Finn McCool and the Great Fish
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\ Children's Literature\ - Marilyn Courtot\ Finn is a gentle giant, but also one not known for his great intellect. As people said "He's the best hearted man that ever walked on Ireland's green grass" but "Finn wasn't terrible smart." Poor Finn, he knew that it was true so he sought out a man in the nearby town who was said to know the source of great wisdom. Finn visited and sought help, and after answering the old man's question as to why he wanted wisdom, he was sent to the River Boybne where a great red salmon lived. He was told to catch it, cook it, and eat it, and then he would possess the wisdom that he was seeking. Finn did indeed catch the fish and saw that it possessed the wisdom that he sought, but Finn could not kill the fish. How he managed to spare the fish and yet gain the wisdom he sought will intrigue readers. Not only was Finn a giant of a man, but he became an advisor who many times saved his country from harm. The illustrations are wonderful. Finn is not a handsome man, but far from a fearsome giant. The last spread with him sucking his thumb (read the story and you will know why) is a perfect ending to this fanciful tale. It is a story that both young and old will enjoy. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot\ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalK-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.—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT\ \
