The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore by Dermot Flynn, Síne Quinn
Published by Candlewick Press on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 1536240710
Genres: Fairy Tale, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

The cover of The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore is a good indicator of its content, if the reader is paying attention. The mermaids and water horses look enchanting but also like they might have something unsavory in mind for people who mistake them for the Disney-fied fairy tales. These creatures may not wish you well.

In this collection of informational spreads and tales of sixteen Faeries from Irish folklore, Síne Quinn shares stories (the King of the Cats) and informational spreads about characters you thought you were familiar with, and leans in on the ominous and sinister. There were many Faeries I had never heard of (like the Sheerie – malicious faeries who may lead travelers to their death). The writing style is conversational and cautionary.  The longer format (80 pp.) and tone of this book makes it just right for middle-grade readers who are looking to go deeper and darker into faerie stories.

The mostly muted and shadowy illustrations contribute to the book  — mysterious, entrancing, moody. Occasionally the design of the book ( dark print on dark pages) makes it more difficult to read but those looking for a spooky fix will not be deterred.

It must be said that Faeries are not all bad. The author recommends that the best way to protect oneself from faerie mischief is to be “kind, generous, good to animals and those around you”. Recommended to lift the tenor of a typical Halloween display. Reading aloud from a selection within the book may pique interest in its subject. Recommended for libraries where there is an interest in Faeries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools