The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway

Quick Look

• This classic tale from Celtic folklore is retold for children by best-selling author and storyteller Lari Don
• A funny story of three giants -- two who are boastful but endearing and one who is clever and canny
• Features light-hearted and detailed illustrations from Emilie Gill which are full of character and warmth
• Tells the tall tale of how the rivalry between legendary giants Finn McCool and Benandonner lead to the construction of the world-famous Giant's Causeway between Northern Ireland and Scotland

Irish giant Finn McCool and Scottish giant Benandonner want to know who is the best giant. But first they must cross the Irish sea. This is a witty, playfully illustrated story about the world-famous Giant's Causeway, rooted in Celtic folklore.

Description

"Long ago, when giants lived in Scotland and Ireland, they stood so tall they could see clearly across the wide water between the two lands."

One day, Irish giant Finn McCool spots Scottish giant Benandonner across the sea and they immediately begin arguing about who is the best giant of all. Despite the wise advice of Finn's wife Oona, they decide the only way to settle their feud is to fight. But to meet, the daft and boastful giants must first build a causeway across the water...

Inspired by Celtic folklore, best-selling Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves a tall tale of rivalry and foolishness that recounts the origins of Northern Ireland's world-famous Giant's Causeway and its connection to Scotland's Isle of Staffa. Emilie Gill's light-hearted, characterful illustrations of the legendary giants will captivate young children.

Reviews

'A brilliantly told, funny tale of boastfulness, trickery and foolhardiness that is guaranteed to have young readers giggling. The illustrations of vivid landscapes and wonderfully expressive characters match the playful, witty nature of the story perfectly, and are sure to enchant young readers just as the story will captivate them, and bring giggles galore.'
-- Book Craic

Praise for The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster:

'With a refreshing new spin on the classic legend of the Loch Ness Monster, Lari Don offers children a tender and inspiring tale.'
-- Scottish Field

'Dreamlike illustrations from Nataša Ilincic match the story perfectly, dark and fascinating against majestic landscapes.'
-- Acorn Books

'Lari Don tells a magical tale that has the cadence and all the earmarks of an ancient myth... The gorgeous illustrations by Nataśa Ilinčić will carry young readers to the British Isles through enchanting drawings that are filled with charming details.'
-- Manhattan Book Review


Praise for The Legend of the First Unicorn:

'There's plenty of magic, but it's old-style Scottish magic, without any pink glitter, and all the more potent for it... A perfect first foray into folklore for a young reader.'
-- Roaring Reads

'A tale steeped in the tradition of Scottish oral history and full of wonder and magic.'
-- Get Kids Into Books

'Based upon a retelling of Scottish folklore by Lari Don, The Legend of the First Unicorn is beautifully illustrated throughout with museum quality artwork by Nataša Ilincic.'
-- Midwest Book Review

'Unlike many other books about unicorns, this one is inspired by a Scottish legend, so it feels authentic and not cheesy like many other books on the subject. Readers who like fantasy, who are drawn to folk tales, or who have Scottish heritage will be especially excited about this book.'
-- Alexandria, Age 8, for Kids Book Buzz

Author

Lari Don is an award-winning Scottish children's author and storyteller. She grew up in the north-east of Scotland and worked in politics and broadcasting before becoming a full-time writer and storyteller. Lari is the author of more than 30 books for children of all ages, including the Fabled Beasts Chronicles and the Spellchasers trilogy for middle-grade readers, and picture books based on traditional tales: The Tale of Tam Linn, The Secret of the Kelpie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, The Legend of the First Unicorn and The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway. She now lives in Edinburgh.

Emilie Gill is an American children's book illustrator. She has an MA in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, UK and has been shortlisted for the 2021 World Illustration Awards and was Highly Commended in the 2021 Macmillan Prize for Illustration. The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway is her debut picture book. Emilie currently lives near Clarksville, Kentucky.