Fun Books to Read for St. Patrick’s Day
“Wherever you go and whatever you do,
may the luck of the Irish be with you.”
-Irish Blessing
Sadly, we’ve been trying to catch a leprechaun for years to no avail. But this year, we stocked up on St. Patrick’s Day books (including some recs from one of the boys’ teachers from Ireland), gathered some friends to make traps on a rainy evening, and have a couple of secret ingredients those gold-hoarding tricksters never saw coming: honey and maple syrup. (We’re waiting until Sunday night to add the final ingredients so we don’t also catch an ant infestation.)
How to Build a Leprechaun Trap by Larissa Juliano
If your kids are determined to finally catch a leprechaun this year, this book turns that dream into a full-blown engineering project. Packed with creative ideas, it walks kids through multiple trap designs using simple household materials and playful step-by-step instructions. After the first read, the boys immediately got to work crafting traps ten days out from the big day.
A Fine St. Patrick's Day by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by Tom Curry
How to Build a Leprechaun TrapIn a tale of community spirit, two rival towns learn the true meaning of celebration and kindness during their annual St. Patrick's Day decorating contest.
The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Paul Meisel
Discover how a clever leprechaun and a hardworking man form an unlikely friendship, proving that cooperation brings unexpected rewards.
St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons
This informative book introduces young readers to the history, traditions, and symbols of St. Patrick's Day, making it both educational and festive.
Finn McCool and the Great Fish by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Zachary Pullen
Dive into Irish folklore with the story of Finn McCool, whose quest for wisdom leads him to a magical encounter with a legendary fish.
That's What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Follow three mischievous leprechauns as they embark on a journey to hide their pot of gold, causing playful mayhem along the way.
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folktale by Tomie dePaola
Enjoy the humorous tale of Jamie O'Rourke, the laziest man in Ireland, whose encounter with a leprechaun leads to an enormous potato and unexpected consequences.
Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk: An Irish Tale by Gerald McDermott
Join Tim O'Toole on his adventure after he meets the wee folk, who gift him magical items that change his fortune in surprising ways.
Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk
After rolling in a patch of lucky clovers, Tucker the dog experiences the luckiest day ever, making this a charming tale of good fortune.
Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola
This beautifully illustrated biography tells the life story of Saint Patrick, exploring his journey from captivity to becoming Ireland's beloved patron saint. I’ve been learning the history of this holiday right alongside my kiddos!
St. Patrick’s Day by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by LSt. Patrick’s Dayizzy Rockwell
This is a wonderful introduction to the traditions behind St. Patrick’s Day, and even my 7-year-old who is very familiar with them loved it! In the book, a class spends the day celebrating Irish culture, learning the story of St. Patrick, dancing jigs, planting shamrocks, and baking soda bread. It’s a simple, cheerful read that helps kids understand where the holiday comes from and why people celebrate it. I especially love pairing it with some of the sillier leprechaun stories on this list, so kids get both the history and the magic of the holiday.
A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by Tom Curry
This Irish folktale-style story follows two rival villages, Tralee and Tralah, who compete each year to see who can decorate their town best for St. Patrick’s Day. But when a mysterious little man arrives asking for help, the people of Tralee choose kindness over competition and discover that generosity can bring a little magic of its own. This has been a favorite of ours for years!
While you’re reading through the list, don’t forget to make your leprechaun traps!
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