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Dear Mr. Leprechaun: Letters from My First Friendship
Martin Nelson Burton
Illustrations by Clint Hansen
Burton captures the mystery and poignancy of an elusive friendship in this story of his own childhood correspondence with a leprechaun. From ages seven to eleven, he often wrote to the little man at bedtime and found an answer in the morning. The young narrator longs for the leprechaun to appear, perform magic, and whisk him off to Ireland, but each time the little fellow invents a new excuse. Younger children will enjoy hearing the rich, simple story as they locate the leprechaun on each page, while older children will pore over the replicated notes, searching for clues to the leprechaun's purposes and true identity. Whether the reader dwells in the magic or deduces that Father is fostering this friendship, the book satisfies. The unusual illustrations consist of construction paper cut into shapes, mounted in scenes, and photographed from intriguing perspectives. The textured surface conveys the sensation of a magical multidimensional world just beyond the flat page. Although the tone is nostalgic and the boy never meets his elfin friend, Mr. Leprechaun faithfully answers every letter and leaves behind a trace of his magical world. The boy survives the disappointment as he grows and develops other interests. Burton carries home a profound message without preaching: not all wishes will be satisfied in our relationships, but steadfast affection nourishes our deepest need. This exploration of the give-and-take of friendship is an obvious choice for St. Patrick's Day, and will resonate year-round. 2003, London Town Press, $17.00. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Ann Philips (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-9666-4900-1
El Dia De San Patricio 
Judy Zocchi
Illustrations by Rebecca Wallis
This book is part of the “Holiday Happenings” series. The text is in English and Spanish, with the exception of the enrichment pages at the end of the book. It is printed in a child-friendly font that looks as though a child handwrote the book. Fun facts and activities about the traditions and activities for St. Patrick’s Day are explained and illustrated very colorfully, with green the dominant color. Readers learn about St. Patrick and the holiday named after him. Key words and concepts are explained right on the page instead of in a glossary. The reader is directed to the publisher’s website to find activities that go along with this book. Teachers and parents will find that many of the ideas in the enrichment section can be used to enhance a child’s understanding of people in general and of the Irish culture in particular. Facts, discussion questions, and ideas for further research are mentioned in these topics: “Did you Know,” “Building Character,” “Culture Connection,” and “Try Something New.” A craft activity is included at the end of the book. Teachers and parents will want to have this book on hand to use in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. 2005, dingles&company, $15.50. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Liz Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-891997-40-8
Everything Irish
Anne Marie O'Grady
To make a St. Patrick's Day celebration plenty
of fun, try out some of the activities in O'Grady's book. Kids can
create and Irish thatched cottage, build a Laughing Leprechaun puppet
and make a drum to accompany Irish songs and dances. In addition
to the fourteen crafts, there are stories, historical anecdotes,
songs and plenty of pictures and illustrations. Kids will learn
about St. Patrick, St. Brigid and the legend of the Children of
Lir. Except for the cover the illustrations and photographs are
black and white, also there are a few terms that may not be familiar
such as polyfilla (playdough material) and sellotape) in the list
of supplies which tends to be quite general. An experienced crafter
or teacher will have no problem obtaining the materials or following
the directions. A great introduction to the Irish and Ireland. 1998,
Irish American Book Company, Ages 6 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Marilyn
Courtot
ISBN: 0-86278-557-X
A Fine St. Patrick's Day
Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by Tom Curry
Every year the towns of Tralee and Tralah compete for the trophy for the best decorated town on St. Patrick's Day. Try as it may, Tralee never wins. One year little Fiona Riley suggests they paint everything in town green (except of course the mailboxes and the fire hydrants.) Everyone is sure this will finally win them the trophy, where they will put Fiona's name. Meanwhile, on the day before St. Patrick's, the people of Tralah are busily cutting out shamrocks to decorate and hang from trees when an odd little man rides into town asking for help to pull his cows out of the mud. Everyone is too busy preparing for the contest to help. But when he asks the folks of Tralee, even little Fiona, despite the trophy, thinks helping him and his poor cows is more important than winning. Magically their kindness is rewarded, for the next day everything has been painted green for them. After winning the trophy, they decide simply to celebrate and enjoy the holiday in the future. The tale with a clear moral is told briskly with a hint of a brogue. The visual narrative shares the magical action with textured acrylic scenes of sculpturesque landscapes, buildings, and village folk. There's a doll-house look to the solid, undecorated houses, the undulating hills dotted with powder-puff sheep, the solid people. This is a new story with the feel of legend. 2004, Random House Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-375-82386-7
The Gold at the End of the Rainbow
Wolfram Hänel
Illustrated by Loek Koopmans
Translated by Anthea Bell
Brendan and his grandfather enjoy a special relationship.
While their lives are rich with love, they have concerns about day-to-day
living. Having finished their meager fare, and while it is raining,
Grandfather tells Brendan a special story about following the rainbow
after a storm to a magical island where a pot of gold can be found.
When they awake the next morning, they find both a rainbow and a
boat, and they set out on a journey. On the island, they find an
elder tree, the reputed home of leprechauns, and they begin digging.
While their trip does not yield a pot of gold, they do find cows,
pigs, and chickens in their shed the morning after. They also find
a never-emptying bottle of elderberry juice. The soft, dreamy hues
of the illustrations bring the magic of this story to life. 1997,
North-South Books, $15.95 and $15.88. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: . Mary
Sue Preissner
ISBN: 1-55858-692-X
ISBN: 1-55858-693-8
Good Luck! A St. Patrick’s Day Story
Joan Holub
Illustrated by Will Terry
Sentences that consist of two to four words constitute this story, but it works fairly well. Most of them are declarative with exclamation points, and there is a rhythm and rhyme to the text. There is also a very simple story. The ants in a St. Patrick’s Day parade spy a green ant and decide to follow him. They encounter clues related to the holiday—a shamrock, a rainbow, and a pot of gold, but in this case the gold is golden crackers--a real feast for the ants. A simple but effective first reader. 2007, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0955-2
ISBN: 1-4169-0955-9
The Irish
Karen Price Hossell, Book Editor
Perhaps no ethnic group has a more colorful yet painful history of immigration to North America than the Irish. Beginning during the years of the Great Potato Famines of the 1840s, millions of Irish citizens came to America and, to a much lesser extent, Canada. Upon arriving in North America, these Irish immigrants faced harsh discrimination and prejudice. But over many years, the Irish gained a firm hold on social, economic, and political life in their new homelands. Indeed, a case could be made that no other ethnic group has been more successful at achieving political power while holding fast to their cultural heritage. In this title, modern readers are provided source documents that chronicle the many phases of Irish immigration and assimilation in North America. Editor Karen Price Hossell has compiled information from varied sources that deals with topics such as the famine ships, bigotry against Irish immigrants, the role of the Irish in the American Civil War, Irish labor organizations, and many other areas. Also included are biographical sketches of successful Irish immigrants in various epochs. Hossell has crafted a fine resource book for youngsters interested in learning more about the tragic yet ultimately successful journey of the Irish to the New World. This title is part of the “Coming to America” series. 2005, Thomson Gale, $33.70. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2006 Supplement, 2006; H. W. Wilson Company; United States
ISBN: 0737721545
ISBN: 0737721553
It's St. Patrick's Day
Rebecca Gomez
Illustrated by Mary Morgan
Every March 17th is St. Patricks Day and for this reviewer it is special indeed, because it is also my birthday. All the trappings of what has become a pretty big day for fun in the US are described (for young readers-so no green beer). The kids dress up wearing green and in this case they look a little bit like leprechauns. They hunt for four leaf clovers, dance an Irish jig and even have some Irish stew. The drink green juice and listen to some Irish music, sing songs, parade around and just generally have a good time. The little lass has bright red hair and a very jaunty manner. The text is fairly simple and not particularly exciting although the illustrations show plenty of activity and enthusiasm and are much stronger than the text. There is really nothing outstanding about this offering-it is just a pleasant early reader with a focus on a special holiday. A "Scholastic Reader" Level 1. 2004, Cartwheel/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-439-44160-9
Jakers! The Lost Shamrock
Adapted by Alison Inches
Images by Entara Ltd.
Piggley and his friends are prepared to give a report in school about symbols representing St. Patrick’s Day. Ferny is a pot of gold, complete with a rainbow beanie, and Dannan is dressed like a leprechaun. Piggley has made an Irish harp. Just as they get ready to set out for school and their big report about Ireland, they remember that Mr. Hornsby had given them his special shamrock, but suddenly they realize that they have lost it. The remainder of the story details how they try and reconstruct their actions until they do indeed find the lucky shamrock. The story is amusing, but the pictures tend to be a little dark and not really crisp. Fans of the “Jakers!” probably will not mind. 2006, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-4067-8
ISBN: 1-4169-4067-7
Leprechaun Gold
Teresa Bateman
Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger
Donald O'Dell is a good-hearted man with no need
for riches. When he saves the life of a leprechaun, he surprises
the little man by refusing the leprechaun's offer of gold. The leprechaun
is determined that Donald should receive the gold. Their battle
of wills is a delightful story which ends happily for all and teaches
children a lesson about true riches. Litzinger's illustrations are
very well done, and children immediately begin to notice details
in the illustrations that add to their understanding of the story.
1998, Holiday House, $15.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Karen Porter
ISBN: 0-823-41344-6
The Leprechaun in the Basement
Kathy Tucker
Illustrations by John Sandford
Michael McKeever needs new baseball shoes for
the spring season, but his Dad is out of work and down of his luck.
Fortunately for the McKeever family, O'Leary the leprechaun lives
in their basement. Michael finds the leprechaun counting his beloved
gold, and while the leprechaun can't bring himself to share any
of it, he is able to surprise Michael one morning with a pair of
lucky green baseball shoes. A warm hearted St. Patrick's Day story
illustrated with full-page watercolor paintings. 1998, Albert Whitman,
$15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson
ISBN: 0-8075-4450-7
Leprechaun Luck: A Wee Book of Irish Wisdom
Compiled by Erin Gobragh
Illustrated by Catharine O'Neill
Thirty-eight Irish blessings comprise this wee book. Some of the illustrations come directly from the sayings and illustrate hearth, home and friends while others broaden the viewpoint. For example, accompanying the blessing "May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends" is a cartoon-style illustration showing folks hanging out the door and windows, and even a person sitting on the roof. "May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty" is illustrated with two girls jumping rope. The playful watercolor illustrations have soft edges. There is a simple border of shamrocks and blades of grass on the left and right sides of each page Some of the sayings are old and familiar, such as "May the road rise to meet you…," "May there always be work for your hands to do…," and the newly popular "Dance as if no one were watching…" There are several lesser known but heartwarming sentiments as well. A bit of Irish laughter will be heard upon noticing the author's name. The usual "Anonymous" has been replaced. This makes a nice little gift book for St. Patrick's Day, but no need to stop there. It will be appreciated any time of the year. 2003, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 8 and up, $8.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-85558-3
Leprechauns Never Lie
Lorna Balian and Lecia Balian
Ninny Nanny and Gram lived together in a cottage that was falling down around them. The young girl was a lazybones and would not fix the roof, gather wood for the fire, fill the water barrel or harvest the potatoes. Gram was a mite frustrated, but Ninny Nanny has decided that she is going to catch a leprechaun and the pot of gold will solve all of their problems. Amazingly, the girl did catch one or actually she tripped and fell on a leprechaun and would not let him go. Safely tied in the potato sack, she asks him where to find his gold. He tells her it is under the pile of straw and to get it out of the way, Ninny Nanny piles it all on the roof. Turns out it wasn't there and then the wee little man remembers that he moved it under a pile of wood, so Ninny Nanny ends up moved all of the sticks near the house. The gold is no where to be found and the leprechaun tells them that it is in the river. After filling the water barrel, he suddenly remembers that the gold is in the potato patch. Ninny Nanny digs up all but one of the plants and never discovers any gold, but does end up freeing the leprechaun because she needs the sack for the potatoes. Later that night he comes back and digs up the pot of gold from under the remaining potato plant-- "Aye, leprechauns never lie." Kids and adults will enjoy the lessons in this tale and the illustrations are perfect showing a mischievous leprechaun enjoying every minute of the work that Ninny Nanny is forced to undertake in her search for the gold. 2004 (orig. 1980), Star Bright Books, Ages 5 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-932065-37-7
The Leprechaun's Gold
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole
While the story of the good-hearted man know as Old Pat may not be that new, it is nicely told and delightfully illustrated. As the tale goes, Old Pat was a harpist and a very good one. In his village there was a fellow called Young Tom who was also a good harpist, he had actually be a student of Old Pat. He charged a lot of money to play at events while Old Pat usually played for free. The king announced a harping contest and the two set out to enter the contest. It is no surprise to the readers that Young Tom is a crafty and nasty fellow and thinks that he has ruined Old Pat's chance of winning the contest. Old Pat is consistent in his behavior and befriends a leprechaun. When the contest takes place his good deed pays off and he wins the prize. On the last page, illustrator Cole challenges readers to find the sixteen four-leaf clovers that he has hidden in the pictures. A pleasant addition to a library's St. Patrick's Day or Irish collection. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 7, $15.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-06-623974-5
The Littlest Leprechaun
Justine Fontes
Illustrated by Amanda Haley
While other leprechauns were making fairy shoes, Seamus was making new things, such as faster fairy wings and a bicycle that could fly. He forgot he was to help paint the town green on "St Patty's Day." Grabbing his paints and his flying bicycle, "Seamus streaked across the sky with colors beautiful and bright" and thus created the first rainbow. The glitter used on each page is the only sparkle this book has. Fairies with gossamer wings are not the usual kind of Irish fairy. There are stereotypes in the art, and the text is mundane. Part of the "Sparkle 'n' Twinkle Board Books" series, this has nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day or Irish culture. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 4, $4.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-85590-7
The Luck of the Irish
Margaret McNamara
Illustrated by Mike Gordon
The class is preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Katie, whose family is Irish, decides to make a shamrock for everyone in the first grade. Her parents describe what the shamrock looks like—three leaves that are heart-shaped. When Katie gets to school, her teacher pulls out a shamrock and shows it to the class, but it is nothing like Katie’s. It has four leaves and they are not heart shaped. After she shows hers to her teacher, they go and look up shamrocks and sure enough, Katie’s are correct. What the teacher has is a four-leaf clover. It is interesting but it sure does not say much for that teacher. A Level 1 book in the “Ready-To-Read” series which contains tips for parents and teachers on the inside cover. 2007, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1539-3
ISBN: 1-4169-1539-7
Lucky O'Leprechaun
Jana Dillon
In this St. Patrick's Day picture book, two Irish-American
kids, Sean (about eight) and Meghan (about ten) discover how to
outwit a leprechaun who lives in their grand-aunties' backyard.
While staying overnight with their aunties on St. Paddy's Day eve,
the children quickly learn from a couple of close calls with the
leprechaun that he is tricky. Although Aunties Moira, Bridget, and
Kathleen think the leprechaun search is futile, they cannot resist
their darlings' pleas to help set the ultimate trap to catch Himself.
This time when the children find him, instead of wishing for the
usual pot of gold, they wisely ask the little man to come back each
St. Patrick's Day and answer all their questions. The charm of this
story owes much to the three doting aunts, while the language of
the tale captures the Irish lilt and mannerisms. The book's illustrations
are of intense, contrasting colors and express the emotions and
quirks of all the characters, including the ornery leprechaun. 1998,
Pelican Publishing Company, Ages 4 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Carol
Collins
ISBN: 1-56554-333-5
Lucky O'Leprechaun Comes to America
Jana Dillon
Bridget, Kathleen, and Moira O'Sullivan have been living
in Ireland with their Uncle Patrick while their parents prepare a new
life for them in America. When it's time for the girls to join their parents,
their uncle secretly gives them the only things that he has of value,
the family heirlooms-a crown, a torque, and a bag of gold. Although the
girls want their uncle to join them, they are upset because he cannot
afford the trip. In a quest for gold, Lucky, a greedy and sneaky little
leprechaun, finds the gold that Uncle Patrick hid in the girls' suitcases.
But Lucky becomes trapped in one of them. Before the girls leave, they
find the gold heirlooms in the suitcases and leave them for their poor
uncle. Lucky, however, is not discovered. He becomes an unwilling stowaway
to America. He is found when the girls unpack their things at their parents'
house. Lucky grants the O'Sullivan girls three wishes. With these wishes,
they are able to have their Uncle Patrick join them in America and regain
their family heirlooms. The Irish dialect and vivid watercolor illustrations
integrated throughout the story add richness to this charming tale. 2000,
Pelican, $14.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marguerite E. Caines
ISBN: 1-56554-816-7
March
Robyn Brode
Month of the Year" is an early reader series designed to introduce kids to the twelve months that make up a year and to present the special holidays and characteristics of the particular month. Each book opens with a calendar page showing the number of days in the featured month. In March spring begins and the days and nights are about equal in length. The days grow warmer, but the temperatures can vary and often the winds are strong. March is also the month when St. Patrick's Day is celebrated. No mention is made about the origin of this holiday and kids only learn that wearing green is associated with the day--too bad, a little more information would have made sense. March is also the month when many kids have a spring break--time off from school to go on vacation or visit with friends and family. When this month ends April begins. The final pages contain a mini glossary, in this case three words, a list of the twelve months with March highlighted and on the final page the four seasons and a blurb about the author. Unfortunately the months that constitute each season are not show in the diagram. 2003, Weekly Reader, $18.60. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8368-3578-6
ISBN: 0-8368-3614-6
Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
Steven Kroll
Illustrated by Michael Dooling
The heartwarming story of young Mary McLean and
her happy bit o' luck runs over the surface of the book at a charming
pace. But caught within the wistful, misty artwork and captured
in the details is the touching story of the struggle of an immigrant
child. Her yesterday and tomorrow must be blended, what was there
and what is here must meld as this Irish lass adapts to being an
American. 1990, Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95 and $3.95. Reviewer:
Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-059-43701-1
ISBN: 0-590-43702-X
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth
Edition, 1993 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United
States
On Saint Patrick’s Day
Judy Zocchi
Illustrations by Rebecca Wallis
This book is part of the “Holiday Happenings” series. It is printed in a child-friendly font that looks as though a child handwrote the book. Fun facts and activities about the traditions and activities for St. Patrick’s Day are explained and illustrated very colorfully, with green the dominant color. Readers learn about St. Patrick and the holiday named after him. Key words and concepts are explained right on the page instead of in a glossary. The reader is directed to the publisher’s website to find activities that go along with this book. Teachers and parents will find that many of the ideas in the enrichment section can be used to enhance a child’s understanding of people in general and of the Irish culture in particular. Facts, discussion questions, and ideas for further research are mentioned in these topics: “Did you Know,” “Building Character,” “Culture Connection,” and “Try Something New.” A craft activity is included at the end of the book. Teachers and parents will want to have this book on hand to use in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. 2005, dingles&company, $15.50. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Liz Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-891997-39-4
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
Tomie dePaola
St. Patrick was the scion of a noble Roman family;
first kidnapped and enslaved by, later champion of the Emerald Isle.
That duel allegiance gives dePoala (half Irish, half Italian) a
romantic connection to the famous Bishop of Ireland. He demonstrates
his special attachment with all the glory of his distinctive and
popular stylized paintings, lovingly illustrating the adventures
in the life of the great saint. Well researched, this bright, engaging
picture book for younger children first tells the history and then
lists the legends that have grown over the centuries. 1992, Holiday
House, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-8234-0924-4
ISBN: 0-7175-0414-X
A Pot O'Gold
Selected and Adapted by Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by David McPhail
For those who may love Irish stories, literature and poems, this collection will be a real treasure. The opening map of Ireland is great because it puts all those place names into context. When you look at the map, you realize that most everyplace in Ireland is not very far from the sea and in addition to the sea there are hundreds of lakes and streams. It makes sense that many stories would relate to sea adventures and fanciful creatures such as selkies. The collection includes some familiar stories like the one about the man who captured a selkie and married her, but who eventually escaped back into the sea to resume her seal shape, the famous children of Lir, poems from some of Irelands well known poets such as James Joyce, Alfred Percival Graves and Robert Graves and stories from contemporary writers such as Eve Bunting. "For a country its size, Ireland has produced more poets and writers than any in the world." The collection has nine major sections and the last two focus on leprechauns and "The Blarney." The latter includes limericks and riddles as well as Irish curses. Every page is filled with delightful watercolor illustrations. Some showing the beauty of the land others are filled with humor or pathos as befitting the related story or poem. The source notes are extensive and this collection should be a welcome addition to any school or public library and a home where there may be some Irish ancestry. "Ireland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe-and the United States has some 44 million Irish-Americans," so there should be a huge audience for this fine compilation. 2004, Hyperion, Ages All, $19.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7868-0625-7
ISBN: 0-7868-2539-1
 Saint Patrick
Ann Tompert
Illustrated by Michael Garland
Saint Patrick, born a well-to-do Brit in the Fourth
Century, was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. He
escaped from his Irish master and found his way home to his family
in England. After a dream in which the Irish people called him back,
Patrick decided that God had chosen him to convert the Irish people
to Christianity. Although he was often homesick, Patrick remained
in his adopted country for over 30 years, baptizing and preaching.
He persevered despite being imprisoned and enslaved. And his legacy
was the faith he left behind, carried on to this day by those inspired
by his words. This visually appealing book contains text that is
part narrative and part dialogue, based on Patrick's letters. Children
likely will be awed by Patrick's remarkable story. 1998, Boyds Mills
Press, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
Tompert has used "Confession", one of two surviving
documents written by St. Patrick, to create a biography for the
elementary age child. At times Tompert quotes directly from "Confession",
using first person to convey Patrick's thoughts. We learn that as
a child, this eventual saint did not like to study or keep God's
commandments, qualities that make this man of legend seem more human.
From a family of substance, Patrick was enslaved by Irish pirates
at the age of 16, carried across the sea, where he spent the next
six years tending sheep and becoming closer to God through prayer.
There are other examples in this tale where prayer served the young
man, who eventually became a priest and returned to the land of
his captors to teach them about Christianity. The text is printed
on a parchment-looking background, with Celtic designs around the
border; the print is large and the text easy to understand. Garland's
use of vibrant tones adds richness to the mixed media illustrations
of the Irish landscape. The colors are blended in a wavy pattern
which heightens their intensity. 1998, Boyds Mill Press, Ages 5
to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 1-56397-659-5
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson;
United States
St. Patrick's Day
Jennifer Blizin Gillis
Several interesting facts can be gleaned from this book: the first American St. Patrick's Day celebration was held in Boston in 1737; "St. Patrick" was the secret password used by General George Washington on March 17, 1776; and St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. Well organized, it includes historical information on St. Patrick, the Irish in America, and symbols such as the shamrock, the harp and shillelagh. Color photos add additional information, not all of it accurate. Under the picture on page 5, the caption states that "the girl in the middle of the picture is wearing a shamrock on her pin." Actually, it is a four-leaf clover. Later in the book there is a whole chapter on the shamrock and its description states, it "is a small green plant with three leaves." In addition, the author says that "each leaf stood for a part of the Christian religion." This is a misleading description. In the presentation on the Irish in America, Gillis states that the American colonists welcomed people from Ireland. In the next chapter, she says that in the 1800s the Irish were treated cruelly in America. No explanation is provided about what caused the change. Includes a glossary, lists three books in the "More Books to Read" section, includes an Index and a table of Important Dates. Part of the "Holiday histories" series from Heinemann first Library. 2003, Heinemann Library, Ages 6 to 9, $22.79. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 1-4034-3504-9
Saint Patrick's Day
Natalie M. Rosinsky
Reading Adviser, Linda D. Labbo
The Let's See Library introduces young readers to a variety of subjects and this entry from the Holidays series focuses on the celebration of St. Patrick's Day in American and Ireland. Nine one-page chapters with easy-to-read text define St. Patrick--who he was, what he did, and the origins of the holiday. New or unfamiliar words such as shillelagh and Celtic are written in bold and defined in the glossary. Green borders around the colorful photos and white page numbers set within a green square lend a festive air to the book. For those who want to know more there is an appended list of resources including books and web sites. Part of the " Let's See" series. 2003, Compass Point Books, $ 18.60. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-7565-0394-9
St. Patrick's Day
Elaine Landau
Children who live in New York City or Chicago (site of grand parades) or are of Irish heritage no doubt have a full grasp of the significance of March 17. For most children the day may only mean a chance to wear green, eat green Jell-O, or decorate with shamrocks. This book helps put the whole day into perspective. Almost half of the book is devoted to giving dimension to St. Patrick and separating fact from legend. The final chapter looks at ways the day is celebrated from the traditional--eating hearty Irish stew- to the ridiculous--coloring the Chicago River green. A simple craft project--Leprechaun's Pot of Gold--is included. Although it calls for gold-colored pebbles to fill the pot, I for one would substitute gold foil-covered chocolates. A glossary defines unfamiliar words and the book includes a Reading About, Internet Addresses, and Index. What makes the book stand out above the ordinary is its careful design and layout. This visual appeal combined with a solid content makes this title in the "Finding Out About Holidays" series a winner. 2002, Enslow, $18.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-7660-1777-X
St. Patrick's Day
Mari C. Schuh
For very young children the concept of St. Patrick's Day probably does not extend beyond cutting out shamrocks and wearing something green. This little book will explain the holiday that has little relevance to young children. Simple text and crisp uncluttered color photos define the man behind the holiday and ways the day is celebrated in America from music and dance to food and large-scale parades. With a word count of only 136, this will be best used by pre-school and Kindergarten teachers in supporting units that relate to an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. The large print and word repetition is a boon to emerging readers. A Words to Know, Read More, Internet Sites, and Index/Word list support this slender volume, which is part of the "History and Celebrations" series. 2003, Pebble Books, $14.69. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer:
Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-7368-1448-5
St. Patrick's Day Alphabet
Beverly Barras Vidrine
Illustrated by Patrick Soper
On St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish, no matter his ethnic heritage. To ensure that every child can rightly claim the "wearin' o' the green," this book introduces elements of past and present Irish culture. The author presents cultural objects and concepts one letter at a time, particularly as they relate to St. Patrick himself and the religion he brought to the Emerald Isle. The alphabet ranges from the ancient Druids and the myth of St. Patrick driving all snakes from the island to the more contemporary annual parade in New York City and poet William Butler Yeats. Most of the non-religious letters define musical instruments and dance. The illustrations, like much of the text, are uninspired. Although a few objects are nicely rendered, most of the drawings offer little to ignite the child's imagination. Even the inclusion of the wee folk and leprechauns fails to capture the magic that is Ireland. 2001, Pelican Publishing Company, $7.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow
ISBN: 1-5655-4719-5
St. Patrick's Day: Day of Irish Pride
June Preszler
With a brief history of the saint and the introduction of the Irish celebration into America, the reader becomes acquainted with Irish culture. The theme is carried out with information on favorite foods, the shamrock, leprechauns, and parades. Capsules tell further facts, such as: “Green is the national color of Ireland.” An unusual story is told about dyeing the Chicago River green. Directions are given for making a leprechaun trap. Clear, brightly colored photographs, large print, simple vocabulary, and green chapter titles invite children into the text. There is a table of contents, glossary with pronunciation guide, lists for further reading, Web sites, and an index. Part of the “First Facts” series and “Holidays and Culture” extension, this is a resource for libraries for children. 2007, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7368-6398-8
ISBN: 0-7368-6398-2
St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks
Mary Berendes
Full-pages of shamrocks illustrate this topic.
Shamrocks grown in various areas of the world are shown, along with
the scientific explanations of photosynthesis and chlorophyll. Historical
information about the child who would become St. Patrick, how he
used this trefoil plant to explain the three beings in God to the
ancient Irish people, and brief statement about St. Patrick's Day
complete this introduction. Glossary, and index are included. 2000,
Child's World Inc., $22.79. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
The first section of the book discusses trefoils
(leaves that have three parts)--the plants that could be considered
shamrocks. They include hop clover, black medic, sorrel and white
clover. Regardless, the text then discusses why the plant is green
and the process of photosynthesis. Next it talks about St. Patrick's
Day and recaps the history of this saint and how he used the shamrock
to explain the holy trinity. Legend has it that it then became the
National Symbol of Ireland. On the last page there is a short glossary
and index. 2000, Child's World, $22.79. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn
Courtot
ISBN: 1-56766-643-4
The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh
Janet Nolan
Illustrated by Ben Stahl
The hunger and hopelessness of the potato famine forces young Fergus and his family to set sail for America. Before he leaves, Fergus cuts a branch from the blackthorn tree and on his journey whittles it into a fine shillelagh. Fergus works hard in America and every year on Saint Patrick's Day he tells the story of the shillelagh. One year he passes the stick and the story on to his son Declan, who in turn passes it on to his son. The story makes it way through the generations until Grandpa Garrett passes it on to Kayleigh and reminds her "a good story never has to end as long as someone remembers to keep telling it." This is a quiet, sweet story that is flat in its telling and obvious in its message. It does, however, stress the importance of heritage and might inspire readers to investigate their own family stories, which in turn should engender a respect for the contributions of the immigrant. Warm paintings aid in creating the mood and setting the time periods that are referenced in the brisk text. 2002, Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-8075-7344-2
Shawn O'Hisser, The Last Snake in Ireland
Peter J. Welling
This story is very loosely based on the legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland. Shawn O'Hisser is a snake who was visiting England and Whales (yes, not Wales) when the other snakes were driven out in a scheme involving Leprechauns. and a toad. To fully comprehend this part of the story, it is necessary to read through the book more than once. While the plot is aimless and some characters and scenes seem to be excuses only to make a joke, some of the tongue-in-cheek humor will be enjoyed by children as well as the cartoon-like illustrations. On every page, one of the animals in the illustration is saying a Gaelic word that relates to the scene. There is a glossary at the end with the meanings of all these words. 2002, Pelican Publishing, $14.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Carey Ahr
ISBN: 1-5898-0014-1
Too Many Leprechauns
Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
The quiet little town of Dingle, nestled among the rolling hills of Ireland, is upset. Hordes of leprechauns have swarmed in and the incessant tap-tap-tapping of their hammers as they make fairy shoes is driving the villagers crazy. It's up too clever Finn O'Finnegan to set things right. With a determined step he sets out and comes upon a scowling leprechaun named Dobb. Dobb is furiously tapping away and in between taps Finn learns that leprechauns have gold fever and the more fairy shoes they make, the bigger their mountain of gold becomes. How will Finn restore peace to the village without offending the sensitive leprechauns? Children will enjoy the magical twists and turns of this Irish tale and they'll never have to wonder about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow again. Full-page, colorful illustrations depicting whimsical leprechauns and magical rainbows are a perfect complement to the text. A delightful read-aloud, especially for St. Patrick's Day. 2006, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $12.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Cheri Stowers (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85112-X
That's What Leprechauns Do
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
It is the duty of leprechauns to put the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. So grumbling, Ari, Boo, and Col set out to do their job as the rain clouds gather, promising no mischief along the way. But they just cannot help their nature. So they stop to paint Pansy the cow’s hooves red, to knot the legs of Jamie’s long johns drying on the line, and to have Miss Maud Murphy’s hen, Birdie, surprise her with a tennis ball instead of an egg. But the rain soon produces a rainbow, so they hurry to dig up the pot of gold and place it at the end. As usual, nobody comes to find it. So they rebury the pot, smiling at the mischief they have done, and at Miss Murphy’s anger at the yellow tennis ball. McCully’s watercolors have a lightness appropriate for the harmless pranks of the charming traditionally-costumed, red-haired trio and for St. Patrick’s Day reading. The landscapes and rocky roads describe an Ireland believably suited for the tricksters and their magic. The artist makes all the characters more than stereotypes. A note on leprechauns and how and where to find them is added. 2005, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-35410-7
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