The King with Horse's Ears and Other Irish Folktales (Folktales of the World Series) »

Storytelling is one of Ireland’s oldest and grandest traditions, and these vivid tales of far-off days will introduce young readers to the country’s irresistible folklore. Here are brave warriors with superhuman skills, monster dogs with blazing eyes, fairy folk and leprechauns, and the magical land of Tir na nóg. Author Batt Burns grew up with these beloved characters and legends, and he captures all their enchanting language and flights of fancy. Exquisite art by Igor Oleynikov enhances every tale.

Contents include:

• The King with Horse’s Ears

• The Greedy Barber

• Oisín in the Land of the Ever Young

• Back from the Fairies

• Paying the Rent

• A Clever Leprechaun

• The Lost Island of Lonesome Seals

• And many more!

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8

This collection of folktales by a master storyteller will make readers feel as if they have stepped into an Irish country farmhouse for an evening of tales near the hearth. The 13 stories range from legends of warriors such as Cuchulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhail, to tales of leprechauns and pookas, to stories of resourceful farmers and demanding landlords. The selections range from 4 to 10 pages in length, and are suitable for reading aloud. Each story contains a smattering of Gaelic names and phrases; pronunciation guides are included as footnotes, and a glossary expands upon unfamiliar terminology. The author provides a note at the beginning of each story to set the scene, and in the back matter he cites sources for the tales. Oleynikov's gouache illustrations provide a fitting accompaniment to the lyrical yet wild tone of the stories, at times haunting and mysterious, at times rollicking and playful. Booktalk this volume with Kate Thompson's The New Policeman (HarperCollins, 2007) for readers who are fascinated by Irish culture and legends.-Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY