The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore is deliciously dark

THE FAERIE ISLE: TALES AND TRADITIONS OF IRELAND’S FORGOTTEN FOLKLORE, by Síne Quinn and Dermot Flynn, Candlewick, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

Learn the tales of Irish faerie folk in The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore, by Síne Quinn and Dermot Flynn.

Watch for seal-skinned selkies coming to shore every ninth day to dance—but keep a safe distance, lest you become mesmerized.

If you spy a fair mermaid combing her hair whilst sitting upon a rock, look away, as that could be bad luck indeed.  

And legend has it that just one encounter with the silver-tongued fairy known as the Charmer may leave a person lovesick and heartbroken.  

This book offers introductions to fifteen remarkable fairies, the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish folklore, from tiny leprechauns to enormous giants, trickster spirits to slippery shape-shifters. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

My daughter loves everything to do with ancient gods, goddesses, faeries, gnomes and other magical beings. So, it came as no surprise that she quickly absconded with my copy of The Faerie Isle as soon as she saw it. She’s been reading it on repeat for a couple of weeks now.

Irish faerie stories are very different from traditional storybooks — they’re a lot less shiny. And they’re better for it. The Faerie Isle is deliciously dark, and Dermot Flynn’s stylized illustrations make you want to know more. His use of light adds to the mystery and lore. Síne Quinn’s writing is strong and assured. It’s a must-have book for fans of mysticism and magic.

*Sensitivity note: This book isn’t a compilation of light-hearted fairy tales. They’re much darker — think along the lines of the original Grimm’s fairy tales — and death is a recurring theme. 

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