The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween
Gr. 3-5. Though few adults will remember this story, which was originally published in 1941, and few children will appreciate the rich Irish cadence, Grafe's mixed-media artwork invests the tale with an appealing mystical quality. Abandoned on a doorstep as a baby, Oona grows up caring for an old couple, hoping they will leave their cabin to her. It was not to be, and because no one will marry her, she spends her life in other folks'cabins, nursing those in need. One Christmas Eve, when her work is done, she walks to the boglands near Carn-na-ween, where the Gentle People reward her lifelong kindness with a cabin that opens its door to the lost and heartbroken whenever there's a white Christmas. Grafe's softly brushed artwork effectively uses light--from a candle, a fire, and windows--to create the quiet atmosphere; night scenes, with snowflakes dotting the air, are especially nice. This won't have wide appeal, but it's a warm tale about the goodness of the human spirit.Julie CumminsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved