Description
This is a gem of a book by the renowned poet, dramatist, novelist, folklorist and storyteller, Padraic Colum. No less than three of his books for children received retrospective citations for the Newbery Honor. Filled with drama, action, tenderness and adventure, Padraic Colum spins a series of tales which draw us into a world of imagination and beauty. The tales have a strong and clear storyteller’s voice which is still as alive, fresh and direct as it was when first spoken.
This edition has been edited by the artist, teacher and author, Reg Down, with grade 4 to 8 students in mind. In addition to editing for clarity and pronounceability (Celtic spellings are sometimes impossible!), he refreshed the original illustrations by Dugard Stewart Walker, inserted footnotes where a word was uncommon or seldom used, added a map to show where countries and mountains mentioned in the book are located, added a section with characterizations and drawings of all the birds which appear in the book, included the Celtic Ogham alphabet referenced in one tale (plus examples for the reader to deciher and encouragement for them to write their own Ogham), and finally, added a brief biography of Padraic Colum, with a description of his dramatic life and times in Ireland and his arrival in the land of hope, America.
Outstanding! Highly recommend for ages 9 and older.
