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Books That Take You There: Ireland

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Ireland is famous for its grassy green fields, cliffs, countryside views, and one particular annual tradition that is celebrated throughout the world. In honor of St. Patrick's Day today, I've created a list of books about Ireland. Learn more about Irish myths, legends, and culture with these titles.


Written by Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007. Picture Book.

No list about Ireland would be complete without a book about leprechauns. Have you ever wondered why leprechauns hide their gold at the end of the rainbow? This book tells the story of Finn O'Finnegan, who returns to his village after a year away to find that it's been overtaken by leprechauns. He has to find a way to trick them into leaving without making them mad. This is a silly story that will work great as a read-aloud.


Written by Tomie DePaola
Putnam's Sons, 1992. Picture Book.

This classic picture book by Tomie DePaola, adapted from an Irish folktale, tells the tale of Jamie O'Rourke, the laziest man in all of Ireland who always sent his wife to the field to farm the crops. When his wife is unable to harvest the crops due to her bad back, he thinks they'll surely die. Luckily for Jaime, he stumbles upon a Leprechaun, who rather then giving him gold, gives him a seed for a giant potato.

Written by Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by Tom Curry
Dragonfly Books, 2004. Picture Book.

Every year the towns of Tralee and Tralah compete to see which town can dress their town up with the most beautiful St. Patrick's Day decorations, and every year the town of Tralah wins. This year though, Fiona has the best decorating idea ever, they're going to paint the whole town green! When a little man with pointy ears needs help getting his cows out of the mud the day before the competition is judged, the town has to decide if they would rather help the man or decorate their town. Kids will learn about helping their neighbor in this clever St. Patrick's Day read.


Retold by Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrated by Susan Mitchell
Marshall Cavendish Children, 2010. Informational.

In this picture book, based on a Celtic story told in Ireland and Scotland, there is an old woman who hates housework. She grumbles about every chore that she has to do, until a group of fairies hear her grumbling and decide to do her housework themselves. But after straightening up the house they decide it will be more fun to destroy it!


Written by Sarah Webb
Illustrated by Steve McCarthy
O'Brien Press, 2020. Informational.

Have you ever wondered what rhymes children in Ireland learn when they're young? Check out this book that will have some rhymes you're familiar with, and some traditional Irish rhymes you've probably never heard. It's beautifully illustrated which will make this book a hit with young children and their caregivers!


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