O'Sullivan Stew: A Tale Cooked Up in Ireland

I bought this book for my nephew but decided to wait to give it to him for several reasons. The main one being that I absolutely LOVE the book myself! LOL! However, while the story is good and I know he'll enjoy it, he's still a bit young (not even 2); it seems more appropiate for 4 years old or older.In the story, Young Kate uses her wits to save her family and her village with an ending I never saw coming -- not your typical 'Fairy Tale Ending' but an excellent one nonetheless especially for our modern times. I fell in love with the illustration's ton of detail that kept me looking at each page long after the reading was over. My one complaint is that, while the book itself is good sized so you can see the pictures, the paperback edition seems a bit flimsy. If this story is to be loved (and thus read) as much as I think it will then I may have to order another copy or two to last through the years. Perhaps the school binding edition is more sturdy?Both girls and boys will enjoy this story and I think you grown ups will, too.

"O'Sullivan Stew" is a rollicking book with a truly heroic female protagonist. The pictures are both lovely and funny--if you pay special attention to facial expressions I guarantee you'll be laughing out loud. Kate, the heroine, spins yarns with a skill beyond her years, painting pictures with her inventive tales. Her speech is like music--you can practically hear her brogue while you're reading. And if her storytelling doesn't convince you that she's painting pictures with her words, then the illustrations will. They vary from dreamy pastels to muted and murky to bold and bright depending on the nature of the tale she's telling. And when she stops, the world turns black and white.Not only does this book contain excellent illustrations, a strong, believable heroine, and a captivating story line, but there are several surprises and an unexpected ending. I hope you'll read it... it would be a shame to miss out on such a marvelously fun book!

Bejabbers! What fine yarns here are spun - and true, every one - in this Irish-flavored Scheherezade-style story. Brave, clever Kate O'Sullivan leads the way and saves the day for the men (and women) of her clan. In this brew of a stew with its wonderfully whimsical illustrations, there's a King, a Witch, giant monsters and monstrous giants. Then there's the real story beneath it all, and, a surprise ending. As a storyteller meself, I could only enjoy this yarn more by telling it to others. As a children's librarian, I've already witnessed the magic of this book with children and adults. So, sit yourself down and relish a heaping helping or two of some delicious O'Sullivan Stew!

The children in my school love this book. One of my little boys asked, a couple of weeks ago, if it was St. Patrick's day yet,and could I begin reading O'Sullivan Stew! The pictures are quite detailed, and the adventure story is a good one. I am a school librarian and I highly recommend this title for storytime., or for a study of Irish folktales. Another excellent title is the new The Last Snake in Ireland .

This is a modern day folktale with a terrific, spunky heroine, a good story and a wonderful ending. It would make a very satisfying read aloud for children 5 years of age and older. The words and pictures work well together. Highly recommended by me, a children's librarian.