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The Faerie's Gift
If you could make a single wish, what would you wish for? Would you ask for something that would transform your own life, or would you try to take the needs of your family into consideration, too? A humble woodcutter faces this very dilemma when he rescues a faerie one day in the woods. A flash of inspiration provides the answer that makes everyone's wish come true.
Faerie expert Tanya Robyn Batt's clever plot twist will delight readers while award-winning illustrator Nicoletta Ceccoli evokes the magical atmosphere of the tale.
Faerie expert Tanya Robyn Batt's clever plot twist will delight readers while award-winning illustrator Nicoletta Ceccoli evokes the magical atmosphere of the tale.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Robyn Batt
11 books4 followersTanya Robyn Batt writes fiction and non-fiction for children. She is also a storyteller, performer and teacher who uses her huge collection of costumes to visit schools, libraries and festivals worldwide, telling stories. In Auckland and as a part of her life as a performer, Batt runs a school of dance and drama called Imagined Worlds.
Also see Tanya Batt.
Also see Tanya Batt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 8, 2019
When a poor woodcutter rescues a faerie from a hawk, he is rewarded with one magical wish. Should he ask for the child for which he and his wife have been longing? Should he ask for his old mother's sight to be restored? Or should he follow his father's advice, and ask for gold? Which is the worst - childlessness, blindness, or poverty? Luckily, a falling star provides the woodcutter with the inspiration he needs, in order to make the right choice...
Based upon a traditional Irish tale related to the author by storyteller Eibhis De Barra on the Cape Clear Island, this story seems to be fairly widespread in Ireland, with this example from the far south paralleling such northern examples as Just One Choice (found in the recent collection, The King with Horse's Ears and Other Irish Folktales ), in which an Antrim farmer is faced with a similar choice, when the seals of the Giant's Causeway grant him a wish. Batt's engaging narrative is paired with Nicoletta Ceccoli's luminous acrylic and oil paintings in The Faerie's Gift, creating an appealing picture-book sure to please young fairy-tale lovers.
Based upon a traditional Irish tale related to the author by storyteller Eibhis De Barra on the Cape Clear Island, this story seems to be fairly widespread in Ireland, with this example from the far south paralleling such northern examples as Just One Choice (found in the recent collection, The King with Horse's Ears and Other Irish Folktales ), in which an Antrim farmer is faced with a similar choice, when the seals of the Giant's Causeway grant him a wish. Batt's engaging narrative is paired with Nicoletta Ceccoli's luminous acrylic and oil paintings in The Faerie's Gift, creating an appealing picture-book sure to please young fairy-tale lovers.
April 7, 2020
این مجموعه بینظیره! تصویرگریهاش دل میبره!
July 14, 2015
Categories/Genres: Traditional/Folk Tale
Estimate of Age Level of Interest: Gr. 1-5
Estimate of Reading Level: Not available
Brief Description:
The Faerie’s Gift is based on an Irish folktale in which the poor woodcutter saves a faerie (leprechaun) in the woods. He is given one wish, but when he returns home everyone in his family has a different idea of what he should wish for. His mother wants her sight, his father wants wealth, his wife wants a baby. The woodcutter goes for a long walk in the woods to think, despairing that he cannot make everyone happy. His solution is indeed a brilliant conclusion to this wonder tale!
Two Characteristics of This Genre and How They Appear in the Book: 1) This folktale reflects its Irish origins. The soft and beautiful illustrations by Italian artist Nicoletta Ceccoli have a dreamy and magical quality that lend themselves well to the story, though in some ways may overly shelter children from the grim reality of the family’s poverty. The theme provides children with insight and encouragement in how to deal with the competing needs of all the members of their family.
2) The plot is simple and direct. The language is also. “But the poor woodcutter had only the one wish. What should he choose? Suddenly that one wonderful wish seemed to him nothing but a heavy burden.” You can almost hear the Irish lilt in the cadence of the narrative.
How the Book Serves Its Intended Audience: This book is relatable to poor rural children who easily connect to the woodcutter’s dilemma. A long walk in the woods is a wonderful model of how to face a thorny problem. Children will appreciate the woodcutters creative solution in which everyone wins. This is a great book for discussing Celtic traditions, and on a universal level, family issues.
Awards: NA
Links to Published Review from Amazon.com:
“This fairy tale has been told throughout many cultures, but with its Irish twist, the magic in this version cannot be denied.” School Library Journal, 2003. Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
“Ceccoli's luminous pictures are expertly rendered in acrylic and oil pastels. Their unusual perspectives, elements of fantasy, and ethereal quality complement the story's magical theme. Compare this with other wish-fulfillment tales, or have kids write their own story with themselves in the woodcutter's role.” Booklist, Lauren Peterson
Estimate of Age Level of Interest: Gr. 1-5
Estimate of Reading Level: Not available
Brief Description:
The Faerie’s Gift is based on an Irish folktale in which the poor woodcutter saves a faerie (leprechaun) in the woods. He is given one wish, but when he returns home everyone in his family has a different idea of what he should wish for. His mother wants her sight, his father wants wealth, his wife wants a baby. The woodcutter goes for a long walk in the woods to think, despairing that he cannot make everyone happy. His solution is indeed a brilliant conclusion to this wonder tale!
Two Characteristics of This Genre and How They Appear in the Book: 1) This folktale reflects its Irish origins. The soft and beautiful illustrations by Italian artist Nicoletta Ceccoli have a dreamy and magical quality that lend themselves well to the story, though in some ways may overly shelter children from the grim reality of the family’s poverty. The theme provides children with insight and encouragement in how to deal with the competing needs of all the members of their family.
2) The plot is simple and direct. The language is also. “But the poor woodcutter had only the one wish. What should he choose? Suddenly that one wonderful wish seemed to him nothing but a heavy burden.” You can almost hear the Irish lilt in the cadence of the narrative.
How the Book Serves Its Intended Audience: This book is relatable to poor rural children who easily connect to the woodcutter’s dilemma. A long walk in the woods is a wonderful model of how to face a thorny problem. Children will appreciate the woodcutters creative solution in which everyone wins. This is a great book for discussing Celtic traditions, and on a universal level, family issues.
Awards: NA
Links to Published Review from Amazon.com:
“This fairy tale has been told throughout many cultures, but with its Irish twist, the magic in this version cannot be denied.” School Library Journal, 2003. Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
“Ceccoli's luminous pictures are expertly rendered in acrylic and oil pastels. Their unusual perspectives, elements of fantasy, and ethereal quality complement the story's magical theme. Compare this with other wish-fulfillment tales, or have kids write their own story with themselves in the woodcutter's role.” Booklist, Lauren Peterson
May 24, 2017
A charming story of generosity and patience.
January 26, 2018
Finally a tale where a person is given the chance to make a wish and doesn’t blow it!
July 12, 2016
What a beautiful book! So many layers and opportunities to talk about the different aspects of this tale. A faery book with a male protagonist and a male faery... perfect for my boys!!
A woodcutter lives very poorly with his wife and aging parents. One day he saves a little man, a Faery, who grants him the gift of a single wish in return. Taking the wish home to his family, each has an idea of what the woodcutter's wish should be: a child for him and his wife, the return of his mother's eyesight, or lots of gold so that they will never know hunger or cold again. These are real choices, real needs, and the woodcutter struggles with his gift feeling more like a burden. My eight year old said the most surprising part of the book was how the woodcutter managed to resolve the problem and make a wish that would make everyone truly happy.
A woodcutter lives very poorly with his wife and aging parents. One day he saves a little man, a Faery, who grants him the gift of a single wish in return. Taking the wish home to his family, each has an idea of what the woodcutter's wish should be: a child for him and his wife, the return of his mother's eyesight, or lots of gold so that they will never know hunger or cold again. These are real choices, real needs, and the woodcutter struggles with his gift feeling more like a burden. My eight year old said the most surprising part of the book was how the woodcutter managed to resolve the problem and make a wish that would make everyone truly happy.
May 14, 2025
O Lenhador tem muitas necessidades na vida. E um dia, é-lhe concedido um desejo.
Mas como escolher, se há tantas coisas que gostava de proporcionar à sua família?
Será que vai escolher apenas uma coisa, ou vai conseguir concretizar todos os seus sonhos?
Mas como escolher, se há tantas coisas que gostava de proporcionar à sua família?
Será que vai escolher apenas uma coisa, ou vai conseguir concretizar todos os seus sonhos?
November 19, 2018
Reseña completa en: https://perdidaentrepaginasymas.blogs...
Como nos cuenta la sinopsis en este libro nos encontramos con un leñador y su familia, los cuales viven una vida muy dura. Entre el deseo de poder tener un hijo con su mujer, la tristeza por su madre ciega y las penurias por la falta de dinero, la felicidad del leñador no es completa.
Pero un día salva a un pequeño duende y este le concede un deseo. Pero solo uno. Y aquí es donde comienzan las dudas del leñador. ¿Qué debería pedir? A quien debería satisfacer con su deseo ¿A su madre, a su padre o a su esposa? ¿Cuál será el mejor deseo?
La respuesta llega luego de grandes reflexiones y muestra todo el ingenio del leñador.
Un libro que transmite a los mas chicos el amor por la familia, el deseo de ayudar y hacerlos felices, y por sobre todo que los problemas siempre tienen una solución si uno sabe mirar bien.
Algo que me ha gustado muchísimo, es que cuando abrimos el libro, de un lado tenemos la historia escrita, y del otro un dibujo de página completa, pero sobre y debajo del texto también tiene mini imágenes que muestran fragmentos de los que se esta contando en la página.
Además el libro posee actividades al final para trabajar la comprensión lectora de los niños. Desde preguntas multiple choice sobre la historia, pasando por verdaderos y falsos, unir con flechas y preguntas para que pienses y reflexionen, hasta invitarlos a describir y a dibujar un duende como se lo imaginan. Es ideal para compartir y estimularlos.
Como nos cuenta la sinopsis en este libro nos encontramos con un leñador y su familia, los cuales viven una vida muy dura. Entre el deseo de poder tener un hijo con su mujer, la tristeza por su madre ciega y las penurias por la falta de dinero, la felicidad del leñador no es completa.
Pero un día salva a un pequeño duende y este le concede un deseo. Pero solo uno. Y aquí es donde comienzan las dudas del leñador. ¿Qué debería pedir? A quien debería satisfacer con su deseo ¿A su madre, a su padre o a su esposa? ¿Cuál será el mejor deseo?
La respuesta llega luego de grandes reflexiones y muestra todo el ingenio del leñador.
Un libro que transmite a los mas chicos el amor por la familia, el deseo de ayudar y hacerlos felices, y por sobre todo que los problemas siempre tienen una solución si uno sabe mirar bien.
Algo que me ha gustado muchísimo, es que cuando abrimos el libro, de un lado tenemos la historia escrita, y del otro un dibujo de página completa, pero sobre y debajo del texto también tiene mini imágenes que muestran fragmentos de los que se esta contando en la página.
Además el libro posee actividades al final para trabajar la comprensión lectora de los niños. Desde preguntas multiple choice sobre la historia, pasando por verdaderos y falsos, unir con flechas y preguntas para que pienses y reflexionen, hasta invitarlos a describir y a dibujar un duende como se lo imaginan. Es ideal para compartir y estimularlos.
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May 11, 2021The Faerie's Gift
Tanya Robyn Batt
Traditional Literature
Book level: 4.3
This story is one of the best examples of classical storytelling I have ever seen in a modern book. The elements of a fairy tale are there with small amounts of magic, a heartwarming twist and an adventure quest completed. This is a great book of young readers to be exposed to classical literature and an easy enough read that is enhanced by the illustrations that bring the story to life. This story also teaches us to stay true to ourselves and wish for what we truly want. It helps us to see the good in life and put the things that are important first.
The presentation of this story was excellent. The story was easy to follow and built us anticipation until the very end. The illustrations added life to the story and would help keep young readers involved until the very end. The organization of the story was also excellent. Everything worked out very well chronologically and allowed the reader to follow along very well and have little confusion about what was happening in the story.
Tanya Robyn Batt
Traditional Literature
Book level: 4.3
This story is one of the best examples of classical storytelling I have ever seen in a modern book. The elements of a fairy tale are there with small amounts of magic, a heartwarming twist and an adventure quest completed. This is a great book of young readers to be exposed to classical literature and an easy enough read that is enhanced by the illustrations that bring the story to life. This story also teaches us to stay true to ourselves and wish for what we truly want. It helps us to see the good in life and put the things that are important first.
The presentation of this story was excellent. The story was easy to follow and built us anticipation until the very end. The illustrations added life to the story and would help keep young readers involved until the very end. The organization of the story was also excellent. Everything worked out very well chronologically and allowed the reader to follow along very well and have little confusion about what was happening in the story.
January 3, 2023
"Todos deseamos por cosas diariamente sin pensarlas —pequeños deseos, grandes deseos, deseos pronto olvidados —pero si realmente pudieras desear por aquello que tu corazón desea, ¿Que desearías?"
Es una historia preciosa, la tristeza por los sueños que parecen esfumarse con el tiempo, me gusto mucho como fue a reunir a su familia porque se negaba a excluirlos de ese único deseo, por su paciencia y deseo de ayudar y querer que todos estuvieran bien, incluyéndose a si mismo. 🥹🤧
Me cautivaban las ilustraciones, el arte en este libro es precioso! En mi proceso de leerme todos los libros de hadas posibles que existan, estoy agradecida de que esta historia me encontrara 🧡
Es una historia preciosa, la tristeza por los sueños que parecen esfumarse con el tiempo, me gusto mucho como fue a reunir a su familia porque se negaba a excluirlos de ese único deseo, por su paciencia y deseo de ayudar y querer que todos estuvieran bien, incluyéndose a si mismo. 🥹🤧
Me cautivaban las ilustraciones, el arte en este libro es precioso! En mi proceso de leerme todos los libros de hadas posibles que existan, estoy agradecida de que esta historia me encontrara 🧡
April 12, 2020
Surprise ending... a good read!
I read this as an illustrated e-book during the Covid-19 quarantine.
I read this as an illustrated e-book during the Covid-19 quarantine.
November 5, 2020
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: هدیهٔ پری
با این کتاب ماجرایی داشتیم که سر فرصت باید بیایم و بنویسمش
با این کتاب ماجرایی داشتیم که سر فرصت باید بیایم و بنویسمش
June 23, 2011
The humble young woodcutter lives in a house with his wife and his aging mother and father. “Life was hard. Old Man Poverty sat on the doorstep and snatched away everything good that came their way” (5). He and his wife could not have a baby and his mother had gone blind, “the world about her like a curtain of darkness” (3).
One day the woodcutter rescued a faerie in the woods who in gratitude gave the young man the only thing he had, a single wish. But what to do? His own fancies take flight about him until he remembers there are others in hardship as well. He seeks his family’s advice and each have desires of their own–and not frivolous ones either.
The Faerie’s Gift is about Patience, Ingenuity, and ultimately Unselfishness. As the faerie was exceedingly generous, so may be the woodcutter, who, notably, found a way to gift all the others with their desires; and the happiness was all his. And really, he seemed to have learned unselfishness from those around him, as well as patience. His mother raised him, and his father was spare in speech but wise when he did advise his son. There are all kinds of ways this story addresses the unselfish act while still being an enjoyable story to read–not to mention look at.
The Faerie’s Gift is laid out in two small images atop and below text and a full illustration on the facing page. Little Red Riding Hood below is formatted the same way. The two images capture the action of the text, and the facing page a portrait that would signify the moment. It is a lovely way to accompany the author’s storytelling. Ceccoli could easily overtake the text. As it is, her work embodies the spirit of the story, is quietly emotive, and ever breathing in the soft unassuming light.
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
One day the woodcutter rescued a faerie in the woods who in gratitude gave the young man the only thing he had, a single wish. But what to do? His own fancies take flight about him until he remembers there are others in hardship as well. He seeks his family’s advice and each have desires of their own–and not frivolous ones either.
The Faerie’s Gift is about Patience, Ingenuity, and ultimately Unselfishness. As the faerie was exceedingly generous, so may be the woodcutter, who, notably, found a way to gift all the others with their desires; and the happiness was all his. And really, he seemed to have learned unselfishness from those around him, as well as patience. His mother raised him, and his father was spare in speech but wise when he did advise his son. There are all kinds of ways this story addresses the unselfish act while still being an enjoyable story to read–not to mention look at.
The Faerie’s Gift is laid out in two small images atop and below text and a full illustration on the facing page. Little Red Riding Hood below is formatted the same way. The two images capture the action of the text, and the facing page a portrait that would signify the moment. It is a lovely way to accompany the author’s storytelling. Ceccoli could easily overtake the text. As it is, her work embodies the spirit of the story, is quietly emotive, and ever breathing in the soft unassuming light.
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
October 12, 2013
The story told of a man who lived with his wife, mother, and father. The family was dealing with many hard ships. The mother lost her eyesight, the man and his wife were unable to have a baby, and the family in general was poor. While out cutting wood, the man spotted an eagle on the hunt. The man noticed that the eagle was hunting a small man. The man throws a rock at the eagle to scare it away, and rescued the little man. The little man turned out to be a faerie. The faerie granted the man a wish. When the man went home, the family all told him what wish he should make, after days of wondering what to do, the man choose a wish that would grant all their wishes and so they could live happily.
This was a very sweet story that incorporates traditional literature and fantasy. Telling of the struggle of the man and his family, and how being kind to the faerie allowed something magically to happen to the family.
The pictures in the story were creatively drawn to give a magical presence, while being realistic. One of my favorite pictures was an aerial view in the forest, showing the view from the treetops; basically the view from the eagle’s perspective. You don’t see that type of few in many stories.
This was a very sweet story that incorporates traditional literature and fantasy. Telling of the struggle of the man and his family, and how being kind to the faerie allowed something magically to happen to the family.
The pictures in the story were creatively drawn to give a magical presence, while being realistic. One of my favorite pictures was an aerial view in the forest, showing the view from the treetops; basically the view from the eagle’s perspective. You don’t see that type of few in many stories.
December 10, 2017
Summary/Classroom Integration: This is the fabled story of a woodcutter who saves a fairy from being eaten by a hawk. As thanks, the fairy grants the woodcutter ONE wish. The woodcutter is torn: should he be selfish and fulfill his own dreams of travel, or fulfill the wish of his wife who wants a child, or his blind mother who would like to see his face again, or his father who wishes for riches that will bring comfortable living for all. A wonderful story of creativity and thoughtfulness. The book also comes with a CD and features gorgeous illustrations by Nicolette Ceccoli.
AR: LG K-3, BL 4.3, AR Quiz #66956
AR: LG K-3, BL 4.3, AR Quiz #66956
December 4, 2014
3.75 Stars There is a TV commercial out right now that says "Do you know that genies can be so literal" the man wishes for "A Million Buck" does he get a million Hundred dollar bills...nope a Million Deer Bucks.
So this story-- The woodcutters has needs, he and his wife want a baby, but mother is build, and dad says get money. With one wish what do you do??
I love the resolution of the problem. ( I would have wished for 3 more wishes but hey you can't win them all!! I don't love the pictures but I did like the stroy!
So this story-- The woodcutters has needs, he and his wife want a baby, but mother is build, and dad says get money. With one wish what do you do??
I love the resolution of the problem. ( I would have wished for 3 more wishes but hey you can't win them all!! I don't love the pictures but I did like the stroy!
November 9, 2012
PB#35: What a beautiful-written story! I really loved this picturebook and appreciated the wonderful descriptive language used by the author. The story line was very interesting and the author writes it in a way that you are engaged in what is happening and feel strongly for the main character. I would recommend this to anyone!
November 23, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book and the many concerns posed to the old man. I do believe this book will be able to teach children of all ages about the number of choices presented to a person and the importance of the choice one makes in life because of the impact it can have on those around him/her. Great art illustrations! I love the old man's choice of making a wish.
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August 2, 2019The Faerie's Gift is a sweet story. The pictures were soft and beautiful, perfect for a folktale book. My daughter (4) enjoyed the book, but I'm not sure she understood all of it. She did like listening to the CD.
Read the Pros and our Recommendation in the full review at the Reading Tub.
Read the Pros and our Recommendation in the full review at the Reading Tub.
January 6, 2016
This book caught my eye. It's about a man who is given a faerie gift, but can't decide if he should wish for a child for his wife and he, sight for his mother, or money to get them out of poverty. The ending? Well, I expected some didactic message -- or something heartwarming. But nope -- it made me laugh out loud.
February 9, 2010
This is a great classic-style faerie tale about the power of creative thinking, a perfectly "fey" way of living life! Beautiful art by Nicoletta Cecolli. Find this and other Barefoot Books on my website.
November 16, 2012
Picture Book 47
Such a great story-incorporates a folk tale along with a man's dilemma in trying to give his one wish to every person in his family. Has a beautiful and great ending. Also, would be great to do an activity board with class with their wishes.
Such a great story-incorporates a folk tale along with a man's dilemma in trying to give his one wish to every person in his family. Has a beautiful and great ending. Also, would be great to do an activity board with class with their wishes.
January 22, 2015
This is an Irish version of a woodcutter who helps a faerie and receives one wish. But what should he wish for? A baby for his wife? Sight for his elderly mother? Or gold for his father? His solution is brilliant.
November 18, 2007
Decisions, decisions. A poor man in Ireland gets one wish from a faerie and can't decide what to wish for. This is a great book for reading aloud and then letting the audience guess the ending.
August 20, 2008
This is an oft retold story. But, still charming even so.
March 11, 2009
The ending made me happy.
August 13, 2009
Q loved this book.
August 13, 2009
A very cute and clever book.
October 26, 2011
Loved the ending!
November 12, 2012
Pb. 20 Wasn't my favorite book but it was still pretty good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews