The Reading Bug

A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski  Ages 5 to 8 is my second favorite St. Patrick’s Day book.  It is one of the most beautifully illustrated paperback books that I have read—I would describe the art as primitive Irish folk art.  The story may not be an Irish folk tale, but it is certainly written in the tradition of Irish folk tales.  It tells the story of two towns, Tralee and Tralah, that compete each year for the best St. Patrick’s Day decorations, but Tralah always wins.  One year a wee  Tralee lassie named Fiona has a wonderful idea for decorations that the entire town believes will change their luck, but when a little man with large ears asks for help, the Tralee townspeople are forced to decide between decorating their town and helping the little man.  You and your children will love reading this book to find out what happens (I can assure you that everyone lives happily ever after).  I bought this book for my great-niece, a wee little Irish lassie named Fiona too.  A great picture book for ages 4 to 8.

St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons  tells the story of St. Patrick’s life and provides information about how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. There are decorations from shamrocks to shillelaghs. People give cards, share meals, and wear green to honor Ireland.  The book also includes six legends about St. Patrick.  Ages 5 to 8.

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting is a beautiful book about St. Patrick’s Day and about overcoming low expectations and self-empowerment.   It’s a great story for any child who has been told he or she is too small, too weak, or too short. Award-winning illustrator Jann Brett works her magic with mostly black/white (and green) drawings to keep the story engaging for young children.  Ages 4 to 8.

Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk is the story of Tucker, a dog who woke up on the wrong side of the bed one St. Patrick’s Day, but his luck changed when a leprechaun spied him rolling in a bed of four leaf clovers.  This book isn’t about St. Patrick, and it definitely isn’t an Irish folk tale, but it’s a fun, green book about a very lucky dog.  If you enjoy it,  there’s a book about Tucker at Christmas (Ho, Ho, Ho, Tucker!) at Halloween (Tucker’s Spooky Halloween).  Ages 2 to 5.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! by Rebecca Gomez is a Reading Level 1 book suitable for very early readers.  Beautiful illustrations compliment easy-to-read rhyming text as children celebrate St. Patrick’s day by dressing in green outfits to dancing an Irish reel, from finding a four-leaf clover singing Irish songs and marching in a parade. Ages 4 to 6.