finds herself in the middle of nowhere, attending a one room school and sharing a bedroom with an unwanted stepsister. Is it possible for Scarlett to accept the turn her life has taken, to become part of a new family, to find new friends? Maybe the easiest thing to do is run away. But then Scarlett meets Kian, the mysterious boy with a horse named Midnight, who helps her understand that even when you have made a possibly unforgivable mistake, running away would be the biggest mistake of all. A touching and heartwarming story that girls will find hard to put down. 2006, Viking, $16.99. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-670-06068-2 Secret of the Crystal Cave Margot Griffin Illustrations by P. John Burden    This addition to the "Meggy Tales" series weaves a mystical Irish tale filled with adventure and fantastical elements. In this second edition of the Meggy Tales series, Meggy MacGillycuddy, a teenage girl, has taken on the dangerous task of teaching the local children. Assisting her with this task are her friends, Fiona and Roddy, and her little brother, Danny. Together, they face dangerous men who have sworn to destroy anyone who attempts to teach the Irish children of the village. A traitorous girl named Deirdre also causes problems for Meggy because of her jealousy of Roddy's and Meggy's relationship. Deirdre soon learns the location of the secret cave where the children are hiding their school and informs the horrible men that Meggy has been teaching them. Through a clever plot, Meggy leads Deirdre into a trap, allowing the children to escape and revealing Deirdre to be a liar and a fool. Meggy and her friends end this experience with hopes of finding a new school in which to teach the eager children. This exciting book not only draws the reader into the story using fantasy from the Irish culture but also allows the reader to share Meggy's passion for teaching and to appreciate the availability of schools in the United States. The illustrator also includes realistic illustrations which allow the reader to connect easily with the characters. 2001, Stoddart Publishing, Ages 9 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Maribeth Whiteside ISBN: 0-7737-6226-4 Small Beauties: the Journey of Darcy Heart O'Hara   Elvira Woodruff Pictures by Adam Rex    This story takes place in Ireland in the 1840s. Darcy Heart O’Hara, an Irish child from a large family living in the townland of Pobble O’Keefe, is different from the other children her age. She has a wonderful ability to find the simple beauty in everyday items and occurrences. Her ability to notice small details and to find the precious qualities in the things around her, make her special. Darcy notices everything from a dew-covered spider web to a butterfly wing. She often neglects her chores to watch the clouds pass or to pick up a flower. She is poor, but finding these small treasures make Darcy feel rich. Darcy loves to sit by the slate hearth and listen to Granddad’s stories. The happy times come to an end after the family’s potato crop rots. When the family cannot afford to pay the rent, their house is destroyed and they must leave Pobble O’Keefe forever. Darcy and her family are forced to immigrate to America. To the delight of her family, Darcy finds a way to bring some of her small beauties from Ireland to America. This is an inspiring story about courage, family, and immigration. The illustrations are beautiful, and the author’s note at the end of the book is very interesting. 2006, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children’s Books, $15.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Melissa Hower (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-82686-6 ISBN: 0-375-92686-0 The Summer King   O.R. Melling    In Melling’s second book in her “Chronicles of Faerie” series, Laurel, the pragmatic, athletic twin is given the mission of rescuing her poetic, bohemian sister Hero. Hero may be dead from a tragic fall off a jagged cliff into the sea, or she may be a prisoner of the world of Faerie, a realm that Laurel does not believe in. The wise advice of an elflike clurican, “Act as if ye believe and see what happens,” leads Laurel into a serious of exciting adventures, accompanied by the moody, intense misfit, Ian, who adds wonderful romantic tension throughout. Melling’s tale offers a rich mixture of Celtic lore and a lush Irish atmosphere, enough plot twists and turns to leave the reader breathless and panting, and a lovely meditation on the interplay of two worlds, mortal and faerie: “Faerie needed humanity to protect and believe in it, while the Earthworld was nourished by the Land of Hopes and Dreams.” The categories of right and wrong are also blurred in a deep and thought-provoking way. And if some plot points remain confusing, well, not everything in the wondrous realm of Faerie needs to be understood. 2006, Amulet Books/Harry N. Abrams, $16.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8109-5969-0 Tales from Old Ireland Malachy Doyle Illustrations by Niamh Sharkey    Doyle begins his collection of seven tales with the quintessential Irish story of the "Children of Lir." The importance of showing respect for the fairies is at the heart of "Lusmore and the Fairies," while "Fair, Brown and Trembling" will be quickly recognized as the Irish Cinderella. Merrows and soul cages and ancient legends round out the collection. The storyteller's voice comes through these tellings making them accessible to today's children while transporting them to lands long ago and far away. The illustrations, done in oil and gesso, have a flat and often geometric look to them-almost as if they were cut from thin metal. Just as in the tales, they have a strangeness and a familiarity at the same time. Done in soft greens and browns, they have great eye-appeal. A pronunciation guide to the Irish words and marvelous notes about the sources of the tales make this ideal for the reader who wants to become acquainted with Irish folktales and legends. 2000, Barefoot Books, $19.99. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 1-902283-97-X Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Not Just for Children Any More, 2001 ; Children's Book Council; United States Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States To Capture the Wind Sheila MacGill-Callahan Paintings by Gregory Manchess   In this beautifully written and illustrated text, Irish maiden Oonagh must answer four riddles to save her beloved Conal. He has been kidnapped by the evil pirate king, Malcolm, who wants to use Conal's spectacular weaving skills for his own selfish purposes. When Oonagh goes to save Conal, she pretends to be there to woo Malcolm's son. To win his hand, she must answer four riddles over a 28-day period. During this time, she and Conal plan their escape, but can she answer the riddles successfully to make their plan work? This fantastic book tells a gripping story and is accompanied by spectacular oil painting illustrations. 1997, Dial Books, Ages 5 up, $14.99. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph ISBN: 0-8037-1541-2 Too Many Leprechauns   Stephen Krensky; illustrated by Dan Andreasen    The quiet little town of Dingle, nestled among the rolling hills of Ireland, is upset. Hordes of leprechauns have swarmed in and the incessant tap-tap-tapping of their hammers as they make fairy shoes is driving the villagers crazy. It's up too clever Finn O'Finnegan to set things right. With a determined step he sets out and comes upon a scowling leprechaun named Dobb. Dobb is furiously tapping away and in between taps Finn learns that leprechauns have gold fever and the more fairy shoes they make, the bigger their mountain of gold becomes. How will Finn restore peace to the village without offending the sensitive leprechauns? Children will enjoy the magical twists and turns of this Irish tale and they'll never have to wonder about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow again. Full-page, colorful illustrations depicting whimsical leprechauns and magical rainbows are a perfect complement to the text. A delightful read-aloud, especially for St. Patrick's Day. 2006, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $12.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Cheri Stowers (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-689-85112-X Torchlight   Carol Otis Hurst    The time is just a few years before the outbreak of the Civil War and America is divided in many ways. In the town of Westfield, Massachusetts, one community reflects this division in a very harsh way. Westfield is a “Yankee” town where many residents can trace their ancestry back to the colonial days. Now, with the coming of Irish immigrants who work on a nearby canal, the community is changing. Against this backdrop two little girls, Charlotte and Maggie, forge a friendship despite the fact that one of them is a “Yankee” and the other an Irish lass. But can Charlotte and Maggie’s friendship withstand the burning hatred that both sides seem to feel for one another? In this title Carol Otis Hurst investigates the dark lessons that prejudice can teach us. In the mid-19th century many Americans saw Irish and other immigrants as a threat to their culture, economic horizons, and common decency. Like prejudice in other ages, this wave of ethnic hatred contributed to the strains that taxed the American Republic before, during, and after the Civil War. This book sheds some light on this era and the underlying forces that divided and then brought together people in a world threatened by change. In this way Carol Otis Hurst’s most recent book does a fine job of both telling a moving story and offering signposts for readers who look out into a world where ethnic, religious, and racial hatred create untold suffering. 2006, Houghton Mifflin Company, $16.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-618-27601-1 ISBN: 0-618-27601-7 A Treasury of Irish Stories Chosen by James Riordan Illustrated by Ian Newsham   This is a charming collection of 17 short folk tales from both traditional and contemporary authors. Meet the man who plants lollipops, the selfish giant, a wailing banshee, and a flying grandmother. Newsham's black and white illustrations are interspersed throughout the text, often humorously. The "Treasury" series contains approximately 14 volumes. 1995, Kingfisher, All ages, $5.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner ISBN: 1-85697-595-9 The Twelve Wild Geese Matt Faulkner   This beautifully illustrated adaptation of the old Celtic legend has all the elements of a gripping fairy tale-comely heroine, a dashing young prince, a hapless mother who made a foolish wish, and of course a happy ending. In between we meet an entertaining cast of characters, including a fairy woman with a sharp tongue and ready wit, and a satisfyingly villainous Wicked Queen. This is a complex tale to spin within the confines of thirty-two pages, and Faulkner has done a commendable job of it. 1995, Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-590-45684-9 Water Street   Patricia Reilly Giff    Giff vividly portrays the ordinary, wonderful, and painful aspects of 1870s family life in Brooklyn, where Bird Mallon lives in a crowded walk-up apartment on Water Street. Bird and her family eagerly anticipate the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge and the change it will bring to their lives. In the meantime though, they must work and do their share to support and contribute to the family—her father as a shift worker on the bridge, her sister at a box factory, and her favorite brother as a gang member who participates in illegal but potentially lucrative boxing fights. Bird wants to be a healer like her mother, but her reaction to helping stitch up a young boy’s severely cut head shakes the foundation of this assumed path, and Bird struggles with strong doubts about her gift and her fortitude. When another eighth grader, Thomas Neary, and his alcoholic father move into the apartment upstairs, Bird finds a true and lasting friendship, and the spirit to bring her family and members of their community together in loving and life-affirming ways. This book is a fine example of historical fiction that also addresses contemporary themes about life, friendship, and findings one’s place in the world. 2006, Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, $15.95, Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Melissa J. Rickey ISBN: 0-385-73068-3 ISBN: 978-0-385-73068-6 Water Street   Patricia Reilly Giff Read by Coleen Marlo    Coleen Marlo takes us back to 1875 Brooklyn and the life of 13-year-old Birdie Mallon and her friend, Thomas Neary. Marlo distinguishes between the two protagonists with emotions rather than voice. Thomas is a dreamy writer who avoids his father when he drinks and longs for his missing mother. Sensitive Birdie worries about her brother's fighting, her older unmarried sister, Thomas, and her conflicting wish to heal and hatred of surgical horrors. Sad situations are strong, but they don't overwhelm characters or listeners when Marlo delivers comfort through the musical Irish accents and tender actions of Birdie's mother, Nory (the childhood heroine of Nory Ryan's Song). S.W. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine 2006, Listening Library, Three CDs, $27.00. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Audiofile, February/March 2007). ISBN: 0-7393-3646-0 The White House   Mary Firestone Illustrated by Matthew Skeens    Not many children get to live in the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but all youngsters can learn about this important home of the President of the United States when they pick up this informative book. Short, readable sections impart information that includes how George Washington chose land for the first home of the president, how an Irish designer came up with the best plans for the house, the first family to live there, what happened to the White House during wartime, and more. Simple concise sidebars add extra facts to the text. Basic vocabulary words in the book, such as democracy and leadership, are easy to understand in context. Like the other books in the "American Symbols" series, this one contains free-flowing computerized illustrations that may cause children to take a second and third look to see all they contain. This book offers a simple solution to letting many children "see" inside the White House without actually going there. Use it to enrich history lessons for early grades and students will retain the information when they reach middle grades. 2006, Picture Window Books, $23.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-4048-2217-7 ISBN: 1-4048-2217-8 A Wizard Abroad Diane Duane   This book continues the story of the young wizard, Nita, as her parents ship her off to Ireland to visit her Aunt Annie (and to get her away from her partner Kit, whose attentions seem too intense). Ireland isn't at all what Nita expected, with all the ghosts, and with a young cat who knows too much about the far distant past. Everything Nita sees is fascinating, and the history of Ireland soon captivates her. But soon she is linked with a group of Irish wizards fighting for their lives with an nightmare-Ireland's demons, legends, monsters-that is all too real. 1997, Harcourt Brace, Ages 10 to 15, $15.00. Reviewer: Judy Silverman ISBN: 0-15-201209-5 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 02/28/07