Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure

by Robert D. San Souci

Margaret has a brave heart. She dreams of adventure and longs to travel to distant lands, so when a tall ship appears in the harbor, headed north to the Kingdoms of the Cold, Margaret won't be left behind.
But adventures are perilous things. Soon Margaret must face a ferocious sea serpent and even worse dangers. And she must discover the truth about an old woman with strange powers and mysterious plans, or she'll never find a way to bring herself and her true love safely home.
Acclaimed author Robert D. San Souci spins a tale of magic, battles, and romance in this traditional Irish story of a young woman whose courage astonishes her enemies -- and even herself.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Ireland, Fantasy, Irish Literature, Fairy Tales, Adventure

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great adventure in the old fairy-tales sort of tradition, but this time with a great twist as it's Margaret who gets to battle the monster! The illustrations are great!

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taken from William Larminie's 1893 collection, West Irish Folk-Tales and Romances , Brave Margaret is the story of a young Irish girl who falls in love with the sea-faring Simon, son of the King of the East, and ends up battling sea serpents and giants for his sake.

Described by the School Library Journal as a "quintessential hero tale with a feminist twist," San Souci's story features an engaging heroine who is both loving and strong, and should appeal to young readers who like tales of romance and derring-do. I found Sally Wern Comport's somewhat dark illustrations rather uneven, but enjoyed the sense of movement and power they convey. Well worth the time of any Irish folklore enthusiast, and I thank my friend Kathryn for reminding me of it!

[Haley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my ultimate favorite children’s books. You know how I love Rose Red and Snow White by Ruth Sanderson? This story is close in line to that story, which is my favorite children’s book.
First of all, this is a girl power book. When I was little, Margaret was my hero. Everything about her was awesome.
Sally Wern Comport is an amazing illustrator. Every single page in the story has a beautiful picture. Even now, when I re-read this book, I still was so intrigued with the story and pictures. All kids will love this story. Okay, girls make like it a little more, but boys will too.
There are a lot of favorite kids’ books of mine but this one is on the top, as I already said. What are some favorite children’s books of yours?
The cover is awesome, just like all of the other pictures in this book. 5 stars to Sally Wern Comport!!!
And, 5 stars to Robert San Souci! H are an amazing writer. All the books that I have read by him have been great. I would definitely recommend him as an author. Also, I would definitely recommend Brave Margaret!

Title: Brave Margaret
Author: Robert San Souci
Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport
Author’s Website: http://www.rsansouci.com/
Illustrator’s Website: http://www.shannonassociates.com/sall...
Reading Resolution: #6

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Wendy Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Irish folktale, Margaret is a courageous heroine who takes charge of her fate. Given that this book is truly a folk tale, it's refreshing and exciting to see a heroine represented. At the end of the book, San Souci describes the story of Margaret (identifying the sources), what compelled him to capture the story, and that he sought to stay true to the story. That acknowledgment was important, because there are few traditional tales in which the female is the heroine who, in this case, save the prince (who seems to initially be the hero). Actually, they are both heroes in that they show, courage, fight villains (and in Margaret's case defeats them).

The illustrations, like Margaret, are strong and vivid. They draw you into the scene setting and heighten the tension and excitement of the great battles against monsters and the emotional tension when Margaret is captured, initially unable to break free, and when she believes that she has lost her prince.

Brave Margaret follows the arc of the hero's tale and proves herself to be an exiting hero who provides a terrific counter narrative to the beautiful woman who needs to be saved.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate girl power book. An Irish heroine is the star of this folktale.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the illustrations were very well done.

[Jaeleen Parisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Margaret written by Robert D. San Souci, is an exciting and surprising story about a girls bravery for love. This story really takes the reader for an adventure because what you think will happen in the story is not what actually happens, and that is what I like about this book. At the core, this book is a love story between and girl and boy, but how they get to their happy ending is not like most stories. What makes this story unique, is the fact that the princess saves the prince. Margaret, has to be brave in order to slay the monster.

Another aspect of this book that is very intriguing are the themes that lie within the story. This story is all about courage and overcoming obstacles to complete a task. Margaret, has to courageously slay a monster in order to save her true love Simon. Also, this story encompasses the idea of not waiting for others to save you, but have courage in yourself to take care of problems. Margaret, is stuck in a house with an old women, waiting for Simon to slay the beast, but then Margaret realizes she is completely capable of slaying the beast as well, so she takes care of it. I think this would be a great book to read to children because the plot is exciting and you could teach them a lot from it.

Overall, this is a great and empowering fairy tale book that could truly teach anyone about courage.

[Shay Vande · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED the pastel art, the bigger/old-fashioned vocabulary, and the feminist plot-twist

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale is a great March fit: Irish story for St. Patrick's Day and a strong female character for Women's History Month. Although in picture book format, it is a long story and therefore suitable for about 3rd grade students and older.
The pastel illustrations are full of energy and movement and help propel the story along.
This is a rousing tale of action, and Margaret is a determined, independent woman with a mind of her own. Although not foreshadowed, she apparently also has the skills to defeat a sea serpent and a giant. She meets a young prince and falls in love with him; and later must save him from a dire situation. This story will appeal to all children and adults who love fairy tales and folklore.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret is a brave, self-sufficient young woman. She craves adventure and jumps at the chance to travel to far-away lands. She is willing to sacrifice herself to save the rest of those on the ship, but she doesn't submit quietly to being eaten by the sea serpent...she fights back and defeats it. When her prince fails to destroy the giant, she impulsively grabs the weapon and discovers that she is the prophesied champion. "What fools we are for thinking it must be a man who slays that great, dirty giant!" Another equal companionship in an action-filled fairy tale.

For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this at the library and decided that it sounded awesome (Margaret is wielding a sword on the cover!). And I read to my own little Margaret and it WAS awesome. I think I'll get this book for her: I love stories of strong women- especially women who come into a fight after their boyfriend already got killed by the giant and then finish off the giant themselves. Too many love stories have helpless heroines who need to be saved by a man. It's not often you find a gem where the man needs saving by a woman. :)

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am the champion you have waited for!" Margaret cried to the astonished old woman."What fools we are for thinking it must be a man who slays that great, dirty giant!"

If you love Brave's Merida you will love Brave Margaret. She can slay a giant and a sea monster with the best of them, not to mention row a boat, ride a steed and save the Prince.

We read aloud this picture book to complement our Middle Ages history lesson about the Celts.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eve got to choose a dozen books to read on vacation. She chose well. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to read any with her but I did enjoy hearing her correct her grandpa D. when he jokingly edited the story to make it his own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and an awesome heroine that's part Isolde, part Eowyn, and part Merida. Loved it!

[Colona Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure, bravery, and fantasy! This book is an interesting Irish tale that would be a perfect addition with all the other fairy tales before bedtime! ~Ashley

[Lauren Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite picture book of all time. The illustrations were breathtaking, and the writing was wonderful. I loved this story because it is all about female empowerment in a setting where women are seen as nothing more than a wife and an object. I found Margaret's bravery to be inspiring and loved that it ended in her wedding. I fell in love with this book and cannot wait to use this in my own classroom.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret the Brave is a beautifully illustrated Irish adventure tale that will thrill young readers and listeners. Tired of her hum drum life, Margaret forces her way onto a ship headed to the northern Kingdoms of the Cold. While aboard she proves her worth with determination and ingenuity.

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid, breathtaking adventure that is stunningly illustrated. Not only that, but the story is everything you would ever want. It's a story of an independent woman who meets an independent man and, because life can't be perfect, who both come into contact with an independent giant. If you can pick it up somewhere, I highly recommend it.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on an Irish folktale.
Margaret lived a simple life in Ireland but she longed for adventure and to know what was beyond her shores. When she boards a tall ship she soon falls into danger and meets an old woman who yields power over her. Margaret must find a way to accomplish a quest and save the man she loves.
Beautiful illustrations.

[Maddie L Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it tells the story of Margaret, a brave woman who goes on a big adventure. She faces dangers, travels across the sea, and proves she is just as strong and smart as any hero. The story was exciting and full of action, and the pictures made it even better. I think this book is inspiring because it shows that courage and determination can help you overcome anything.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret has a brave and adventurous heart which leads her to sail away to the Kingdoms of the Cold. She faces a sea serpent and a witch before finding her true love. Enchanting illustrations enhance this tale.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Irish legend retold for children. Margaret is lured away to adventures across the sea, falls in love, and ultimately rescues him from a monster with the help of a little magic. Happily-Ever-After guaranteed, except for the monsters and Margaret's cows.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent picture book with a strong woman protagonist. San Souci adapted it from an old Irish folktale. His version both simplifies and enhances the tale, so it makes for a great read-aloud or oral storytelling.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books with any kind of romance tend to get not so great reviews in Kindergarten, but Margaret was a winner.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story, but the thing with fairytale retellings is that the quality of the retelling matters rather a lot. I'll be looking for a different version of this one.

[Kirsten Simkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is good, but oh gosh those illustrations. I would buy murals of these illustrations. They’re absolutely gorgeous. I do love a story where a woman is the hero everyone’s been waiting for.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Irish Adventure. "What fools we are for thinking it must be a man who slays that great, dirty giant."

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice addition to any collection.

[Maggie Panning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Irish tale. It is full of adventure, danger and bravery. A very fun read-aloud.

[Olive Arianna E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original Strong Female Character
Except she was allowed to fall in love with a strong man too
Love the illustrations they're delicious