Tomie De Paola’s retelling of Irish folktales are for reading aloud, especially in March to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Just put on your brogue and read. The rhythm is perfect for the lilt of the language. You’ll find yourself sounding Irish before you know it.
FromJamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato
, this week’s book quote: “Now everyone in Ireland knows that leprechauns make boots and dancing shoes for the fairies, who can pay for them with gold. And everyone knows that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll pay for his freedom with his pot of gold. But this leprechaun was cleverer than most.”
, this week’s book quote: “Now everyone in Ireland knows that leprechauns make boots and dancing shoes for the fairies, who can pay for them with gold. And everyone knows that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll pay for his freedom with his pot of gold. But this leprechaun was cleverer than most.” “Oh, please, Mr. Mortal Man,” he pleaded. “I’m just startin’ out makin’ fairy shoes and I only have one or two pieces of gold in my pot. Won’t you take a wish instead?”
The laziest man in all of Ireland catches a leprechaun, who offers a potato seed instead of a pot of gold for his freedom.
For older readers, third grade and up, a fantasy set during Ireland’s potato famine. Sticky is a petulant faery, sulky, fierce and just the kind of farey you would want on your side in any conflict.
From Knockabeg A Famine Tale
, this week’s book quote: ”Mungo stopped chewing the bread that Granny left for the faeries every night. He took a long look at Sticky’s face. After five winters, he was slowly getting used to her moods—her sarcasm, her need to be alone. Even her grumpiness at faery reunions. At the last May Eve celebration, she’d plugged her ears with sea beans and wouldn’t talk to anyone.”
, this week’s book quote: ”Mungo stopped chewing the bread that Granny left for the faeries every night. He took a long look at Sticky’s face. After five winters, he was slowly getting used to her moods—her sarcasm, her need to be alone. Even her grumpiness at faery reunions. At the last May Eve celebration, she’d plugged her ears with sea beans and wouldn’t talk to anyone.”The faeries of Knockabeg become involved in the Irish potato famine of 1845 to 1852 as they wage war on each other.
How sad is it that I've read the one about the laziest man in Ireland with a leprechaun and not The Book Thief? Ah... I need to be a better reader!
ReplyDeleteThat makes me smile, Leesee! I love books about leprechauns! More to follow! Your mom has THE BOOK THIEF on her shelf. I know she does. You will love the language. The author was 30/32 when he wrote it.
ReplyDelete