Picture Books and Chapter Books to Celebrate the Luck of the Irish with your kiddos! This is a simple way to celebrate the holiday this year.
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to share some fun, festive reads with your kids. Whether you’re getting into the spirit of the season with shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold, or just looking to enjoy a cozy story, these St. Patrick’s Day-themed books will add a touch of magic to your celebrations. Here are some fantastic picture books and chapter books to read with your little ones this March.
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Picture Books to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
- “The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever!” by Teddy Slater
- A cheerful, easy-to-read story filled with Irish charm! In this book, a leprechaun is ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but a series of misadventures leads to fun surprises. This book is great for younger readers and perfect for sharing on a cozy afternoon.
- “St. Patrick’s Day” by Gail Gibbons
- This beautifully illustrated book explains the history of St. Patrick’s Day, from its origins to the modern-day celebrations. It’s informative yet engaging for young readers and serves as a wonderful introduction to the holiday.
- “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace
- A mischievous leprechaun is causing trouble, and children will love trying to figure out how to catch him! This story is lighthearted, full of clever rhymes, and sure to delight both kids and parents alike.
- “The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” by Natasha Wing
- This fun twist on the classic “Night Before Christmas” rhyme follows the antics of two kids preparing for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a perfect bedtime story to end the day with a smile.
- “That’s What Leprechauns Do” by Eve Bunting
- This delightful tale explores what a leprechaun gets up to on St. Patrick’s Day. Kids will love the lively illustrations and the whimsical adventure of the little leprechaun.
- “The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day“ by Mike Berenstain
- For the littlest leprechauns in your family, The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect choice. In this charming story, Brother and Sister Bear learn about the history and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day while they prepare for the holiday celebrations in Bear Country. With its sweet and simple story, bright illustrations, and age-appropriate content, it’s an ideal pick for toddlers and early elementary-aged kids.
- “You’re My Little Lucky Charm” by Nicola Edwards
- This sweet, heartwarming picture book is perfect for showing your little one how much they mean to you. With adorable illustrations and a gentle rhyming text, You’re My Little Lucky Charm expresses how a child is the lucky charm in their parent’s life. Full of love and warmth, it’s a lovely read for St. Patrick’s Day that focuses on family bonds and the special joy children bring into the world. It’s an excellent choice for parents looking to share a meaningful message with their little ones during the holiday season.
- “Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase” by James Dean and Kimberly & James Dean
- In this fun and festive addition to the Pete the Cat series, Pete the Cat goes on an adventure to catch a mischievous leprechaun. When Pete hears about a hidden pot of gold, he’s determined to find it, but he quickly learns that leprechauns are tricky and full of surprises! With its catchy rhythm, colorful illustrations, and Pete’s signature cool attitude, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s an exciting, lighthearted tale that combines adventure, humor, and the magic of the holiday.
- “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!” by Lucille Colandro
- This delightful addition to the There Was an Old Lady series brings the familiar rhyme to a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist. In this version, the old lady swallows a clover, setting off a chain of increasingly silly events as she swallows everything from a leprechaun to a pot of gold. With vibrant illustrations and a fun, repetitive pattern that young readers love, this book is both hilarious and engaging. It’s a perfect choice for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a playful and interactive story that will have kids giggling from start to finish.
- “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” by Tomie dePaola
- In this humorous Irish folk tale, Jamie O’Rourke, a lazy farmer, is given a magical potato that grows larger and larger until it becomes a massive, overgrown spud! When Jamie’s potato becomes too big to handle, he enlists the help of his wife, who’s much smarter and hardworking than he is. This charming story, filled with dePaola’s signature illustrations, teaches lessons about hard work, cleverness, and the value of helping others. With its fun storyline and lovable characters, Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato is a fantastic pick for St. Patrick’s Day and a great way to introduce kids to Irish folklore!
- “Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun” by Deborah Diesen
- In this delightful addition to the Pout-Pout Fish series, our favorite gloomy fish finds himself caught up in the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day! When Pout-Pout Fish discovers a magical clover, he’s convinced that luck is finally on his side. However, as he embarks on a quest to find a leprechaun, he learns that true happiness comes from sharing kindness with friends. With its signature rhyming text, colorful illustrations, and heartwarming message, Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun is a perfect read for young children looking to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in a fun and uplifting way.
- “Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons” by Drew Daywalt
- In this fun and festive addition to the Crayons series, the crayons are back to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! As with the other books in the series, each crayon has its own personality and perspective. In this story, they share their thoughts and experiences about the holiday, from the color green to leprechauns and pots of gold. The playful text and humorous illustrations offer a unique way to introduce kids to St. Patrick’s Day traditions while keeping the beloved crayon characters front and center. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons is perfect for young readers who love the colorful antics of Drew Daywalt’s crayons and want a fun, lighthearted story to mark the occasion.
- “Lucky Tucker” by Leslie McGuirk
- In this charming and heartwarming story, Tucker, a lovable dog, discovers that he’s been bestowed with good luck just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. As Tucker embarks on a day full of adventures, he encounters various situations where his good fortune helps him and his friends. With bright, cheerful illustrations and a simple, sweet storyline, Lucky Tucker is a perfect read for young children. It’s an ideal way to introduce the theme of luck during St. Patrick’s Day, while also showing how kindness and positivity can lead to wonderful outcomes. This book is a delightful addition to your holiday reading list!
- “The Littlest Leprechaun” by Brandi Dougherty
- In this delightful story, a tiny leprechaun named Finn is determined to prove that he can be just as lucky and clever as the bigger leprechauns around him. Despite his small size, Finn goes on a journey to show that even the littlest leprechaun can make a big difference. With a heartwarming message about believing in yourself and the power of perseverance, The Littlest Leprechaun is a perfect St. Patrick’s Day read for young children. The engaging text and adorable illustrations will captivate little readers, making this a sweet and uplifting addition to your holiday reading collection.
Chapter Books to Dive Into the Spirit of the Season
- “The Magic Tree House: Leprechaun in Late Winter” by Mary Pope Osborne
- If your children love the Magic Tree House series, this St. Patrick’s Day-themed adventure is a must-read! Jack and Annie travel to Ireland in this story, where they meet a leprechaun and explore the history and folklore surrounding the holiday. Perfect for kids who are ready to read chapter books on their own.
- “The Irish Cinderlad” by Shirley Climo
- A twist on the classic Cinderella story, this Irish folktale introduces readers to an Irish boy who must overcome the challenges in his life. With themes of magic, courage, and cleverness, this book is a great choice for older readers who want a St. Patrick’s Day-themed tale with a bit more depth.
- “The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow” by Sean Callahan
- In this heartwarming story, a leprechaun finds himself without his beloved rainbow. As he searches to find it again, he learns important lessons about perseverance, friendship, and what really makes life colorful. This chapter book will engage readers while still keeping the playful and magical tone of St. Patrick’s Day.
- “The Enchanted Castle” by E. Nesbit
- Though not directly related to St. Patrick’s Day, this classic novel is filled with magic, leprechaun-like creatures, and enchanting adventures that fit right into the spirit of the season. It’s an ideal chapter book for readers who are ready to explore a longer, whimsical tale.
Why Read St. Patrick’s Day Books?
Reading St. Patrick’s Day books with your children is not just about celebrating a fun holiday. These books can spark curiosity about Irish culture, history, and folklore, making it a perfect opportunity to teach kids about diversity and traditions in a fun, engaging way. Plus, the magical and whimsical elements found in many of these stories are a great way to fuel children’s imaginations!
So grab a cozy blanket, make some green snacks, and dive into these charming books with your kids this March. Happy St. Patrick’s Day reading!
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