Pooka - Most people don't realize that modern day Halloween is derived from an ancient Irish festival that was brought over to the United States by Irish immigrants. Emer Martin's new book is a modern take on an ancient Irish folktale, launching just in time for Halloween. From the old Irish 'Puca, which means 'goblin', a Pooka is a shape-shifter and can take any form it chooses but usually it is seen in the form of a dog, rabbit, goat, goblin or even an old man. Traditionally a Pooka is seen as a dark, sleek horse with a long wild flowing mane and luminescent golden eyes. The central character in Pooka is Orla, a troubled young girl who often creates her own problems. When the mysterious, playful Pooka takes her on a wild ride up to the moon where she meets an even more-troubled witch, they all need to learn the art of cooperation so they can safely make it back to earth.
