In Yolen's vibrant prose, this retelling of an ancient Scottish ballad leaps from the page in riveting strokes. Here, in all its moonswept mystery, is the story of how Jennet, red-headed daughter of the MacKenzie clan, rescues Tam Lin, the man she loves, from certain death at the hands of the Fairy Folk. In defying the Fairy Queen, the fiery-spirited girl also reclaims her family's abandoned, long-enchanted ancestral home. Mikolaycak's sensitive illustrations bring stirring, wistful overtones to the action and add rich depth of characterization to the protagonists. Every moment in this marvelous fairy tale works beautifully. Ages 6-12.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-- Yolen dates Tam Lin's ballad back to 1549; later on, Robert Burns wrote what is perhaps the most familiar version. The most frequently anthologized prose version is Joseph Jacobs's "Tamlane," which originally appeared in More English Fairy Tales . Related to "Wild Robin," this is a tale of the faery queen's favorite, grown to manhood and due to be ritually sacrificed. Jennet saves him by holding fast as he changes into a lion, a snake, and a flame that she throws into a well and sprinkles with holy water, breaking the spell. Yolen's story is, as always, lyrical and true to the spirit of the tale and time. Mikolaycak's large-format double-page spreads of vibrant watercolor and colored pencil on Diazo prints soar across pages and break out of slender, peaceful borders. The red and green of rose bushes dominate; the tartans are original designs--"After all, a faery tale demands its own colors and plaids," Yolen states in background notes. She omits Jennet's pregnancy and other adult aspects of the tale. More satisfying in both art and telling than Betsy James's simpler version, The Red Cloak (Chronicle, 1989), and for an older audience than Susan Jeffers's Wild Robin (Dutton, 1976), this is a wildly romantic addition to any folklore collection. --Helen Gregory, Grosse Pointe Pub . Lib . , MI byrd press, please send us type, 5sets of galleys, and one set of numbered waxie, thanks Junior High Up
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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