King Puck

This fantasy picture book told the story of a goat named Finny and his lonely owner Seamus. They lived together in the mountains of Ireland all by themselves. At night, Seamus would read Finny the stories of Finn MacCool. Finny loved hearing this story and hoped that one day he would be wise like Finn MacCool too. Seamus grew tired of the books but he grew more tired of being alone and having no one to talk to. The fairies that lived close by cast a spell on Finny and he was able to talk to the next morning! This made Seamus and Finny very happy. But the fairies were not done with their surprise. The fairies invited Seamus and Finny to the King Puck Festival. This festival crowned the best goat to be king for the day. When they got to Killorglin, the judges were not impressed by Finny. He was just an ordinary looking goat. Desperate for a second chance, Finny asked the judges for a second chance so he could recite the tale of Finn MacCool. The judges were shocked when Finny opened his mouth and he talked. After he recited the tale, the judges awarded Finny with being king for the day. When they asked Finny what he wanted as king, he wished for new books from the library each week. In the end, everyone lived happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this picture book. First of all, I love how this story is culturally diverse. It takes place in Ireland and reflects on one of their most important festivals of all year. Doing some research, I was surprised to read all about the King Puck Festival. This would be a great story to read around St. Patrick’s Day and also a great book to explain their culture. Another point that I love from the story explains the importance of books and knowledge that is learned from them. Finny appreciated that books made you wiser. I would use this book for a student who may be struggling to find a reason or a point of why he or she needs to learn how to read. Lastly, I think the moral of the story is also something that needs to be taught to students. Finny might have looked like an ordinary goat and been nothing too special on the outside, but he had a talent that no one else had: he could talk. This is important to teach students because they should not judge someone just because of what they look like on the outside. It is an important lesson for students to learn and this book is a great way to explain this life lesson. This picture book will definitely be in my classroom library and one I use for lessons in the future. 

King Puck

Author: Michael Garland

Year Published: 2007