Written by: Kevin Crossley-Holland and Frances Castle
First line: As Jemmy strode down the road toward Slane, he began to say praises.
Why you should read this book: It's a very fresh collection of very old stories, made excellent through the author's use of voice, which manages to summon the spirit of oral transmission while remaining accessible to modern readers, and imbues each story with its own character, as if they were collected and transcribed directly from the mouths of dozens of speakers. The tropes and tales are often familiar to students of world mythology and folklore, while retaining their specific regional flair, and impart elements such as setting and culture in ways that come to life as you read. Just a wonderful anthology of rich and detailed folklore, suitable for children, scholars, and dreamers.
Why you shouldn't read this book: Perhaps a bit more drinking and sex than in most children's literature.
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