Finn McCool and the Great Fish
by Eve Bunting (Author) Zachary Pullen (Illustrator)
Finn McCool is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He's a fierce warrior, even beating the giant Culcullan and saving Ireland from the Scots. Helpful and kind, he helps the farmers bring in the hay. And everyone in the village of Drumnahoon admires him. "He's the best-hearted man that ever walked on Ireland's green grass." But for all his strength, courage, and goodness, there's one thing that Finn lacks. He's just not smart. And he knows it. When a wise man living in a nearby village tells Finn about a magical red salmon with the wisdom of the world, Finn sets out to catch the fish. And he learns a thing or two about himself in the process.
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Bunting retells the traditional story with economy as well as a graceful lilt.
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Told in a lilting voice, the wordy story is accompanied by bold illustrations of the larger-than-life Finn.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3 - Finn McCool is one of the real "giants" of Irish mythology. In this story, he is not very bright, but he wishes to know the "secret of wisdom." An old man tells him to catch a red salmon and eat it and then he will have the wisdom. Finn catches the fish but is unable to sacrifice it. When he releases it, he catches the hook, cutting his finger, and then puts it in his mouth to suck on it. Then "something strange and beautiful" enters his body, the "secret of wisdom." Bunting makes this unfamiliar story accessible to readers. The art beautifully illustrates the green Irish countryside and makes Finn a real gentle giant. A fine introduction to a legend that might be unfamiliar to children.
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Ireland
Giants
Wisdom
Finn MacCumhaill
Finn MacCool
