Richard O'Neill (2) (1962–)

Aboy’s dream gives his family hope.

Yokki and his family are Travelers, or Romani. They live in canvas tents, sell their handmade goods, and mend household objects when not working in the fields. Yokki has a special gift that is treasured; he tells “the best tales.” But one year, work is hard to find and money is scarce. Finally finding a place where they can rest, the family gathers around the fire and listens as Yokki tells a tale “from his dreams,” of a great horse called the Parno Gry. Still, things get worse for the Romani family as they are forced to sell almost all their possessions. Grandma, the Phuri Dai, agrees that a story about the horse will help lift their spirits. It is a tale of wonder, as the great white steed carries them all to a green land of plenty. And so the story remains with all the following generations, who “believe that as long as they value children’s imaginations, the Parno Gry will inspire them with new ideas and possibilities.” O’Neill, an honored Traveler storyteller from the British Isles, and Quarmby have collaborated on a gentle story of a different culture in which dreams inspire. Nelissen’s mixed-media illustrations are softly textured, colorful, and atmospheric.

A Romani story to share and treasure. (authors’ note, glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)

-Kirkus Review… (more)

Ossiri came from a family of "Tattin Folki" - Travelers who were rag-and-bone people, recycling material they collected - and she worked hard. But her secret dream was to be a musician. Creating her own instrument, a Tattin Django, from found elements, she set out to make music, only to be discouraged by her family's negative reaction. Then she found herself playing for the Bala Mengro - a hairy ogre - and making her fortune...

The second folktale retelling that I have read from traditional Romani storyteller Richard O'Neill and picture-book author Katharine Quarmby - the first was Yokki and the Parno Gry - Ossiri and the Bala Mengro offers an engaging tale from a culture that is all-too-often depicted in a negative light, especially in children's literature. I didn't enjoy Ossiri's story quite as much as Yoki's - there's just something very compelling about the tale of the Parno Gry, and how Yoki used storytelling to combat hunger and hardship - but I did appreciate its essential message about pursuing your passions, and remaining true to your creative spirit. Illustrator Hannah Tolson's artwork is colorful and appealing, with vivid hues - I liked the contrasting use of red and greenish-blue elements - and a kind of folksy sensibility that works well with the story. All in all, a picture-book I would recommend to anyone looking for folktales, stories featuring young musicians and/or ogres, and children's books with a Romani cultural background.… (more)

This is a modern fairy tale among the Romani people. It has a wonderful introduction about the Romani and Traveling people. The story shows the importance of recycling and of music to Traveling people. Ossiri is a girl who wanted to play an instrument, but her family couldn't afford one. So she went to the forest and made her own. When she started to play, everyone told her she was awful. So she went away from the camp to practice, despite warnings about the ogre in the cave. But the ogre liked her music and gave her a silver chain and later a gold chain. One day a stranger arrived, and when he heard her tales he stole her instrument and went to find the ogre so he, too, could become rich. But the ogre was angry, and he ran away leaving her instrument and his nice boots. The ogre liked her music because she played from the heart, not to impress or for gain.… (more)