Ten legends of heroes from the Scottish Western Isles To natives from the Western Isles—the Outer Hebrides—there is little more beautiful than the raw power of the ocean. From these islands have come myths of the raging, lonely sea, the misty moors, and the fabled people who have lived there. In Sea-Spell and Moor-Magic, Sorche Nic Leodhas recounts ten stories from different islands in the Hebrides, including one from the mythical land of Eilean-h-oige. From the baker who won the heart of a princess, to the lord who sailed to avenge an insult to his king, to the lass who saved the life of a water bull, these lovely tales show the beauty and mystery of the Scottish Western Isles.

Reviews 1,400 books for children chosen as the best published during the years 1966-1972.

Ten stories from old Scottish folk songs tell histories and local legends in the voice of the people Many Scottish ballads tell stories of adventure and danger, trickery and wit, valiant nobles and passionate romances. But to the natives of Scotland, the best ballads have often been those that speak of ordinary people playing the parts of heroes. Writers of ballads stretched their imaginations to bring life to tales that happened long ago, and the stories were passed down from generation to generation as oral retellings of local Scottish history and myth. By Loch and by Lin presents exciting tales such as those of the harper who tricked a king, the dove that became a prince at night, and the beautiful lass who was stolen from her true love. In stories from ancient folk songs, this collection weaves a colorful tapestry of Scottish lore.

Unique in its coverage of contemporary American children's literature, this timely, single-volume reference covers the books our children are--or should be--reading now, from board books to young adult novels. Enriched with dozens of color illustrations and the voices of authors and illustrators themselves, it is a cornucopia of delight. 23 color, 153 b&w illustrations.

Travel down a pathway to the Faery realm, and bring enchantment into your life. With over 100 spells, rituals, and journeys, this practical book is designed to help you in matters of romance, love, and beauty, as well as home, health, protection, and wealth. Collectively known as the "Sidhe" or "the Bright People," Faery beings exist halfway between the material and spiritual, mortal and deity. Hands-on information and techniques in this book includes: origins, history, and lore; living Faery traditions, Faery Wicca, and Faery Shamanism; The Golden Rules of the Faery realm; the best days, times, and locations for Faery Magick; how to attract Faeries with foods, brews, herbs, flowers, crystals incense, and essentials oils; how to set up your Faery magick altar by gathering and consecrating your Faery Magick altar tools; how to open and close your Faery Magick Circle; and empowering, easy-to-do Faery magick spells, rituals, and journeys.

In exploring how Icelanders interact with nature—and their idea that elves live among us—Nancy Marie Brown shows us how altering our perceptions of the environment can be a crucial first step toward saving it. Icelanders believe in elves. Why does that make you laugh?, asks Nancy Marie Brown in this wonderfully quirky exploration of our interaction with nature. Looking for answers in history, science, religion, and art—from ancient times to today—Brown finds that each discipline defines what is real and unreal, natural and supernatural, demonstrated and theoretical, alive and inert. Each has its own way of perceiving and valuing the world around us. And each discipline can be defined, in the Icelandic perception, by its own sort of elf. Illuminated by her own encounters with Iceland’s Otherworld—in ancient lava fields, on a holy mountain, beside a glacier or an erupting volcano, crossing the cold desert at the island’s heart on horseback—Looking for the Hidden Folk offers an intimate conversation about how we look at and find value in nature. It reveals how the words we use and the stories we tell shape the world we see. It argues that our beliefs about the Earth will preserve—or destroy it. Scientists name our time the Anthropocene: the Human Age. Climate change will lead to the mass extinction of numerous animal species unless we humans change our course. Iceland suggests a different way of thinking about the Earth, one that offers hope. Icelanders believe in elves— and you should, too.

Delve into a world of kelpies, mermaids, selkies, ghosts, warlords, and fairies. This collection gives you Celtic tales, previously unrecorded or only found in obscure compilations. Mostly collected by the author on her ancestral home of the Isle of Barra in the Hebrides, these lesser-known tales from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales are supported by a brief history of the Celts, a glossary of the Gaelic integrated in the stories, an appendix of superstitions about fairy protection, and bibliographies that reflect the author's extensive research. Seventeen ballads collected almost one hundred years ago and excerpts from the author's journal of travels in Scotland make this book a unique and valuable resource for anyone who tells stories.

The most complete book on these powerful magical beings. Elves and fairies provide a magical mirror into the human psyche and can help people better understand themselves. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Elves and Fairies, readers encounter and learn from an array of magical creatures, and discover how they can positively influence their lives. Key topics include fairy magic in the 21st century, how to recognize an elf and what to do when you meet one, how to attract good elves and fairies, and how to protect yourself from bad ones. • The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on film and DVD, have increased people’s interest in elves and their ways. • Brian Froud’s bestselling titles, including The Faeries' Oracle, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, and Lady Cottington’s Fairy Album, have kept fairy lore and fairy images in the public eye for more than 25 years. • This book explores fairy tales, folklore, and mythology, including modern fairy tales like the Harry Potter series.

A good folktale triggers the imagination, connecting children to a wider world as well as increasing their vocabulary and comprehension skills. In this delightful and easy-to-use book, teacher and storyteller Del Negro gives librarians, teachers, and parents the keys to storytelling success. Including more than a dozen original adaptations of folktales from around the world, tailored specifically for library and classroom use, she Reviews storytelling basics such as selecting a tale and learning the story Offers tips for dealing with stage fright and reluctant listeners Presents a bibliography of recommended online and print resources, steering readers to more wonderful tales to tell For young listeners the folktale is a perfect gateway to the exciting worlds of culture and literature, and Del Negro’s book invites their engagement with proven techniques and original story scripts that can be used by experienced as well as beginning tellers.