Noble-Hearted Kate

by Marianna Mayer, Winslow Pels (Illustrator)

Using elements of traditional Celtic lore, relates how Kate helps her stepsister Meghan to break the spell that has given her the head of a sheep.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Marianna Mayer is a children's book author and artist recognized for her beautifully written retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. Born in New York City, she began her artistic training early and studied at the Art Students League after a year of college. Her first book was published at the age of nineteen. Mayer has authored several acclaimed works, including Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, Pegasus, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, often collaborating with renowned illustrators such as Kinuko Y. Craft and Michael Hague. She was previously married to illustrator Mercer Mayer.

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% would have been picking this out at the library when I was in middle school. beautiful illustrations. Too bad the copy I got from the little free library was moldy and damaged.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short chapter book based on the traditional English tale, "Kate Crackernuts," with a touch of Tam Lin. The repetition and magical elements definitely give it a folktale quality, though the language does not always live up to the material. Kate is the traditional kind-hearted maiden, but there is a twist: her stepsister Meghan is the more beautiful. However, Kate's mother contrives to disfigure Meghan so that Kate will be the one to shine by comparison. Kate, however, foils her plan when she works with the despairing Meghan to restore her fair face. The lush, full-color illustrations by Winslow Pels illuminate the whimsical story.

[Bix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate sets out to help her stepsister, who has fallen under a curse. With the help of the Salmon of Wisdom and the Tree of Knowledge, noble Kate sets right a wrong and finds love and happiness in the bargain. Mayer weaves traditional Celtic elements in her sweet version of this folktale. With exquisite, full color illustrations by Winslow Pels. Grades 3-6."

CIP: "Using elements of traditional Celtic lore, relates how Kate helps her stepsister Meghan to break the spell that has given her the head of a sheep."

Note: I was unable to find any published reviews of this book.

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great autumn season story with vivid mythology. I liked this tale, and the chapters were just the right length for a leisurely bedtime story for the wee ones. I think I might purchase this one, as I liked the references to Samhain and the salmon of wisdom and the hazelnut wand. Found this in a list of books recommended for Pagan kids and picked it up from the library.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Marianna Mayer retells fairy tales.

[Emily Whetstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A blend of many myths and fairy-stories, accompanied by illustrations (I think in colored pencil). The pictures were my favorite part, along with the appearance of the salmon of knowledge.