Tales for the Telling

These 12 enchanting stories of ancient magic, daring deeds, dashing heroes, and mythical creatures sparkle with wit, nonsense, and naughtiness. Tales for the Telling features traditional Irish folk and fairy tales. In "Two Giants," Irish giant Finn, no longer in the first flush of youth, is challenged to do battle against Scottish giant McConigle, who aims to take over Finn’s territory. The titanic clash is averted when Finn’s clever wife, Oonagh manages to fool McConigle into thinking that Finn is twice the size he really is, and three times as strong. McConigle then has second thoughts about tackling Finn. This story illustrates the way that O’Brien’s retelling of tales from her native land will delight and enthrall the whole family either as bed-time reading or as a rainy day treat.

"Foreman#&39;s color-rich, vigorous paintings complement the celebrated author#&39;s retelling of tales from the lore of her native land. A collection for the entire family." —Publishers Weekly

"Tales for the Telling features no dragons, but there are plenty of other strange beasts and fantastic creatures, including giants, leprechauns, fools and fairies. Originally published in 1986, the collection of Irish folk and fairy tales has long been out of print, and its reappearance will delight adults who remember it from their own childhood. The prologue—narrated in idiom by a slurring country storyteller—betrays O’Brien’s mischievous intent, and she spares you none of her wit or literary style. This is a really handsome edition too, featuring full-page renderings of Michael Foreman’s original watercolour illustrations.” —Irish Times
 

"There#&39;s nothing like a decent sized story tome though, particularly as an early stocking stuffer for Christmas, so it#&39;s with exquisite timing that Edna O#&39;Brien and Michael Foreman#&39;s awesome Tales for the Telling: Irish Folk and Fairy Tales is being reprinted by Palazzo in a fabulous attractive hardback format. Fusing together Michael#&39;s gorgeous watercolour illustrations with Edna#&39;s wonderful retelling of traditional folk tales, this is definitely a #&39;keeper#&39; and a book that#&39;s destined to be read and re-read.” —Read it, Daddy!

Edna O’Brien is an Irish playwright, short story writer, novelist, and poet. Michael Foreman#&39;s numerous books for children have earned him widespread recognition as one of the world’s best-loved illustrators.