Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife: A Giant of a Tale from Ireland [Hardcover]

Anonymous (Author), Robert Byrd (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

This new retelling of a favorite yarn from ancient Irish folklore features Finn MacCoul, a lovable but cowardly giant whose clever wife, Oonagh, uses a wee bit of fairy magic and a great helping of brains to help her husband outsmart the nasty Scottish bully who's after him. Her plan entails Finn masquerading as his own baby--a hilarious spoof that's sure to leave young readers giggling in their chairs while Finn wiggles in his cradle, nervously awaiting the showdown. Robert Byrd's shimmering, meticulously researched artwork stuns the eye with details even as it stretches perspective to bring readers into the giant's world. Each element of the breathtaking landscapes and interiors--costumes, customs, buildings, flora, and fauna--harks back authentically to the days of ancient Ireland. Generous notes at the back explain sources, pronunciations, and more. Humor abounds on every page, in word and picture, and the lilting read-aloud text makes this a lucky pick for story hour near St. Patrick's Day or anytime.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Finn MacCoul, the larger-than-life hero of Celtic lore, needs help defeating a foe, there's only one place to turn: his wife. This evocative picture book amalgam of MacCoul tales whisks young readers to big adventure in days of old. Though MacCoul is just about as large as they come ("It was said he ate one hundred potatoes and thirty cabbages on his first birthday"), even he "shakes in his shoes" when scary giant Cucullin comes looking for him. Luckily, MacCoul's wife, Oonagh, has a magic harp?and some clever ideas for outwitting the bully Cucullin. Before long Cucullin is sent bouncing down Knockmany Hill, never to be heard from again. Byrd's text has a lilting style in the tradition of great Irish storytelling. He unravels events at a leisurely pace, creating plenty of entertaining situations and banter. Byrd festoons his lively ink-and-watercolor paintings with such historical details as ornate gold bracelets and belts, brightly dyed frocks and type and designs inspired by illuminated Celtic manuscripts. A rollicking good yarn. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4?An energetic retelling of Finn MacCoul's encounter with the Scottish giant, Cucullin, and his rescue by his clever wife, Oonagh. The writing is lively and lucid, with a good rhythmic cadence. Byrd's lengthy and thoughtful afterword gives sources and background information on this legendary Irish hero. The illustrations carry the story from page to page in a riot of color, texture, and movement. Cucullin's hair bristles on his head, while Oonagh's swirls and nearly crackles. Byrd captures the patterns and styles of Celtic life?simple checks, stripes, and plaids in the tunics, trousers, and flowing brats (capes), and lots and lots of jewelry. While the pages may appear busy to some readers, the exuberant display is packed with detail and humor and suits the story well. This version goes into greater detail than Tomie dePaola's Fin M'Coul (Holiday, 1981), which is suitable for younger listeners. Byrd has retold this larger-than-life tale with verve, style, and respect for its source.?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525459715
• ISBN-13: 978-0525459712
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,419,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife, March 7, 2000

By 

Know What I'm Saying? (Oahu Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife: A Giant of a Tale from Ireland (Hardcover)

What a great book!Retold Irish Folklore accompanied by beautiful illustrations.Small glossary to help with the pronunciation of some Gaelic names.The story kept my 4 1/2 yr.old's attention (re-read many times), and made me laugh out loud. We loved it! My favorite line..."Finn overcame with wit and wisdom that which might never have been done by force." Words we should all live by!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent way to teach children Irish Folklore!!!, August 4, 1999

By 

Brianne Reynolds - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife: A Giant of a Tale from Ireland (Hardcover)

Robert Byrd has completely captured the original folklore in this beautifully spun tale! This is such an excellent book to help teach your children at a young age some of the wonderful stories found in Irish Folk Lore! I absolutely love it and so does my 4 1/2 year old son!!!