Tales from Old Ireland

My son enjoys this book and CD set. I really enjoy some of the stories, as well as the narrator's enthralling renditions. However some of the stories are a bit violent for my tastes.

This little book is filled with amazing, beautiful illustrations and entertaining stories. Anyone interested in Irish culture and folk-lore will enjoy this book. However, while this book is a fun read for older children and adults, the content of one or two of the stories might be a little bit intense for younger children, so be sure to preview the stories before reading it to the little ones. I especially like the pronunciation guide in the front for Irish names and words, which can be very difficult, and the reference page at the end that explains the origins of each story. Also, my edition came with audio c-d's of the stories.

The collaborative effort of author Malachy Doyle and artist Niamh Sharkey, Tales From Old Ireland is an anthology of seven folktales steeped in Irish history, culture, and tradition. Illustrated with carefree whimsy, they weave myths and legends about ordinary humble folk as surely as remarkable heroes. A pronounciation guide for names and a list of sources for each tale rounds out this excellent and enthusiastically recommended anthology for young readers bridging the transition between picture books and novels.

Really nicely told stories, with quirky, mesmerizing illustrations. Both author and illustrator are Irish.Definitely worth buying - for reading AND re-reading!