Tales for the telling / Edna O'Brien ; illustrated by Michael Foreman.

Two giants -- The leprehaun -- The fool -- The magic apples -- The lad with the goatskin -- The blue bottle -- Hookedy crookedy -- Lord Mount Dhraggin -- The swan bride -- The white cat -- Gilly -- Paddy the piper.

The Irish are renowned tellers of tales and these twelve enchanting stories of ancient magic, daring deeds, dashing heroes and mythical creatures sparkle with the wit, nonsense and naughtiness of Edna O'Brien's beautifully crafted storytelling. Tales for the Telling features traditional Irish folk and fairy tales, including 'The Magic Apples' 'The Swan Bride', 'Paddy the Piper' and 'Two Giants.' In 'Two Giants', Irish giant Finn, no longer in the first flush of youth, is challenged to do battle against Scottish giant McConigle, who aims to take over Finn's territory. The titanic clash is averted when Finn's clever wife, Oonagh manages to fool McConigle into thinking that Finn is twice the size he really is, and three times as strong. McConigle then has second thoughts about tackling Finn. This story illustrates the way that O'Brien's retelling of tales from her native land will delight and enthral the whole family either as bed-time reading or as a rainy day treat. O'Brien's giants, leprechauns, princesses and sorcerers are all brought beautifully to life by celebrated illustrator Michael Foreman, whose vigorous, colourful art heightens the drama of the stories while also adding to the magic and charm of this outstanding collection.