A Bag of Moonshine

Noted author and folklorist Garner has compiled a collection of little-known (in America) tales from England and Wales. Garner's ear for language, and his ability to turn simple folktales into the works of oral beauty that they once were, is exceptional. The tales themselves are alternately crafty, like the somewhat familiar story of Harry-Cap, or poignant, like the story of Hewin and his bride Belenay of the lake. Lynch's illustrations are perfectly suited to each tale and abound in sly-faced youths and crafty trolls. A good read-aloud for younger children, but older children may find the unfamiliar terms and pronunciations hard going. (All ages)