Prince of Ireland and the Three Magic Stallions - Hardcover

Preston McDaniels is a music lover who enjoys playing the piano. For many years he worked for a printing company, performing a number of different jobs. Since becoming a full-time illustrator, he has illustrated picture books and fiction for children, including "The Lighthouse Family: The Storm", by Cynthia Rylant. He lives in rural Nebraska.

Bryce Milligan has been a folksinger, songwriter, luthier, and sculptor. His literary works include poetry collections, non-fiction, and plays for adults as well as historical novels and short story collections for young adults. He also wrote "Brigid's Cloak", a picture book for children. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.

Kindergarten-Grade 4-When his stepmother thinks her husband loves his firstborn more than their twins, she gives the Prince of Ireland a geis, challenging the young man to bring her three magic stallions, or die. In return, the prince gives her a geis of his own-she must stand at the cross by the hermit's chapel with a sheaf of oats and a needle and eat only what she can pass through the needle's eye until he returns. When his half brothers hear of the curse their mother has placed on the prince, they join him in his quest. They discover that the horses must be freely given by their owner-the young giant Sean O'Donal. Luckily, the giant is more than fond of a good story, and the prince has the good fortune to tell one that stars Sean himself. So, the stallions are freely given, the princes return home, and the repentant queen is released from her curse, too. Milligan has taken a traditional Irish tale and synthesized many versions into a cohesive and delightful whole. His poetic prose demands to be read aloud with a lilt and a brogue, and comely turns of phrase ("Then all was well and naught was ill-") beg readers to join in. McDaniels's evocative illustrations, created with Russian watercolor with graphite, add charm and dimension to the book. The mood is enhanced by foreboding skies in masterly paintings. A worthy addition to any folklore collection.
Jeanne Clancy Watkins, Chester County Library, Exton, PA
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