Daniel O'Rourke: An Irish Tale

by Gerald McDermott

Returning from a fancy party, Daniel O'Rourke falls asleep under the tower of the pooka and dreams he is carried away to strange lands

Genres: Picture Books, Ireland, Childrens, Folklore, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 1986

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.

He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture-books offers retelling of a traditional Irish folktale, in which the eponymous Daniel O'Rourke experiences an unforgettable series of magical adventures one night, after encountering a pooka - a mischievous fairy spirit.

Originally collected by T. Crofton Croker in County Cork in the nineteenth century (perhaps in Legends of Cork ?), this story features that well-known fairy-type, the Púca (alternately spelled: Pooka, Phooka, Puka, Phouka), whose influence can be seen in everything from Shakespeare's Puck, to the contemporary Irish-language author Pádraig Standún. I was interested to note that although McDermott chooses to include numerous leprechaun-looking creatures in his illustrations, he does have one depiction of a "spirit-horse" (one of the forms the Púca is said to assume) in the scene in which Daniel falls into the brook.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Irish folk tale was utterly charming and so much fun to read! From the witty dialogue to the outrageous story, and of course, the beautiful artwork, this was a delight from start to finish and I can't wait to read it again!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

how on earth could the artist of the incredible Arrow to the Sun have so completely changed his style to create this wonderful book?

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic adaption of an Irish folk tale. Nothing too special but also no negatives. Similar to Tomie De Paola’s books.

Use for unit studies on: folk tales, Ireland, St Patrick’s Day

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel O'rourke: An Irish Tale by Gerald McDermott is a retelling of an Irish folktale where a poor young man over-indulges at a rich man's party, then has an evening of bizarre adventures after encountering a pooka spirit near its tower.

The text includes a good portion of dialog and some descriptive words and phrases including merriment, paid his respects, farewell, pooka spirit, tossing about, pounce, reaping-hook, be saying goodnight, beast and a brute, 'Tis a lovely tale, scoundrel, quick as a wink, pretty pickle, and 'tis falling you are.

McDermott's illustrations were rendered on illustration board in sepia ink with watercolor washes and pastel pencil, featuring lots of green, blue and gray. My favorite images include title page, cover, Daniel dining, swept off by spirit horse, hanging off the moon, falling down, rescued by goose, and awoke by water.

This lively retelling of this Irish folktale was amusing and gives a wee flavor of Irish speech and storytelling. I would consider this as a read-aloud for an Irish or Saint Patrick's Day theme. The colorful illustrations are engaging. I particularly enjoyed the expression of a server at the feast, and Daniel's mother as she woke him. I also enjoyed glimpses of the O'Rourke's dog.

For ages 5 and up, Ireland, folktale-Irish, pooka-spirit, humor, and fans of Gerald McDermott.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively tale of a young man who lives with his mother. On his way home from a party, he falls asleep under a pooka tower and has a lively adventure. Cute illustrations.

[Anne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Irish tale. Daniel falls asleep and dreams of many terrible events that he caused by doing something he shouldn't have.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this humorous and silly story about a man's nightmares after a night of excess at a party.

[Carissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy goes to a late party, sleeps under a pooka tower (which I had to look up), and has crazy dreams about a great eagle, hanging from a scythe in the moon, etc.