Learn the history and culture behind St. Patrick’s Day! This book list includes nonfiction and historical accounts of Ireland as well as children’s books to read together that will bring the holiday to life.
Shute, Linda
1988
Clever Tom Fitzpatrick thinks his fortune is made when he captures a leprechaun and forces him to reveal the hiding place of his gold, but the leprechaun is clever too.
Wojciechowski, Susan, author
2004
Two towns, Tralee and Tralah, compete in an annual St. Patrick's Day decorating contest which Tralah boastfully always wins, but when their hearts are put to the test by a little man with pointed ears, Tralee wins with no effort at all.
Bunting, Eve, 1928-
2010
Irish giant Finn McCool is told that in order to become wise he much catch and eat the salmon that possesses knowledge, but Finn finds that he cannot bring himself to kill the miraculous fish.
Carroll, Yvonne.
1994
An illustrated collection of traditional Irish tales.
Hodges, Margaret, 1911-2005.
1993
When a poor Irish peddler follows the instructions given to him by Saint Patrick in a dream, his life is greatly changed. Includes background on Saint Patrick and on the origin of the story.
Barth, Edna.
2001
An account of the folklore, fancy, and traditions which have provided the diverse symbols of St. Patrick's Day.
Gnojewski, Carol.
2004
Provides information about the origin and customs of St. Patrick's Day, ideas for celebrating this holiday, and directions for making such crafts as an Irish shamrock, a Blarney Stone, Celtic jewelry, and Wee Ones puppets.
Berendes, Mary.
2000
Describes the tiny green plants known as shamrocks, the customs and origins of St. Patrick's Day, and how the shamrock became the national symbol of Ireland.
Nolan, Janet.
2002
On his way from Ireland to America to escape the potato famine, young Fergus carves a shillelagh from his favorite blackthorn tree, and each St. Patrick's Day for generations, his story is retold by one of his descendants.
Rockwell, Anne F.
2010
Mrs. Madoff's students celebrate Saint Patrick's Day by giving class presentations about the history of the holiday and Irish traditions and culture.
Doyle, Malachy.
2000
Enchanting stories include The Children of Lir, Fair, Brown, and Trembling, The Twelve Wild Geese, Lusmore and the Fairies, Son of an Otter, Son of a Wolf, The Soul Cages, and Oisin in Tir na nOg.
