A Pot O' Gold: A Treasury Of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, And (of Course) Blarney [Hardcover]

Kathleen Krull (Author), David McPhail (Illustrator), HBFC (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 2 and up

Though it may only be a small emerald isle, Ireland's heritage is very large indeed. In A Pot O' Gold, noted writer Kathleen Krull and beloved illustrator David McPhail bring this legacy to life. Created for families, this anthology compiles classic and rare examples of Irish culture including stories, poems, songs, recipes, and even a little blarney. From legends of leprechauns and fairies to the classic poetry of Yeats and Joyce, this treasury is a perfect way for anyone to share the wonders of Ireland.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-6--This well-rounded collection explores both the physical and mythical properties of the emerald isle. Many expected characters emerge--St. Patrick, Finn McCool, and St. Bridget. Fairies and leprechauns appear, as well as selections about Ireland's food, music, pride, scholars, and land. Blessings, curses, cures, war cries, and lullabies are also included. Children will love the limericks and the folk riddles. McPhail's signature full-color illustrations enliven the pages and add tremendous appeal for younger readers. The stunning cover and spine shimmer with the gold promised in the title and honor the intricate designs found in the Book of Kells. This is an eclectic grouping and an excellent introduction to the country's culture. The author's stated desire, to make the great literature of Ireland accessible to children, is well fulfilled by this anthology.--Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Krull has gathered together James Joyce and William Butler Yeats, the children of Lir and Oscar Wilde's Star-Child, Irish curses and folk cures and riddles, blessings and battle cries. Nor has she neglected limericks; Saints Patrick and Bridget; herring, potatoes, butter; or the man who had no story. It's a little breathless, although one can hardly fault her expansive purview; she even includes the origins of the Blarney stone. This is a pretty book, populated with fairies, leprechauns, and selkies and decorated with knotwork borders. McPhail has captured the saturated greens of Ireland in all their misty, moist glory, and his figures range from the marvelous portraits of the Traveling Men of Ballycoo to the plump and toothy farmers of Wheatlet, Son of Milket. The introduction and appended source material are useful, as are Krull's general headings, such as The Sea, The Music, The Scholars, and The Land. GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (February 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786806257
• ISBN-13: 978-0786806256
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,308,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!, June 9, 2010

By 

Kimberly Zimmerman (Ithaca, New York USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Pot o' Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, and (of Course) Blarney (Paperback)

I searched for a book for our family's St. Patrick's Day celebration and found this. It is perfect for gathering the family together and delving into Irish folklore, fairy tales and more. I wanted a book that my kids, then six and ten, could enjoy--not too dark, as some Irish storybooks can be, but not babyish either.
We are also fans of David McPhail's work and he truly brings the stories to life with his illustrations.
This is highly recommended to families interested in all things Irish!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go for the gold!, February 13, 2008

By 

Viktor Lux (Spokane, WA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Pot O' Gold: A Treasury Of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, And (of Course) Blarney (Hardcover)

This compilation of Irish verse, stories and lore is a treasure. Not only has Krull done an exemplary job in putting it together, it is well illustrated (yeah, I'm a sucker for McPhail's work).

3.0 out of 5 stars A look into history, September 14, 2011

By 

Richard L. Neal (L.A., Ca, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Pot o' Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, and (of Course) Blarney (Paperback)

I give this book and okay, because it has a number of things that are in the common body of literature, but if you are ignorant of Irish history and looking to connect with or learn about it this is a fine place to start. This book is fine for the casual collector of folk stories but not the researcher.