Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4-8.ust in time for St. Patrick's Day,rull has gathered togetheramesoyce and William Butler Yeats, the children of Lir and Oscar Wilde's Star-Child, Irish curses and folk cures and riddles, blessings and battle cries. Nor has she neglected limericks; Saints Patrick and Bridget; herring, potatoes, butter; or the man who had no story. It's a little breathless, although one can hardly fault her expansive purview; she even includes the origins of the Blarney stone. This is a pretty book, populated with fairies, leprechauns, and selkies and decorated with knotwork borders. McPhail has captured the saturated greens of Ireland in all their misty, moist glory, and his figures range from the marvelous portraits of the Traveling Men of Ballycoo to the plump and toothy farmers of Wheatlet, Son of Milket. The introduction and appended source material are useful, as arerull's general headings, such as The Sea, The Music, The Scholars, and The Land. --GraceAnne DeCandido Copyright 2004 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A host of books offer glimpses into the history, literature, traditions and activities surrounding various cultural festivities. The wit and whimsy of the Emerald Isle can be found in A Pot O' Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, and (of Course) Blarney, edited by Kathleen Krull, illus. by David McPhail. Poems by James Joyce and words of wisdom from Oscar Wilde appear alongside classic myths, stories and poems about Finn McCool, fairies, leprechauns and saints Patrick and Bridget, among others. McPhail's signature pen-and-ink and watercolor wash illustrations well reflect the mysterious subjects of many of the works. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-6-This well-rounded collection explores both the physical and mythical properties of the emerald isle. Many expected characters emerge-St. Patrick, Finn McCool, and St. Bridget. Fairies and leprechauns appear, as well as selections about Ireland's food, music, pride, scholars, and land. Blessings, curses, cures, war cries, and lullabies are also included. Children will love the limericks and the folk riddles. McPhail's signature full-color illustrations enliven the pages and add tremendous appeal for younger readers. The stunning cover and spine shimmer with the gold promised in the title and honor the intricate designs found in the Book of Kells. This is an eclectic grouping and an excellent introduction to the country's culture. The author's stated desire, to make the great literature of Ireland accessible to children, is well fulfilled by this anthology.-Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Krull's broad selection, from ancient myth to classic poem to silly limerick, pays tribute to Ireland's rich literary history, while McPhail's lovely, jewel-toned watercolors of both landscape and hearthside evoke the beauty of the Emerald Isle. Brief informative notes give historical perspective to many of the entries. The handsome compilation lends itself best to browsing, dipping in here and there for a bit of Irish gold. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This handsome edition includes over a dozen Irish stories; poetry by the likes of Allingham, Tynan, and Yeats; riddles, oaths, and curses; battle cries and blessings; ancient folk cures and recipes for Irish soda bread, stew, and marshmallow crackers. McPhail's endearing illustrations with sweet children and rotund, short adults, lovingly portray a land filled with fairies and lush landscapes. Krull offers nine sections (food, music, fairies, scholars, etc.) each introduced by a richly bordered page reminiscent of the Book of Kells. Just to make this complete, she provides extensive source notes and introductions to each of the pieces. Well-designed with wide margins, excellent paper, and large print. A real treasure. (Anthology. 5+) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
