Finn McCoul
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Retells the Irish folktale in which the giant Finn McCoul and his very clever wife defeat the brutish giant Cuculin. School Library Journal Gr 1-4-To be sure, the legendary Irish giant who sleeps beneath Dublin is larger than life, but Gleeson's claim in the first sentence that Finn McCoul was the most famous champion that Ireland ever knew may be a bit of blarney. McCoul attained mythological status as a master builder with superhuman powers. It was believed that through his thumb he possessed enlightenment, but the reteller refers to Finn's gift for prophesy. In this adaptation, his wife Oonagh seems every bit his equal and then some. Retelling a story with elements as exaggerated as any American tall tale, Gleeson embellishes his characters and passes down a wee bit of Irish legend. But the language is sometimes forced and not necessarily authentic, and the illustrations are undistinguished. The muted colors match the Irish mist, but they lack the depth and power legendary heroes demand.-Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY
