The Ballad of Biddy Early

by Nancy Willard, Barry Moser (Illustrator)

A collection of poems about Biddy Early, the Wise Woman of Clare, and her animal, human, and supernatural associates.

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 1989

About the author

NANCY WILLARD was an award-winning children's author, poet, and essayist who received the Newbery Medal in 1982 for A Visit to William Blake's Inn. She wrote dozens of volumes of children's fiction and poetry, including The Flying Bed, Sweep Dreams, and Cinderella's Dress. She also authored two novels for adults, Things Invisible to See and Sister Water, and twelve books of poetry, including Swimming Lessons: New and Selected Poems. She lived with her husband, photographer Eric Lindbloom, and taught at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Reviews

[Ceilidhchaos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series of poems has some rather dark illustrations and while the topic is interesting, the treatment was not exactly my cup of tea.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by my mother on my 13th birthday and it remains a favourite of my heart.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cycle of poems, in the oral tradition, in praise of Biddy Early, a 19th century Irish woman blessed with the power of healing and intuition. She helped peasants against the wishes of the local landlords and Catholic priests and was accused of witchcraft but not convicted. Luminous watercolor illustrations by Barry Moser enhance the stories.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother bought me this book when I was 11, and I loved it so much I couldn't read it all the way through without getting teary eyed! Twenty years later, I still have that book, and now I enjoy reading it to my own children :) Very special...

[Lisa Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the legendary “white witch” of Ireland, this long poem in book form comes with outstanding illustrations to match the text and the oral history that has given Biddy Early her rightfully indelible mark in Irish folklore.

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical poem/story about a wise-women in Ireland