Module 2 Book Reviews: Folktale

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato An Irish Folktale by Tomie DePaola

1. Bibliography
DePaola, Tomie. 1992. JAMIE O'ROURKE AND THE BIG POTATO - AN IRISH FOLKTALE. Ill. by Tomie DePoala. New York, NY: G.P Putnams's Sons. ISBN 039922257-x.

2. Plot Summary
A lazy man's wife must do all the work to grow the "praties" before winter. When she is injured and must remain in bed, the lazy man begins to plan for his demise and by chance encounters a leprechaun. The leprechaun trades his freedom not for his pot of gold, but for a single potato seed guaranteed to grow "the biggest pratie in the world." The giant potato proves to be more than enough to feed the entire village for the winter - so much so that the villagers promise to provide food for the lazy man and his wife - if in return they never again grow another giant potato.

3. Critical Analysis
This story is very straight-forward yet leaves the reader with the feeling that there are holes in the story. The solution is not the ending the reader expects and goes against the universal theme of right over wrong - The lazy man profits and the hardworking townfolk are committed to sacrifice. The illustrations are precise and inviting but do not add any new elements to the story.

4. Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST: "Illustrated in dePaola's signature style, this has an inviting look. An engaging read-aloud choice for Saint Patrick's Day."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This text has traditional folklore conventions: exaggerated, yet flat, characters; a tricky plot; and, of course, a happy ending."


5. Connections
To truly capture the Irish spirit and to immerse children in the musical qualities of Irish tales, share both retold and modern tradition (including a female heroine!).
Doyle, Malachy (Retold by). TALES FROM OLD IRELAND. (Includes Narration on CD.) ISBN: 1841484032.
Macgill-Callahan, Sheila. LAST SNAKE IN IRELAND: A STORY ABOUT ST. PATRICK. ISBN: 0823414256.
McDermott, Gerald. TIM O'TOOLE AND THE WEE FOLK. ISBN: 0670803936.
Souhamie, Jessica. MRS. MCCOOL AND THE GIANT CUHULLIN: AN IRISH TALE. ISBNL 080506852x.