My 5 year old son and I watched this story read on "Reading Rainbow". This book is about a turtle carved in a rock by a Native American in pre-Columbus days. The turtle remains watching as history moves on. It witnesses the immigration of the European's, who take over the land from the Native Americans and go on to build a big city. For many years, the turtle is covered by graffiti and then is finally discovered by an archeologist. I wondered if the subject matter was too advanced for my son. But, he was mesmerized. Like all good books this one speaks to all ages with many lessons and perspectives. Its a story of history, art, people, change, archeology and more. After the story was finished my son turned to me and said, "Mommy we have to get that book." And we did!

What a nice way to introduce young children to the world before New York City and its environs were a busy, noisy sometimes polluted place! An Indian legend, an archaeologist and the importance of the environment are all packed in this charming short, exquisitely illustrated book. Great for those who live near the Bronx Botanical Garden but delightful for any child who wonders about the world around us.

Ms. Callahan's book spoke to me from the very beginning when I read the manuscript. I love Celtic myths and she's written such a lovely one! The story is quite romantic and adventuresome at the same time. Girls AND boys will enjoy the heroine's strong will and intellect while it builds to a dynamic ending, full of cunning and action. I just had to create paintings for this story, and had a great time painting friends that modelled for the characters. A unique story that you just don't see these days!

This book is superb when it comes to the pictures in the book, but I was unimpressed with the way this "Clann Lir" was told. There are many ways to tell the story, but this version seemed far from anything I've ever heard. The children's names are different from the origional names, the events that occur are completely different and so on.

I have loved this story since I was a little girl, and wanted to find it for my own daughter. It is such a wonderful tale of love and devotion. I highly reccommend this book for any fairy tale lover!

Pretty much everybody knows that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, but scholars have ignored the legend because scientists believe snakes and reptiles just never made it across the land bridge from England before the two islands were divided at the end of the last Ice Age. That is why it is up to Shelia MacGill-Callahan to tell the tale of "The Last Snake in Ireland," who just happened to be the biggest, oldest and sneakiest snake in Ireland. St. Patrick had used up all of the snake magic in his bell so it was going to take something different to get this last snake off the Emerald Isle. The battle of wits quickly becomes a battle of wills and although we all know that St. Patrick is going to win in the end, MacGill-Callahan does come up with a very interesting twist at the end of this imaginative tale illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Certainly you know some child (or adult) whose ancestors hail form Ireland who would enjoy learning "the rest" of the legend of St. Patrick. Especially if they have ever been to Scotland...

"Everyone knows that Patrick sent the snakes out of Ireland because they were so naughty folks were sick and tired of having them around. He'd tried for years to make them behave, but they just laughed at him. Then he found a gang of them teasing his old lame dog, Finbar, and he lost his temper." Enough was enough. Patrick rang his magic bell and like the Pied Piper, charmed every snake from every corner of Ireland, and led them all into the sea. All except one, "the biggest, oldest, sneakiest snake in all of Ireland." And that nasty old snake vowed to make Patrick's life miserable. Wherever Patrick went, the snake was there to torment him, peeking in windows, hanging from tree branches and tapping him on the head, stealing drinks from his mug when he wasn't looking, and even curling up in his bed. This rascally old snake had to go, and finally after thinking and thinking, Patrick came up with a plan..... Sheila MacGill-Callahan takes an old Irish legend, adds a little silly fun and a lot of humor, and comes up with a thoroughly entertaining and charming story that shouldn't be missed. Her engaging text, complete with lilting Irish rhythm begs to be read aloud, and is enhanced by Will Hillenbrand's bright, bold artwork. Together, this dynamic duo weaves a magical tale, with a surprise ending, that brings out the Irish in all of us. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Last Snake In Ireland is a rip roarin' good read that's just right for St Patrick's Day, and is just as enjoyable any other day of the year too.

I just finished reading this book about two minutes ago and I really liked it. My intention was to get some knowledge about Ireland, but I found more information about snakes and later the Loch Ness monster. I dont' want to ruin the book for those of you who want to read it. The pictures are very colorful and entertaining. If you are looking for information on Ireland, this isn't the book, but it is a good myth.