This is a folktale of a young girl who follows her heart and finds her true love. She is the youngest daughter of three, and while her elder sisters each wish to be wed with rich and powerful men, she says she would be content to share her life with the Black Bull of Norroway, as long as there is love between them. Through a witch's powerful spell the girl indeed meets a black bull, who himself is under the same witch's spell. The young girl overcomes the bull's spell by doing it a kindness and the bull magically re-takes the form of a young and handsome duke.

There is more conflict that follows, however, as the witch's spell is stronger than the young girl and duke had thought. They must wait and they must trust in their love if they are to one day be together.

I really enjoyed this folktale because it was new to me, and being Scottish, it might be the first that I have read of its kind. The pictures are pretty. Also, I like how the reader can find some familiar values even if the story is unique: for example, true love is always the best kind, patience is a virtue, as are persistence and kindness, and loyalty is too be rewarded.

In the classroom this book would be helpful in teaching the story arc. There are two sets of rising action, conflict, and resolution that a new reader could identify. Moreover, the illustrations enhance these parts of the plot. ( )

The Black Bull of Norroway, by Charlotte Huck, is a retelling of a popular Scottish folktale. I enjoyed this book for two reasons.

First, I liked reading about the story’s heroin, Peggy Ann. In the beginning of the story, Peggy Ann and her sisters visit a ‘wise woman’ in the hopes of finding husbands. While Peggy Ann’s sisters are concerned with wealth and status, Peggy Ann strives to find a man with gentility and kindness. After her sisters are matched with wealthy men, Peggy Ann is told to leave her village on the back of a large Black Bull. Peggy Ann’s acceptance of the Black Bull exemplifies her non-judgmental nature and her ability to see past the superficial. Later in the story, when Peggy Ann is forced to search for her lost love, readers can clearly see her perseverance and resolve.

Second, I liked how Huck used authentic historical details and language. For example, Huck writes, “Mother, bake me a bannock and roast me a collop.” The definitions of both Bannock (a flat cake made of oatmeal) and Callop (sliced bacon) are footnoted at the bottom of the page. Also, the illustrations of the various glens and castles creates a lush historical landscape. Even the the title uses traditional spelling (Norroway instead of Norway). Ultimately, these small details pay tribute to this folktale's origins. ( )

Scottish Tale