The Irish Cinderlad

Folklorist Shirley Climo retells an age-old Irish tale that’s an unusual twist on the popular Cinderella fairy tale. As Creativiteach.com says: “What would have happened if Cinderella were a man? How might the story be different? An old Irish folk tale provides one answer. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.”

Ever since he was a baby, Becan’s only worry has been his big feet—until his widowed father remarries.

His new stepmother and her three daughters feed him crusts of bread and banish him to work in the fields. So Becan runs away.

With the help of his only friend, a magical bull, he defeats a giant, slays a dragon, and rescues a princess.

But before she can thank him, Becan disappears, leaving behind him one of his enormous boots. The princess scours the kingdom for the owner of the giant boot. Will Becan’s feet give him away? And what will his fate be if they do?

Learning Through Literature also recommends these folk tales for St. Patrick’s Day – Fin M’Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill,

Fiona’s Luck and Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland.

About The Author

Shirley Climo was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1928. She attended DePauw University until her mother died unexpectedly in 1949. She dropped out of college and took up her mother’s work writing scripts for the weekly WGAR-Radio children’s program Fairytale Theatre. During her lifetime, she wrote 24 books including The Korean Cinderella; Magic and Mischief: Tales from Cornwall; A Treasury of Princesses: Princess Tales from Around the World; A Treasury of Mermaids: Mermaid Tales from Around the World; and Someone Saw a Spider: Spider Facts and Folktales. She died on August 25, 2012 at the age of 83.

Reviews

“A robust story of courage and danger” (Booklist).

“A must for collectors of Cinderella variants” (Kirkus Reviews).