

Ireland may be a small country, but it has given the world one of the richest literary traditions in the Western world. In Irish Stories, Ana Maria Machado brings together four tales drawn from Irish folklore, filled with kings, druids, giants, fairies, leprechauns, warriors, magical creatures, and unforgettable adventures. Blending humor, wisdom, love, courage, and trickery, these stories reveal the universal human qualities hidden beneath their fantastical settings.
Retold by Ana Maria Machado, recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award and one of the most widely translated Brazilian authors, the collection is the result of extensive research into Ireland’s rich oral storytelling tradition. Machado recreates these classic tales with the warmth, humor, and narrative fluency that have made her a landmark figure in children’s literature, introducing international readers to a cultural heritage that continues to inspire writers and artists around the world.
Laurent Cardon’s illustrations immerse readers in the atmosphere of Irish legends through dramatic compositions, expressive characters, and a carefully crafted visual identity inspired by ancient manuscripts. The book’s design reinforces this sense of tradition, with ornamental motifs, parchment-like pages, and a color palette that evokes Ireland’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Together, text and image create a rich reading experience that invites readers to explore a world where magic, folklore, and human nature intertwine.
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Highly Recommended: Retelling of a Story

(Brazilian section of IBBY)