Finn MacCool and the Small Men of Deeds

The Irish hero leaves his sick bed to assist in a kidnapping case.

Grade 3-5 A lively retelling of one of the adventures of Finn Mac Cool, the Paul Bunyan of Ireland. Finn is asked to save from kidnapping the newborn son of a mega-giant king whose two previous infant sons had been kidnapped. Finn is helped in his task by eight dwarf brothers who each have a unique and useful talent. The baby is kidnapped by his wicked witch aunt, but Finn and his dwarf band are able to rescue the newborn prince and his brothers and to rid the world of the witch. The text is a highly readable retelling which is both funny and spirited while still in keeping with the folkloric quality of the tale. The characterizations are strong and individualistic for every character, including each of the eight dwarves. Lavis' illustrations are humorous black pen-and-ink sketches with much crosshatching; there is also one full-color plate of the wicked witch's truly evil-looking castle. Young readers who enjoyed Tomie dePaola's Fin M'Coul: the Giant of Knockmany Hill (Holiday, 1981) will surely enjoy this longer adventure of the tallest, wisest, bravest, and rudest man in old Ireland. Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is a saga of Finn Mac Cool (based on an old Gaelic figure, Finn MacCumaill) and the small men who follow him, either helping or hindering his efforts. Several staples of the heroic tale are turned upside down here. These warriors haven't enough work to keep them busy, and spend much time on "picnics and bragging," or heckling Norsemenwho taunt them back. But one day as Finn nurses a morning headache, a giant appears and begs for help: the giant queen's newborn children are ever being stolen, and she wants Finn to guard them. He's flattered and agrees, even though he's temporarily without his men. So begins a picaresque adventure of comic deeds for garrulous Finn to brag aboutsometime in the future. Lavis's drawings and good graphic design keep the pages looking navigable. Occasionally, the text is carelessly written; some will find it slow. But Finn will suit fans of folklore quite nicely. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.