Customer Reviews

O'Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK I have to brag a little bit. I got to read this book as it was being written. Chapter by chapter as it came off of our old dot matrix printer. It was about 17 years ago when I was only 12. Since my dad is the author he would bring me the chapters of the book as he finished them. The only bad part about this was that I constantly had the "to be continued" thing happening. As I finished one chapter...I wanted to read the next!! The problem was...there was no next chapter yet. It was still being created! Then I had to wait as that old printer printed out the pages. How frustrating for a tweenager. Haha. Fortunately as you read this book you can just keep on turning the pages, because trust me, you will want to. This is a book you will be able to read over and over again.
I read it then and I am very excited to read it now that it is published and is accompanied by the drawings that were meticulously created by my dad. It's amazing what a person can do with a blank piece of paper and ink. If only I had inherited that gene.
So, to sum up. You should buy this book. Read it for yourself, read it to your children, nephews and nieces. Read it to your grandchildren. Read it to your parents. Whoever. It has something for everyone.

Bobby Mahoney wakes from a nightmare only to see a Leprechaun, named O'Shaughnessey, perched upon his bedpost. Not quite sure of his eyes, he remains silent and still, until his mother calls him for breakfast. Later when he sees the Leprechaun again, Bobby now believes what he is seeing and begins to talk with the Leprechaun.

At age 7, Bobby's life is fairly typical. He has a little sister who annoys him and he longs for more time with his dad now that his parents are divorced. But when his sister falls ill, Bobby is determined to save her, with a little help from the Leprechauns and other fairy folk.

At the beginning of this children's tale the author states that it is meant to be read aloud in the tradition of the Seanachaí, Irish story tellers, and I couldn't agree more. The style of writing is a narrative that begs for a voice and an audience. I read it over the course of a couple of nights to my son who is 5, it was something he enjoyed and looked forward to.

There is the usage of some "big words" that I think would be lost on most children being read to or older children reading it on their own, but in my case I would explain what they meant to my son and continue on. I plan on passing this book on to my 10 year old niece with the instructions that my sister read it with her; I think it's a charming tale that should be shared.

In my house believing in the fey, Leprechauns and fairy folk is practically a requirement and this story was a fun edition to the tales that already fill our walls. The drawings that accompany the story are detail rich and delightful and they really help bring this story to life. O'Shaughnessey is a magical mix of the real and fanciful, blended together to make the perfect story time tale.

Cherise Everhard, May 2008

Seven year old Bobby Mahoney can't believe it when he wakes up one morning and sees a leprechaun sitting on his bedpost. Soon O'Shaugnessy the leprechaun is taking Bobby on a series of adventures including a visit to a cave filled with gold. While these adventures are fun and exciting, Bobby has some real life problems to deal with - his parents' divorce and his younger sister's sudden illness. O'Shaugnessy will help Bobby see he can change some things but magic can't solve everything.

"O'Shaugnessy: A Boy and His Leprechaun" is a charming fantasy for children. Author Jeremy McGuire says in his introduction to the book that it is meant to be read out loud and it's almost impossible to not use an Irish brogue when doing so. The 1950's setting is a bit vague and this gives the book a timeless feel. McGuire does a wonderful job of portraying young Bobby who is upset about his parents divorce and at times not too fond of his younger sister Maggie or so he thinks until she becomes ill. O'Shaugnessy is another delightful character and children will hope he turns up in their bedroom. McGuire does a great job of capturing the magical leprechaun world and children will love reading (or hearing if the book is indeed read out loud) about Bobby's adventures in that world. Interweaved with the fantasy elements are some real life issues - Bobby's parents' divorce and Maggie's serious illness. Bobby's visit to the Ban-shees and the Death Coach adds suspense to the book but may be a bit scary for younger children. My one complaint about the book is that the narrator tends to be a bit intrusive at times. However, that's a small complaint in an otherwise wonderful book with an ending that left a smile on my face.

"O'Shaugnessy: A boy and His Leprechaun" is a delightful fantasy for young and old alike.

I loved this book. From the first page it grabbed me. I kept wanting to turn the pages to read what was coming next. It is both well outlined and well written. It's a true gem of a children's book.

The book appears to be written for the 8 to 11 age group if it is to be read by the child. However, in the book's introduction it is stated that the book was written to be read aloud to children. I suspect young children will love to have this book read to them. It also has some nice illustrations interspersed through the pages. The book is 130 pages long and the print is larger than adult books use. The line spacing is at least double.

In this book we hear about Bobby Mahoney, a 7-year-old who lives with his mom and younger sister. His parents are divorced and his dad has visitation rights. Bobby has quite an imagination. And we get to see just how imaginative he can be by reading this book. Some might say he is a dreamer? Some might say this is simply a fantasy book? But whatever the take on it is, this book is fun to read. 5 stars!

From the time I opened the book and began reading, I was completely involved in Bobby's life. It was a "virtual share" in that I felt I was that kid; I got into his head and felt what he was going through. I completely related to someone who must keep a part of his life a secret from people who have forgotten what magic there is in childhood. As an adult it reminded me of all I have given up, the many things in life that I have stopped believing in. This story made me believe. I believed in these characters from the first sentence. I don't know a person in the world who can't relate to them. We all want to be heroes. Who can't relate to Bobby's self sacrifice and laying it all on the line for his sister? I read it while on vacation. I could not put it down, I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next until I had finished it and was left wanting more. It is neither over-written or under-written.
I handed it to my teenaged daughters and their responses were the same. They never left pool-side until they'd read it all the way through.
The illustrations were phenomenal! Each one told a story. Who can't look at the cover art and not know exactly what's going on?
Where is the sequel? I want more.

O'Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun is an adventurous tale about a young boy, Bobby, who wakes up one morning to find a leprechaun on his bed! Together the two travel to magic worlds and learn about true friendship. It has both serious and fun moments, and is a great story. The author also created the book's fantastic illustrations. I recommend the book for adults too.

I read this book to my daughter and she was enthralled by it. At the end of many chapters she asked me to continue on, even though it was past her bedtime.

The story is also appealing to adults with its many connotations about adults and how we change over time.

A great read, my daughter and I both enjoyed it.

"O'Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun" is a well-written and charming adventure story. While the time period in which the story is set is nostalgic, McGuire's ability to maintain its ambiguity allows for grandmas (or grandpas) to open a discussion of times past while reading aloud, and young readers won't feel alienated by a generation gap. The protagonist, Bobby Mahoney, deals with contemporary issues common to many of "O'Shaughnessey"'s potential readers. McGuire does an excellent job of drawing the reader into Bobby's predicaments. So seamlessly does McGuire weave the "real" world with the fantastic that young readers will lose themselves in the adventure while absolutely relating to our hero, Bobby, with his true-to-life dilemmas. The imagery is beautiful and the plot solid which make for a enjoyable ride both mystifying and uplifting. Particularly satisfying is Bobby's selflessness in the face of crisis, as he's bolstered by the leprechaun O'Shaughnessey and the lessons he has imparted to his young human friend. McGuire is also credited with the illustrations. The delightfully detailed pen and ink etchings add additional warmth and quality to an already strong narrative. "O'Shaughnessey" is timeless, universal, and best of all, has that cozy feel you get from a classic.

All little children dream of finding that special, secret friend to share adventures with. In this book, the little boy finds his leprechaun right beside him. What a story!

This is a well-written book designed to be read to the child of 8 to perhaps 11 years old. But I think the child might well enjoy reading it himself too. But reading to your child is a warm adventure and fun for both of you.

This is a delightful story and I recommend it to you and your child.

-Susanna K. Hutcheson

Bobby Mahoney is an unhappy boy as his world has been drastically altered. His parents have recently divorced and his younger sister Maggie is a pain in the sit-down. Fortunately, Bobby has a vivid and active imagination so he has no trouble finding great adventures without leaving his bedroom. One morning he wakes up to find O-Shaughnessey, a leprechaun, sitting on his bedpost.
After some initial discussions about what a leprechaun is and the fact that Bobby can see him, O'Shaughnessey disappears and Bobby and Maggie go about their day with their father. It is an exciting time; they go to the fair, eat heartily and ride many of the rides. Unfortunately, Maggie develops a raving fever that is diagnosed as Scarlet Fever and she is bedridden and close to death.
Suddenly Bobby is her savior, with the help of O'Shaughnessey and a very anti-social O'Sullivan; he braves the Ban-Shees and prevents the dreaded Coach-a-Bower from making his daily rounds. The Coach-a-Bower rides through the country picking up the newly dead. The story ends with Bobbie's parents coming together over Maggie's illness and her recovery.
As a children's book, this one is certainly imaginative and taps into the old Irish myths. I am a fan of mythology, being of the firm belief that you can tell a great deal of the roots of a culture by reading the mythology. This story has many strong points, Bobby risking his life to rescue his sister, the banter with the leprechauns and the happy ending. It is one that will entertain while educating.