Beanie the Bansheenie - by Eoin Colfer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Banshees are well known to most of us as supernatural Irish harbingers of doom. But not many know that they grow on the prickly gorse bush inside little pods, and that the sole job of a baby banshee, or 'bansheenie,' is to bond with a human and know all there is to know about that person, including when they're destined to breathe their last breath. One bansheenie named Beanie, however, is no ordinary herald of death. When she sees her person, a little girl named Rose, she decides to change both their fates-and instead of delivering bad news, protect Rose and her family. And when her banshee's howl won't work, she must draw power and strength from the ancient secrets and hidden networks of the natural world to create a new sound, a new way of being in the world, that will change everything. Melding Eoin Colfer's welcoming voice and Steve McCarthy's striking Celtic imagery, Beanie the Bansheenie is a gloriously immersive, detailed, and emotional storytelling experience"

Book Synopsis

A best-selling author and an award-winning illustrator join forces in a long-form picture book that turns a familiar myth of Irish folklore into a universal story of love, perseverance, and friendship against all odds.

Banshees are well known to most of us as supernatural Irish harbingers of doom. But not many know that they grow on the prickly gorse bush inside little pods, and that the sole job of a baby banshee, or "bansheenie," is to bond with a human and know all there is to know about that person, including when they're destined to breathe their last breath. One bansheenie named Beanie, however, is no ordinary herald of death. When she sees her person, a little girl named Rose, she decides to change both their fates--and instead of delivering bad news, protect Rose and her family. And when her banshee's howl won't work, she must draw power and strength from the ancient secrets and hidden networks of the natural world to create a new sound, a new way of being in the world, that will change everything. Melding Eoin Colfer's welcoming voice and Steve McCarthy's striking Celtic imagery, Beanie the Bansheenie is a gloriously immersive, detailed, and emotional storytelling experience.

Review Quotes

The story's eerie themes are, in the hands of Colfer, filled with fizzy glee. . . in this engrossing telling that plays with the idea of love bending immutable truths. Digital artwork by McCarthy, which takes angular, swirling forms, conjures a sense of otherworldly enchantment.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

With their Celtic green palette, McCarthy's spirited digital illustrations are full of life, propelling the narrative forward with motion. They pair well with Colfer's joyful text, which echoes the storytelling tradition of fairy tales with clever descriptions and effective page turns. . . A modern twist on classic folklore and the bonds of friendship.
--Kirkus Reviews

This inspired reinvention unfolds to a captivating tale of enchantment and friendship.
--Booklist

About the Author

Eoin Colfer is the New York Times best-selling author of the children's fantasy series Artemis Fowl. His other notable works include Three Tasks for a Dragon and The Dog Who Lost His Bark, both illustrated by P.J. Lynch, and Cloud Babies, illustrated by Chris Judge. The recipient of many awards, Eoin Colfer lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

Steve McCarthy is an Irish designer, illustrator, and author. His early career was devoted to traditional animation and background design, most notably for the 2015 Oscar-nominated animated feature film Song of the Sea. He is the author-illustrator of The Wilderness and the illustrator of A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea; The One with the Waggly Tail; and Sally Go Round the Stars, all by Sarah Webb. Steve McCarthy lives in southeast London.