The Hound of Ulster: A Bloomsbury Reader: Grey Book Band

By Malachy Doyle and Erin Brown

Book Band: Grey (ideal for ages 8+)

A thrilling retelling of the traditional Irish legend of Cúchulainn written by Malachy Doyle.

Young Setanta, the son of poor shepherds, is determined to impress the mighty king of Ulster with his strength and bravery and to join the Red Branch Knights. He could easily beat the other warriors at hurling. He could even triumph over them in a fight. But can he defeat the ferocious hound of Ulster, the smith Culann's menacing guard dog, and prove his worth?

This page-turning story from Malachy Doyle, based on the traditional Irish folk tale, has exciting black-and-white illustrations by Erin Brown and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.

The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.

'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed … Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Aug 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781472989956

Malachy Doyle

MALACHY DOYLE worked in advertising and as a teacher for children with special educational needs before writing children's books. He is the author of more than seventy books for children. Malachy Doyle lives in Ireland on a tiny island off the coast of Donegal, where he works full-time as a children's author. Malachy's picture book Owen and the Mountain was a runner-up for the Children's Book Award. Malachy also writes award-winning fiction, including Georgie and Who Is Jesse Flood? www.malachydoyle.com

Book preview

To Louis Isaac Cuchulainn, he of the bark most tuneful

Contents

Setanta’s Dream

The Young Warriors

Big Talk

Setanta and the Beast

Cuchulainn

Chapter One

Setanta’s Dream

Setanta always liked to dream big.

I’m going to be famous, he boasted to his mother, when he was only six years old. I’m going to be a Red Branch Knight!

Don’t be silly, child, said his mother, laughing. For one thing you’re too young, for a second you’re too small and for a third we can’t afford weapons.

Setanta was sad, then, but his mother put her arm around him. Only the children of nobles become warriors, love, she told him. The great king of Ulster, Conor Mac Nessa, would never have one such as you! You’ll grow up to be shepherd, like the rest of our family. Now fetch me some wood for the fire and put such thoughts from your mind.