March 16, 2022Charming St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Children

St. Patricks Day and Backwoods Mama
Author: Josée Bergeron, Backwoods Mama
Backwoods mama St. Patrick is probably on of the most well known saints of all times and over time his feast day, celebrated on March 17th, has become known as a celebration of all things Irish, green and magical. Below is a list of charming St. Patrick’s Day picture books for children. This list includes books about Saint Patrick, Irish folktales as well as Irish themed stories. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are a few of our favourites books about St. Patrick:

A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski (ages 3-7)

Tralee and Tralah are rival towns, and have been for as long as everyone can remember. Every year they have a St. Patrick’s Day decorating contest and Tralah wins, but this year little Fiona suggests they paint the whole town of Tralee green. As the village folk paint away a small stranger arrives on St. Patrick’s Day looking for help. A lovely story about kindness and magic.

Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman (ages 4-8)

The story begins with big folk (humans) moving into Ireland and soaking up all the leprechaun luck floating in the air. To protect their luck the leprechauns sweep it up and store it away. Unfortunately, they scooped up too much and misfortunate fell on the land of Ireland. But all is not lost! A woman named Fiona uses her cleverness to get luck back. A fun story about luck, leprechauns and cleverness with charming illustrations.

Fin M’Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola (ages 5-9)

Fin M’Coul and his wife Oonagh are happy giants that live on Knockmany Hill, but they soon find out that Cucullin, the strongest giant around, wants to fight Fin. Fin thinks about running away but his wife cleverly helps him outwit Cucullin. A charming Irish tale brought to life by Tomie dePaola’s colourful illustrations.

Finn McCool and the Great Fish by Eve Bunting (ages 5-8)

Finn McCool is the biggest giant and greatest warrior around but he isn’t very intelligent. Finn asks the village wiseman to help him find wisdom. The old man tells him to find and eat a magical red salmon. A lovely story about kindness and wisdom.

Flying Feet: A Story of Irish Dance by Anna Marlis Burgard (ages 3-7)

Two champion dancers arrive in the village of Ballyconneely and each hopes to be the new village dancer instructor. The only way to figure out who will stay is by dance competition! Flying feet is a dazzling display of Irish dance and music in Ireland.

How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace (ages 3-7)

A silly story about how a leprechaun evades various traps, from the simple, to the fancy and the simply outrageous. A fun book for younger children.

Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola (ages 4-8)

Jamie O’Rourke is the lazily man in Ireland especially when it comes to growing potatoes. When his wife gets laid up in bed, unable to help, Jamie decides venture out and happens upon a leprechaun. The leprechaun gives him a magical seed that grows into the biggest potato in the world! But can he dig it out? A fun story based on Irish folklore.

Jamie O’Rourke and the Pooka by Tomie dePaola (ages 4-8)

Jamie O’Rourke, the lazily man in Ireland, is back in this funny sequel. Jamie’s wife Eileen leaves for a week and tells him the only things he needs to do is the dishes and some dusting. But Jamie is very lazy and soon there’s a mess… and a magical Pooka!

O’Sullivan Stew by Hudson Talbott (ages 5-9)

Someone has stolen the witch’s horse and because of her unhappiness misfortune has come to the town. Kate O’Sullivan has a plan to get the horse back and bring peace back to the village. The quest doesn’t go as planned and Kate must conjure up a story fit for a king. A stew of a story filled with wit and Irish charm.

Paddy and the Wolves: A Story about St. Patrick as a Boy by Steve Nagel (ages 4-7)

It’s morning and young Paddy has fidgety legs. His mother sends him outside to help Barra the shepherd and together they encounter the beauty and blessings of nature. But Paddy wanders into the woods alone and encounters a wolf! A sweet story about young St. Patrick.

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola (ages 5-8)

A beautifully illustrated story about the life of St. Patrick and some the legends and miracles told about him. A family favourite.

Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick by Cornelia Bilinsky (ages 4-7)

After becoming a missionary priest, St. Patrick returns to Ireland and tries to meet with the king. However, it’s the annual festival bonfire for the god of light and the king is too busy. With the help young Bevan, the goat herder, St. Patrick makes his own bonfire, which is against the law, and gets captured!

Ronan and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland by Marianne McShane (ages 5-8)

Young Ronan is washed shore after a wild storm on the Irish sea. Brother Declan discovers the boy and brings him to Abbey Bangor to regain his strength. Despite his ordeal Ronan is captivated by the song of the sea. Ronan longs to hear the song of the mermaid who saved him from the terrible storm. A beautiful Irish tale set long ago about the Mermaid Saint.

St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons (ages 4-8)

A lovely little book about the life of St. Patrick, one of our family favourites.

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting (ages 4-9)

It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Jamie wants to walk in the parade, so he sets out to prove that he is not too small to join in. A charming story with lovely illustrations by Jan Brett.

That’s What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting (ages 4-7)

The leprechauns have jobs to do, like putting a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they can’t help sowing mischief along the way. After all it’s what leprechauns do! A fun little tale with charming illustrations.

The Irish Cinderlad by Shirley Climo (ages 3-7)

An Irish Cinderella-style story about Decan, a lad with big feet, that’s filled with magic, a princess and a lost boot! Based on a Irish tale, but with a twist.

The Leprechaun’s Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards (ages 4-8)

Old Pat and Young Tom are both harpist. In fact, Old Pat taught Young Tom how to play but Young Tom has become selfish and boastful. As they journey together to take part in the king’s harping contest, Young Tom tries to sabotage Old Tom but a leprechaun calls for help and the tides change. A sweet story about kindness.

The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day by Patricia A. Pingry (ages 3-6)

A simple book about the origins of St. Patrick’s Day and how people celebrate today. Perfect for young children.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! by Lucille Colandro (ages 3 to 5)

A funny rhyming story about a woman that swallows all sorts of things. A quick charming read for younger children.

Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott (ages 5-9)

Tim O’Toole, his wife and their children are very poor and everyone avoids them. Tired of being poor his wife encourages Tim to find work. Instead Tim discovers wee folk and they give him gifts, but Tim looses his gifts to the unkind McGoon family. A silly story with a happy ending.

You’re My Little Lucky Charm by Natalie Marshall (baby to 2)

A charming board book with rhyming verse, perfect for toddlers.

Want more ideas for seasonal living? Join the Backwoods Mama Newsletter!

https://backwoodsmama.com/2022/03/celebrating-st-patricks-day-kids.html
https://backwoodsmama.com/2022/03/st-patricks-day-scavenger-hunt-bingo.html

Categories:

Recent Posts:

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *