Peter and the Piskies facts for kids
First edition (UK)
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| Author | Ruth Manning-Sanders |
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| Illustrator | Raymond Briggs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fairy Tales |
| Publisher | OUP (UK) Roy (US) |
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Publication date
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1958 (UK) 1966 (US) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 215 pp |
Peter and the Piskies: Cornish Folk and Fairy Tales is a special book from 1958. It's a collection of 34 exciting fairy tales from Cornwall, a beautiful part of England. Ruth Manning-Sanders gathered and retold these stories. The famous artist Raymond Briggs created the pictures for the book. This was the first of many fairy tale books by Manning-Sanders.
The author, Ruth Manning-Sanders, shared a secret about where these stories came from. She wrote that a wise old woman living by the sea told them to her. And who told the old woman? The piskies themselves! So, these tales have been passed down through many people, and now they are shared with you.
The stories in this book are full of amazing characters. You'll meet huge giants and brave saints. There are also tricky, mean spriggans. You'll find funny, laughing piskies. And don't forget the tiny, bearded knockers who work hard in the mines. People say the knockers get smaller every year!
This book first came out in the United Kingdom in 1958. Oxford University Press published it there. It took eight more years for the book to be released in the United States by Roy Publishers.
Contents
Discovering Cornish Folk Tales
This book is a treasure chest of stories from Cornwall. Cornwall is a unique place in England, known for its myths and legends. These tales often feature magical creatures and brave heroes. Ruth Manning-Sanders made sure these old stories would be enjoyed by new readers.
Meet the Magical Creatures
The stories introduce you to several interesting beings from Cornish folklore.
Piskies: Mischievous Little Folk
Piskies are small, playful creatures. They are known for being very mischievous. Piskies love to laugh and play tricks on people. They are a big part of the magic in these Cornish tales.
Spriggans: Tricky and Greedy
Spriggans are another type of fairy, but they are not as friendly as piskies. They are often described as thieving and spiteful. Spriggans like to guard treasure. They can also grow very large to scare people away.
Knockers: Mine Workers
Knockers are tiny, bearded folk. They live deep inside the mines of Cornwall. Miners believed knockers would either help them find valuable ore or warn them of danger. They are said to be very hardworking.
The Stories Inside
Peter and the Piskies contains 34 different tales. Each story offers a glimpse into the rich folklore of Cornwall. Some stories are about brave boys and girls. Others feature giants, mermaids, or even the Devil! The book is a great way to explore old legends.
Some of the stories you will find include:
- Peter and the Piskies
- Lutey and the Mermaid
- The Knockers of Ballowal
- The Giant of the Mount
- Duffy and the Devil
About the Creators
The book was brought to life by two talented people.
Ruth Manning-Sanders: The Story Collector
Ruth Manning-Sanders was a British writer. She was famous for collecting and retelling folk tales and fairy tales from around the world. Peter and the Piskies was her first book in this popular series. She made sure these old stories were fun and easy to read.
Raymond Briggs: The Illustrator
Raymond Briggs was a well-known British illustrator and writer. He created the pictures for Peter and the Piskies. His drawings helped bring the magical world of Cornwall to life. He is also famous for books like The Snowman.
Publication History
The book was first published in the United Kingdom in 1958. Oxford University Press released it there. It later came out in the United States in 1966. This shows how popular the book became, reaching readers in different countries.
