The fog catcher's daughter

In Ireland, Eily and her fog catcher father live "in a little cottage three fields from the sea," near the isle of Lisnashee, which "belonged to the Good People, the fairy folk." To keep their houses safe from potential fairy antics, the villagers set out freshly churned butter and scatter drops of water captured by Eily's father on Lisnashee. After he leaves on his once-a-year voyage to the island, Eily finds he's left behind the charm he needs to stay safe, and she sets out in a rowboat on a daring journey to find him. Delicately worked watercolors by Marks (Daring Dozen) capture the dance of land and sea: frothy waves, shrouds of mist, and, with just a hint of menace, the icy, wraith-like fairies themselves. The closeness of the relationship between father and daughter can be read in the tenderly outlined faces of Eily and her Papa, who read as white. Prose by McShane (Rónán and the Mermaid) carries a hint of Irish lilt, as when the village healer blesses Eily: "A smooth way before you, child." Eily's intrepid rescue gives this story a big dramatic arc, and love for her father warms it. An author's note concludes. Ages 5--8. (June)

A young girl confronts her worst fears in hopes of saving her father. Young Eily lives on the Irish coast near the enchanted isle of Lisnashee where the Good People, or fairy folk, dwell. The villagers are careful to stay far away from the island, fearing the consequences of angering the sinister sprites, who have been known to spoil livestock, wreck ships, and steal people away in the night. Despite the danger, Eily's family members have visited the island for many generations. As fog catchers, they must journey to Lisnashee once a year to gather magical beads of mist that will help grow herbs the local apothecary uses for protection charms, potions, and healing ointments. Fierce winds and dark skies herald a treacherous crossing to Lisnashee for Eily's father this year. When she discovers his protection charm bracelet, accidentally left behind, she makes the perilous sea voyage to rescue him. Solemnly told and infused with Irish folklore, this atmospheric tale feels familiar yet timeless. Watercolors in pastoral shades of green, blue, and brown ground the rather dreamy story in reality. Menacing, ghostlike fairies and roiling, white-capped waves increase the drama and tension for a satisfying, although somewhat abrupt, conclusion. Eily and her father present as White. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A haunting, lyrical, original tale that leans into the magic and mystery of the Emerald Isle. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.