- a kind and gentle giant of Ireland seeks wisdom for the sake of his neighbors and countrymen
- magic mentioned
- language: x1 Gorra (common Irish equivalent to “G*d” exclamation)
Type: picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Eve Bunting
This had the feeling of a retelling, of a possible folktale in Ireland’s history, but the book had no note about it. However, I later discovered (after my first read) many reviewers have commented on it being just that–part of Irish folklore. It would be interesting to find out the history, and I’m sorry I don’t have more information for you on it.
Reading it without any of the historical knowledge, however, makes it seem a little odd. The illustrations are fun, and it’s a gentle story, but suddenly we’re talking with a magic fish and mixing his blood with ours to become wise. I absolutely will update this review if I discover I have been ignorant of elements I should have picked up here, but for now…it wasn’t my favorite.