FINN MACCOUL AND HIS FEARLESS WIFE

Author (last name first): Byrd, Robert

Publisher, Date of Publication: Dutton/1999

Pages: Unpaged

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 3-6

Classification: NonFiction

The Mighty Finn MacCoul, the most famous of the Irish giants is raised by his gran in the great oak tree because the kin is so jealous of the child's size and strength. When Finn is a young man, his gran takes him further into the wood and bids him farewell. The deep forest is guarded by faeries who tell Finn he must have courage and wisdom as well as size to survive. The king of the faeries tells Finn that he must from Fintan, the salmon of knowledge.While Finn cooks the fish, he burns his thumb. Finn sucks his thumb to ease the pain. Fintan, the salmon of knowledge tells Finn that whenever he needs to see the future to suck his thumb, and there it will be. Fintan also tells Finn that a woman's wit and courage will win him the day. Finn marries a woman giant named Donaugh. Donaugh was also given gifts by the faeries when she was a child. She uses these gifts to help Finn defeat his enemy Cucullin, another giant with a gold finger.
This tale shows the mysticism of the Celtic culture. The intricate detailed illustrations bring the story to life. With earth tones and muted primary colors, the pictures are soft and appealing. Included at the end of the book are two pages of background information about the legends on which the story is based. Also included is a page of proper Gaelic pronunciations of the names.

Reviewer: Rebecca Cory