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O'Sullivan Stew
Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven's horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So bold, brassy Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a hilarious tale that will keep readers coming back for more.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 9, 2014
Lively illustrations, fun story, Irish setting, lots of elements from Irish folklore. This is the sort of book that kids love to hear read aloud or that new readers love to read over and over. But... I famously have little sense of humor and it is just this side of what I would have called "twaddle" in my homeschooling days. Kate is put in a Scheherezade-like situation where she tells several fantastic tales about her family to a king who wants to hang them as horse-thieves. Of course, all ends well.
July 1, 2023
Irish tale about the quick thinking Kate O'Sullivan who puts her storytelling talents to work when she and her family find themselves in trouble with the king. Can her outlandish tales save her family? Whether her tales are blarney or the supernatural is up to the reader to decide.
This would be a great addition for anyone who is looking for a picture book that could be read aloud over a few days or new story to share for St. Patrick's Day and/or other Irish themed units.
This would be a great addition for anyone who is looking for a picture book that could be read aloud over a few days or new story to share for St. Patrick's Day and/or other Irish themed units.
November 23, 2016
One of my daughter's and my favourite books, when she was still young enough to let me read to her. It's a nice long read for the evenings when they are resistant to sleeping on time. Each story the girls spins to save her brothers and father from the king's wrath is crazier than the last.
March 3, 2014
This story has a moral and celebrates the brains of a young girl, Kate, who ends up as the hero.
The moral has to do with being kind to all people, even if they are different. Kate tries to get the townspeople to help the witch whose horse is being taken by soldiers. The townspeople say that the witch isn't one of them and don't help. Very soon their words come back to haunt them and Kate makes a plan to set things right. In a funny manner it the plan goes awry and Kate uses her wit and her storytelling ability to save lives. In the end they all accept that "Everyone is one of us."
The moral has to do with being kind to all people, even if they are different. Kate tries to get the townspeople to help the witch whose horse is being taken by soldiers. The townspeople say that the witch isn't one of them and don't help. Very soon their words come back to haunt them and Kate makes a plan to set things right. In a funny manner it the plan goes awry and Kate uses her wit and her storytelling ability to save lives. In the end they all accept that "Everyone is one of us."
November 11, 2024
Great girl-power book. My kids (age 17 and 18) were talking about children's books they loved as kids, and this one was mentioned at the top of the list.
September 23, 2019
This book is a hidden treasure. I've always loved Irish fairy tales and this one has so many elements of Irish lore that I couldn't resist. There are fantastical characters such as witches, magical stallions, ogres/giant trolls, sea serpents, woodland creatures, fairies, leprechauns, time travel, forced marriages in the land of the fae, and the like. O' Sullivan tells her tales of adventures to a king with a bored court but could there be any truth to these stories? Will she set off on more adventures and bring forth more tales?
March 5, 2017
Kate O'Sullivan is a girl living in Crookhaven, Ireland with her father and brothers when one day, the King demands the village witch's horse for taxes. The witch, angry that no one helped her, punishes the town, and so Kate and her family decide to steal back the witch's horse. As they are stealing back the horse, they are caught and brought before the King to either be pardoned or hanged. To try and keep her family from dying, Kate tells magical and seemingly unrealistic stories of times they were each in worse positions.
This story includes beautifully detailed images of the stories Kate tells, from fairyfolk to giant's caves. There is quite a lot of text on each page that includes it and would therefore be better for kids who are a bit older. However, the language is not too complicated that it cannot be understood by younger children. There are pages with only one or two words, as well as pages with more text. The pictures really bring the reader in a show a world that is magical and exciting. The images are impressionistic, using a contrast of light and dark images to show the dangerous moments. The story takes place in a real place, Ireland, but takes the reader on a journey into a world of fantasy and creativity as well. Kate O'Sullivan is a smart girl who uses her wit and storytelling skills to save herself and her family from terrible fates. She is a strong girl, inspirational for young girls everywhere.
This story includes beautifully detailed images of the stories Kate tells, from fairyfolk to giant's caves. There is quite a lot of text on each page that includes it and would therefore be better for kids who are a bit older. However, the language is not too complicated that it cannot be understood by younger children. There are pages with only one or two words, as well as pages with more text. The pictures really bring the reader in a show a world that is magical and exciting. The images are impressionistic, using a contrast of light and dark images to show the dangerous moments. The story takes place in a real place, Ireland, but takes the reader on a journey into a world of fantasy and creativity as well. Kate O'Sullivan is a smart girl who uses her wit and storytelling skills to save herself and her family from terrible fates. She is a strong girl, inspirational for young girls everywhere.
March 14, 2020
Although not strictly folklore, Talbott has used folkloric elements to weave this humorous story of feisty Kate O'Sullivan. She is the only one to stick up for the local witch, when the witch's prize stallion is taken by the king's men for taxes. She talks her father and two brothers into an attempt to steal the horse back, but they are captured and brought before the king instead. As the king asks the four if they have ever been in a worse spot, Kate pops up with "I have." Then she challenges the king to listen to her preposterous stories (one story for each of them) and to agree that each time they were in a worse spot. When the king is about to disparage the last story, his own mother comes forward to claim that it is true. Outwitted, the king frees the O'Sullivans and returns the witch's horse.
This long picture book is full of humor, courage and downright blarney. Kate proves herself to be bold, able to think on her feet, and have a boundless imagination.
Talbott's illustrations (watercolors?) are full of detail, imagination, and humor as well. This book is great for 3rd grade children and older.
This long picture book is full of humor, courage and downright blarney. Kate proves herself to be bold, able to think on her feet, and have a boundless imagination.
Talbott's illustrations (watercolors?) are full of detail, imagination, and humor as well. This book is great for 3rd grade children and older.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
Help, help! The king's men are stealing the witch's horse! When no one comes to her aid, the old crone makes things miserable for the villagers. To put an end to the curses, brave Kate O'Sullivan talks the men in her family into attempting to steal back the horse. But, they're caught, and sentenced to be hanged. Can Kate's magical tall tales mesmerize the king, and persuade him to release her kin?
This is wonderfully fun story, with a strong, enchanting heroine, and a surprising, you-go-girl ending.
This is wonderfully fun story, with a strong, enchanting heroine, and a surprising, you-go-girl ending.
July 4, 2023
Kate O'Sullivan and her family plan to steal a horse from the king, but they get caught! But lucky for them, Kate has a very quick mind, and she makes a deal with the king. If she can persuade the king that each of her family members have been in worse situations than they are in now, he'll let them go. Will she be able to convince the king? Kate's stories are amazing! I love this book because of her creativity and the tales that she tells. It is an AMAZING book! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
September 15, 2020
Ages 6 and up. Kate of the O'Sullivan clan in Ireland uses her way with words to talk her family out of trouble with the king and other scrapes. The king rewards her family with a feast and offers Kate his hand in marriage. She insists that there is much of the world she has yet to see, telling him she'll reconsider if his offer is still good in five years' time before riding off on the sunset on her hard-won horse. A comical tale of a brave and quick-witted heroine.
January 25, 2021
The clever creativity and courage of this young girl's stories to save her family from the King's punishment is admirable. But, the twists at the end of the book are what really make this strong mama love to read this book to her equally as independent little one. I'll be reading this for years to come, I'm sure.
February 6, 2021
The villagers of Crookhaven have angered the local witch so Kate O'Sullivan decides to take action. Kate is a wonderful character; she is clever, brave, a natural leader and a fabulous storyteller. Like Scheherazade, her stories have the ability to entertain and persuade. The delightful illustrations complement the high-spirited text quite nicely, making this a fun read aloud.
October 4, 2021
Irish folklore. Several legends rolled into one story as Kate O'Sullivan spins tales to save herself, her brothers and her father from the king's wrath after attempting to steal back the witch's stallion. Intricately detailed illustrations blend with Talbott's strong storytelling abilities to delight readers and pull them into the adventures.
March 12, 2024
Delightful! Kate O'Sullivan's town has upset the local witch who has cursed the crops and animals. Everyone is hungry. Kate decides to fix it all, by stealing the King's horse. Of course they're caught but Kate uses her storytelling skills to save the day. Quite a twist at the end as well. Gorgeous illustrations.
April 17, 2024
Great! Our heroine Kate O'Sullivan has an amazing way with words. When her Irish town of Crookhaven suffers a calamity, she comes to the rescue with her gift. This tale is complete with leprechauns, fairies, a sea serpent, wild cats, and a hungry giant. It has an engaging storyline and fun illustrations! 💕🎉
March 13, 2024
I have been reading this with my kids every March for the last 8 years. It is the PERFECT book to celebrate International Womens Day and Saint Patrick's Day. O'Sullivan Stew is an absolutely brilliant, witty, hilarious, and smart collection of stories for all ages. Fantastic illustrations too!
May 28, 2024
Kate O'Sullivan must use her storytelling skills to save herself and her family from being hanged as horse thieves by order of the king.
Cute story that asks the readers to make a choice: did these events actually happen...or did Kate make up all of the tales?
Cute story that asks the readers to make a choice: did these events actually happen...or did Kate make up all of the tales?
July 5, 2018
The power of a good storyteller!
July 15, 2018
How a good storyteller can set things right ... !
June 5, 2019
A fun story. A bit long for younger children, but amusing and imaginative nonetheless. My daughter especially loved the ending.
March 4, 2021
Excellent story for kids!
March 7, 2021
It was the best book I have ever read!
March 1, 2023
Very cute story that reads like a fairy tale. Fun twist at the end.
April 6, 2023
Rounded up for the ending.
When her family is caught trying to steal back the witch's horse, Kate tells a series of stories about situations when each member was in a worse situation.
When her family is caught trying to steal back the witch's horse, Kate tells a series of stories about situations when each member was in a worse situation.
December 29, 2023
Very good story
March 13, 2024
Long read aloud, but creative.
4th
4th
March 28, 2025
This is a very fun story, about telling stories, with lots of Irish twists.
May 1, 2025
read again
March 14, 2017
Fun for St. Patrick's Day an all year round. Great strong heroine!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews