The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland's Forgotten Folklore - by Síne Quinn (Hardcover)

About the Book

Watch for seal-skinned selkies coming to shore every ninth day to dance-but keep a safe distance, lest you become mesmerized. If you spy a fair mermaid combing her hair whilst sitting upon a rock, look away, as that could be bad luck indeed. And legend has it that just one encounter with the silver-tongued fairy known as the Charmer may leave a person lovesick and heartbroken. This gorgeous book offers illuminating introductions to fifteen remarkable fairies, the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish folklore, from tiny leprechauns to enormous giants, trickster spirits to slippery shape-shifters. Dramatically lit illustrations, stories inspired by tales from the Irish National Folklore Collection, and a look at each fae's traits and origins make this a keepsake collection and a gift to be treasured.

Book Synopsis

"Quinn's writing has a folksy, intimate tone; readers will feel as though they're huddled by the fireside, listening to a gifted storyteller holding an audience spellbound." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This entrancing collection of Irish fairy folk will enchant young lovers of the mystical, the magical, and the occult.

Watch for seal-skinned selkies coming to shore every ninth day to dance--but keep a safe distance, lest you become mesmerized. If you spy a fair mermaid combing her hair whilst sitting upon a rock, look away, as that could be bad luck indeed. And legend has it that just one encounter with the silver-tongued fairy known as the Charmer may leave a person lovesick and heartbroken. This gorgeous book offers illuminating introductions to fifteen remarkable fairies, the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish folklore, from tiny leprechauns to enormous giants, trickster spirits to slippery shape-shifters. Dramatically lit illustrations, stories inspired by tales from the Irish National Folklore Collection, and a look at each fae's traits and origins make this a keepsake collection and a gift to be treasured.

Review Quotes

Quinn's writing has a folksy, intimate tone; readers will feel as though they're huddled by the fireside, listening to a gifted storyteller holding an audience spellbound. Even folklore enthusiasts will find unique depths within each jam-packed entry. Reminiscent of Stephen Gammell's work, Flynn's illustrations are grotesquely gorgeous--like the fae they depict, they are texturally rich, glowing with a unique allure and just a touch unsettling.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Overall, this is a big success and will be great in classes that are looking at folktale imagery and motifs that occur across cultures. For independent enjoyment, recommend to readers who like their fairy tales to come with a little darkness.
--Booklist (starred review)

In this enchanting debut, Quinn offers an accessible introductory guide to a bevy of myths, monsters, and mischief-makers from Irish folklore.
--Publishers Weekly

While plenty of modern takes on faeries have done much to erode the Disneyfied fairy-dust image that the volume sets itself against, there's still much to appreciate here, and even older readers will enjoy the sinister side of faeries and the gorgeous art.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Síne Quinn is a writer and editor with an MPhil in children's literature. She is a creative writing facilitator with the Bookmarks program at Trinity College Dublin, a writing program for elementary students, as well as a book doctor for Children's Books Ireland. Síne Quinn lives in Ireland.

Dermot Flynn is an artist, illustrator, and designer based between Dublin and London. He has worked with clients such as Paramount, Apple, Disney, and Adidas and with publications such as the New Yorker, Vogue, and the Guardian.