The Faerie Isle

November 4, 2024
In this enchanting debut, Quinn offers an accessible introductory guide to a bevy of myths, monsters, and mischief-makers from Irish folklore. Each entry succinctly announces its subject by providing historical and cultural context and explaining their role in the greater mythological landscape, making for informative snapshots unhampered by excess detail. Lush illustrations by Flynn (The Case of the Vanishing Painting) play with light and shadow, depicting in moody color scenes from brief stories that relay the oft-unpredictable interactions between unsuspecting humans and these legendary creatures. While traditional Celtic cryptids—including leprechauns, mermaids, and banshees—abound, less commonly featured beings such as “rogue rascal” pookas, or shapeshifting sprites, also get their due in these playful anecdotes. Quinn’s tales are tailored for younger readers, focusing more on positive moments and optimistic outcomes while skirting the often dire fates in many folkloric tales—here, people who inadvertently encounter the Fae escape intact. Some are even rewarded for their discretion. The end result is both spirited and sobering, and an ideal starter-level reference guide designed to lure already interested readers deeper into the subject matter. Most human characters are rendered with pale skin. Ages 8–12.