Wolf-Men and Water Hounds: The Myths, Monsters and Magic of Ireland
What’s inside...
Uncover the secrets of our island in this engrossing look at magical landmarks across the country. Travelling province by province through Ireland, Manchán outlines the stories most closely associated with each site, focussing on a specific beast or creature from legend and highlighting a magical word or phrase in Irish alongside. Discover the dobharchú or water hound of Achill Island; the enchanted sow Cailcheir of Sligo's Keash Caves; the Burren's ollphéist or great serpent; the Caoránach or hairy worm of Lough Derg; the one-eyed salmon of Ballyshannon; and the man wolves of Ossory, County Kilkenny, amongst many others. This stunning gift book is a feast for the eyes for Manchán fans of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes myths and monsters so intriguing in stories?
How do you feel about the different creatures presented in the book, and which one is your favorite?
Why do you think people in Ireland created these stories long ago?
How do myths help us understand more about the culture and values of a place?
If you could create your own mythical creature, what powers would it have and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the mythical creatures in the book with others they know from different cultures.
Ask your child to draw their favorite creature from the book and describe what makes it special.
Discuss the historical and cultural significance of myths, emphasizing their role in education and entertainment.
Create a fun family activity where each member invents a mythical creature and tells a short story about it.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about Irish culture, perhaps even listening to Irish music or looking at Irish art together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural diversity
Explanation: The book discusses various mythical creatures from Irish folklore, showcasing Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and traditions, which is essential in our diverse world.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: As children explore different myths and legends in the book, they become more curious about the origins and meanings behind these stories.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can be applied to their educational journey, encouraging them to learn more about other subjects with enthusiasm.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to think about the plausibility of myths and to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children analyze and question the information they encounter daily, promoting a habit of critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Immersing in stories filled with mythical creatures and magical events helps to expand a child's imagination.
Real-World Application: A strong imagination not only enhances creativity but also improves problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling
Explanation: Through engaging with traditional tales, children learn how stories can be used to pass knowledge and moral lessons across generations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of storytelling in preserving culture and imparting wisdom, encouraging them to share their own stories and experiences.