The Luck of the Irish?

St. Patrick's Day in the Morning

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Jan Brett

Summary: This story is set in a village in Ireland. The young character Jamie wakes up on St. Patrick's Day full of excitement. He see all of the parade costumes set up for his brothers but is told that he is too young to make it up Acorn Hill. Jamie decides to prove them wrong. He sets out with hid dog Nell and his trusty flute to prove to everyone that he can make it up the hill. It's a very simple and sweet story of a little boy showing his determination.

"It's not fair Nell," Jamie Donovan said to his sheepdog. "I want to walk in the parade, too. They say I'm too small--that I couldn't get to the top of Acorn Hill alone. But what do they know?"

Ages 4-9

Use to teach: Ireland, St. Patty's Day, Hard work and Determination

O'Sullivan Stew
Author: Hudson Talbot

Summary: Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven's horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. Kate ends up not saving the day but getting her family in trouble. Kate decides the only way she can save her family is to tell a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a fun book with with all sorts of turns and unexpected ideas. This book is definitely better for older readers, it has more words and pages but the pictures are fun and a younger child may enjoy looking at them.

"The king looked glum. 'I'd like to agree,' he said slowly, 'if only I could. But you've pushed me too far with this tale about your father. I am tempted to reward you simply for your vivid imagination. But really, Miss O'Sullivan, who in the world would ever believe such a far-fetched story about him?'"

Ages: 5 and up
Use to teach: Ireland, St. Patty's Day, Tall Tales


Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Author: Steven Kroll
Illustrator: Michael Dooling

Summary: Mary Mclean's family has moved to America after thier potato crop in Ireland failed. Now all she wants to do is to ride with Mr. Finnigan on his horsedrawn cart in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. All she has to do is to find the perfect shamrock and her wish will come true. A very cute story of a little girl's wish filled with beautiful illustrations.

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Ireland/Irish, St. Patty's Day, Immigration to America

I thought it would be fun to provide a few perfect stories to go right along with your St. Patty's Day pinching. To be honest I haven't read very many St. Patrick's Day stories and was unaware of how many there really were. But there is a wide variety of stories that are both fun and entertaining. Unfortunately Rose has been feeling a little under the weather so we weren't able to go and investigate our finds a bit more, but I still have a few you can try to find for yourselves. Also you can go to the apples 4 the teacher site on the side and then to St. Patrick's Day to find some more titles if you are feeling in the spirit. These books tend to go to a little bit older children from at least 4 or 5 up but I think any child will still enjoy the pictures and the books. Good Luck finding something fun for your little leprechauns!