Product Description

The joyous stories, songs and values of the Celtic peoples create an irresistible magic both for descendants of the Celts and individuals from other traditions around the world. Author Caitlin Matthews has compiled some of these stories that offer a spellbinding journey through the Celtic world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1256612 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 80 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-6--A beautifully illustrated collection of folktales and poems from the various Celtic traditions: Welsh, Irish, Scottish, and Breton. In her thoughtful foreword, Matthews explains how folktales come from collective memory, and how the "magic" of stories is not necessarily only that of supernatural happenings, but also "everyday magic, which is part of everyday life." Imbued with both kinds of enchantment, the six tales included here are rich in mythic meaning and written in a lively style that begs to be told or read aloud. Some will be familiar to storytellers ("The Black Bull of Norroway"), while others may be less well known ("The Boy Who Didn't Know"). One selection from Scotland, "The Cailleach of the Snows," is the reteller's own synthesis of several myths about women connected with nature. A few of the offerings are particularly noteworthy for strong female characters, especially the Welsh Rhiannon. Interspersed throughout the book are six one-page songs and blessings used by ancient Celtic peoples to guard against harm and celebrate the seasons. Notes on the tales not only connect them to their sources, but also reflect on their subtle, underlying themes of human behavior. Pronunciation guides, which are essential for tongue-twisting Celtic names, are also included. The bright watercolors, done in a folk style, are perfectly suited to the subject matter. Eye-catching borders decorate the pages and echo the hues used in the paintings. A fine choice for folklore collections.--Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 3-6. Matthews retells six traditional stories from the Celtic people of Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Between the stories are single-page offerings from the same countries: blessings, songs, and a "healing charm." The volume ends with notes on each of the stories, followed by guidance in pronouncing names such as "Llanddeusant" and "N'oun Doare," an addition that readers and storytellers will appreciate. The spacious book design and fresh, appealing artwork make this volume a resplendent showcase for the stories, which are well chosen and well told. Besides the watercolor illustrations of people, places, and events in the narratives, each page has an intricate, Celtic-inspired border designed for that story or verse. A beautiful collection for reading aloud or reading alone. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Joyous stories and songs of the Celtic peoples offer a spellbinding journey through the Celtic world, creating an irresistible magic for both descendants of the Celts and individuals from other traditions around the world." --Books and More for Growing Minds

"There's not a dull moment in it." --The Washington Post Book World