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The Leprechaun's Gold
Based on a classic Irish folktale, this is the perfect picture book to share on St. Patrick’s Day. In this classic Irish legend, two harpists—merry-hearted Old Pat and ill-spirited Young Tom—set off for a contest to name the finest harpist in all of Ireland. When Young Tom realizes that Old Pat is truly the better musician, he schemes to be the winner—but he doesn't reckon with the clever trickery of a mischievous little leprechaun. Celebrated picture book creators Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole have imagined a joyful and fanciful tale with a priceless lesson.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Pamela Duncan Edwards
61 books22 followersPamela Duncan Edwards is a British-born children's author living in the United States. She has written over forty picture books published in both the U.S. and the U.K., known for their playful language and engaging storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 21, 2023
Old Tom’s courage and kindness are challenged by a younger up-and-coming arrogant musician. Who will win the Royal Palace contest for best musician?
And will everyone play fair?
And will everyone play fair?
March 15, 2010
A nice story about a kind-hearted old man and the selfish, upstart young man both of whom are traveling to the castle to compete in the harp competition. As we might expect, the old man is rewarded for his kindness in helping a leprechaun while the young man has bad luck for ignoring the leprechaun and sabotaging the old man. It's nothing outstanding but still a pleasant story and better than some of the leprechaun-themed ones I've read.
March 5, 2017
"The Leprechaun's Gold" by: Pamela Duncan Edwards is an Irish legend which tells the tale of two well known harpists in Ireland. One of the harpists, Old Pat, is a very experienced and good at playing the harp, but doesn't have a lot of money. The other, Tom, is younger than Pat, but he believes he is better at playing the harp. Both Pat and Tom decide to audition in a harping contest hosted by the King. The night before the audition, Tom snapped a string on Pat's harp, so that he wouldn't be able to preform in the contest. That same night, however, a leprechaun approaches Tom and Pat and needs help because a rabbit is holding his foot. Old Pat helps the leprechaun and, in turn, the leprechaun fixes Pat's harp and breaks the strings on Tom's harp. The next day, when Tom starts playing the harp in the contest, he realizes his strings are broken. Pat then has a turn to play and he ends up winning the contest.
This Irish legend embodies an important theme regarding misbehaving and the possible consequences which can occur because of poor choices that are made. Even though this book involves magical creatures such as leprechauns, it still portrays an important lesson for children to understand. I think successfully written fairytales and legends have to be mystical, but somewhat realistic at the same tine. This legend is one in which I would use in my classroom in the future because I think it would be a good way to introduce students to folk and fairy tales because it's not completely unrealistic.
This Irish legend embodies an important theme regarding misbehaving and the possible consequences which can occur because of poor choices that are made. Even though this book involves magical creatures such as leprechauns, it still portrays an important lesson for children to understand. I think successfully written fairytales and legends have to be mystical, but somewhat realistic at the same tine. This legend is one in which I would use in my classroom in the future because I think it would be a good way to introduce students to folk and fairy tales because it's not completely unrealistic.
August 18, 2022
An engaging tale that shows strength of character is more to be had than riches.
Colorful illustrations and hidden four-leaf clovers hidden throughout the book make this a fun one for the kids!
Ages: 3 - 8
Colorful illustrations and hidden four-leaf clovers hidden throughout the book make this a fun one for the kids!
Ages: 3 - 8
December 31, 2018
Good wins in the end!
March 23, 2026
Great little story.
March 17, 2012
The Leprechaun's Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole is the story of a musical duel where kindness beats cunning, with an assist from a leprechaun.
Cole's illustrations feature lots of green along with blue, gold and brown. My favorite images are Pat hiking to the palace past sheep, and discovering the gold harp.
The morals of being kind, and that selfishness and scheming may be punished, are humorously told. This is a pleasant tale with leprechaun magic. Pat is akindly main character to root for. Hunting for the 16 four-leaf clovers pictured will involve some readers. I enjoyed the mostly realistic portrayal of people, birds and sheep. I found the more cartoonish portrayal of the leprechauns and the rabbit to be too much of a contrast. I still give this 3.5 stars.
For ages 4 to 7, multicultural, Ireland, leprechauns, honesty, greed, kindness, cunning, and fans of Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole.
Cole's illustrations feature lots of green along with blue, gold and brown. My favorite images are Pat hiking to the palace past sheep, and discovering the gold harp.
The morals of being kind, and that selfishness and scheming may be punished, are humorously told. This is a pleasant tale with leprechaun magic. Pat is akindly main character to root for. Hunting for the 16 four-leaf clovers pictured will involve some readers. I enjoyed the mostly realistic portrayal of people, birds and sheep. I found the more cartoonish portrayal of the leprechauns and the rabbit to be too much of a contrast. I still give this 3.5 stars.
For ages 4 to 7, multicultural, Ireland, leprechauns, honesty, greed, kindness, cunning, and fans of Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole.
July 24, 2020
Old Pat is humble and plays his harp for free but young Tom is greedy and arrogant and plays his harp just as well but for monetary gain. The story was a bit communistic, it teaches that you should give your art for free without charge whatsoever. By this logic, modern people do not patronize the arts and the artists starves, ergo, no one wants to become an artist and art slowly dies.
It's not really a lesson that you want to teach your children, to learn a trade, give and expect it to be given for free. The drawings are nice though.
It's not really a lesson that you want to teach your children, to learn a trade, give and expect it to be given for free. The drawings are nice though.
November 26, 2020
Teaches you to practice your trade for free, undermining the arts.
March 24, 2026
I found The Leprechaun’s Gold in a recommended list of books for St. Patrick’s Day, and it turned out to be the cutest little picture book. Written by Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrated by Henry Cole, this kids’ picture book is a timeless tale of kindness overcoming cleverness; it’s a bit predictable and simplistic, but the artwork is incredible and the Irish vibes are very endearing.
Old Pat, a merry and kind-hearted harpist in a small Irish village, plays the harp for his friends simply for the joy of playing, which frustrates his selfish, greedy protégée Young Tom. When the King announces a contest to find the finest harpist in Ireland, both Pat and Tom decide to travel to the palace to compete, but Tom, fearing Pat’s maturity and skill, sabotages his mentor’s harp while they spend the night in the forest on their journey. Pat, however, rescues a leprechaun that same night, and in return, he is granted a special gift:
Edwards writes in a voice distinctly reminiscent of a traditional Irish folktale spinner in The Leprechaun’s Gold, and she tells a story that incorporates the themes of many older, similar stories. All the components of a traditional leprechaun story are here: the honorable but beleaguered protagonist, the emphasis on folk music, the tricky nature of the leprechauns, their patronage and obstruction of the humans they encounter, the golden gifts, and the royal rewards. The story is perhaps a bit too short to really be memorable or original, but Edwards does a good job of capturing the magical flavor of a leprechaun story. Henry Cole’s illustrations are adorable and cozy, featuring stylized but fairly realistic characters and a host of green, gold, and rainbow colors to match the setting. I loved all the different nature-themed page borders Cole incorporated — clovers, flowers, leaves, mushrooms, berries, stones, and even some Celtic-inspired patterns. There’s also a fun little activity at the end of the book in which the reader is challenged to find the sixteen four-leaf clovers hidden throughout the book (I’m not gonna lie; I found twelve and spent way too long looking for the other four, so hopefully your kid is smarter than I am).
There really isn’t all that much unique substance to The Leprechaun’s Gold — though the lessons taught are earnest and important, they are the same lessons you can find in practically any children’s book. Old Pat represents all the positive virtues (kindness, generosity, honesty, etc.) in addition to exceptional harping skills, while his counterpart Young Tom is deceitful, selfish, cowardly, and mean-spirited as well as less talented. Though Young Tom takes advantage of Old Pat’s kindness, Edwards emphasizes a sort of divine justice, an idea that the supernatural forces of the world will reward good and punish evil. Some reviewers have raised red flags about the apparent message that artists should offer their art without expecting compensation, but I think that’s reading into the book a bit too much.
Edwards presents a story full of the classic virtues — the pure of heart will be rewarded and the deceitful will be punished; you can trick other people but you can’t trick the little people; respect for masters of the arts is never misplaced; it’s good to share your talents with others for the sheer purpose of bringing them joy; etc. Obviously the message of The Leprechaun’s Gold is a bit idealistic and simple, but it’s pleasant and features some gorgeous Irish-inspired artwork kids are sure to enjoy.
Link to The Leprechaun’s Gold on Internet Archive
Old Pat, a merry and kind-hearted harpist in a small Irish village, plays the harp for his friends simply for the joy of playing, which frustrates his selfish, greedy protégée Young Tom. When the King announces a contest to find the finest harpist in Ireland, both Pat and Tom decide to travel to the palace to compete, but Tom, fearing Pat’s maturity and skill, sabotages his mentor’s harp while they spend the night in the forest on their journey. Pat, however, rescues a leprechaun that same night, and in return, he is granted a special gift:
Edwards writes in a voice distinctly reminiscent of a traditional Irish folktale spinner in The Leprechaun’s Gold, and she tells a story that incorporates the themes of many older, similar stories. All the components of a traditional leprechaun story are here: the honorable but beleaguered protagonist, the emphasis on folk music, the tricky nature of the leprechauns, their patronage and obstruction of the humans they encounter, the golden gifts, and the royal rewards. The story is perhaps a bit too short to really be memorable or original, but Edwards does a good job of capturing the magical flavor of a leprechaun story. Henry Cole’s illustrations are adorable and cozy, featuring stylized but fairly realistic characters and a host of green, gold, and rainbow colors to match the setting. I loved all the different nature-themed page borders Cole incorporated — clovers, flowers, leaves, mushrooms, berries, stones, and even some Celtic-inspired patterns. There’s also a fun little activity at the end of the book in which the reader is challenged to find the sixteen four-leaf clovers hidden throughout the book (I’m not gonna lie; I found twelve and spent way too long looking for the other four, so hopefully your kid is smarter than I am).
There really isn’t all that much unique substance to The Leprechaun’s Gold — though the lessons taught are earnest and important, they are the same lessons you can find in practically any children’s book. Old Pat represents all the positive virtues (kindness, generosity, honesty, etc.) in addition to exceptional harping skills, while his counterpart Young Tom is deceitful, selfish, cowardly, and mean-spirited as well as less talented. Though Young Tom takes advantage of Old Pat’s kindness, Edwards emphasizes a sort of divine justice, an idea that the supernatural forces of the world will reward good and punish evil. Some reviewers have raised red flags about the apparent message that artists should offer their art without expecting compensation, but I think that’s reading into the book a bit too much.
Edwards presents a story full of the classic virtues — the pure of heart will be rewarded and the deceitful will be punished; you can trick other people but you can’t trick the little people; respect for masters of the arts is never misplaced; it’s good to share your talents with others for the sheer purpose of bringing them joy; etc. Obviously the message of The Leprechaun’s Gold is a bit idealistic and simple, but it’s pleasant and features some gorgeous Irish-inspired artwork kids are sure to enjoy.
Link to The Leprechaun’s Gold on Internet Archive
April 10, 2019
The Leprechaun's Gold, is about an old man and his way of living and sharing his music verses the way a young man wants to share his music. The old man want to play for free he does not need to be rich in money he would rather be rich in friends, where the young man dose not understand why the old man won't play for money. The young man gets greedy with wanting to be the best so he can become rich which is when his harp strings break and he can no longer play the harp in the contest. The underlying message in this story is to share your gifts with the world because you enjoy your talent not because you want to make money. This story also tells old Irish legends like how leprechauns treat travelers they find in the woods, and an old legends about two harpist. This book would be a good book to read aloud around St. Patricks day, so students can learn more about the Irish culture and why the Irish celebrate St. Patricks day. The teacher could assign an art project with the book where students could create their own leprechaun.
February 18, 2023
Right away, Pamela Duncan Edwards sets the tone of a fairy tale and starts to convey a sense of place, that small village in Ireland. And this village (and tale) comes with its own villain, too; materialistic "Young Tom." Okaaaay, here we go, with special adventure sure to follow.
The story developed beautifully. Especially, I loved this sentence: "Old Pat's kindness of heart proved stronger than his fear of leprechaun tricks." Such wisdom is here, and it thrills me to encounter such an uplifting message included in a picture book.
Oh, there was also a beautiful ending to this tale, with music that "filled the people's hearts with joy and their lips with laughter." (Regarding specific details, no spoiler from me, no no!)
IN CONCLUSION
Pamela Duncan Edwards is an extraordinarily prolific and successful writer of children's books. Yet I have trouble recognizing her work - her voice - her intent - from one book to the next. I wish all of her books were as meaningful as this one. Such an inspiration!
The story developed beautifully. Especially, I loved this sentence: "Old Pat's kindness of heart proved stronger than his fear of leprechaun tricks." Such wisdom is here, and it thrills me to encounter such an uplifting message included in a picture book.
Oh, there was also a beautiful ending to this tale, with music that "filled the people's hearts with joy and their lips with laughter." (Regarding specific details, no spoiler from me, no no!)
IN CONCLUSION
Pamela Duncan Edwards is an extraordinarily prolific and successful writer of children's books. Yet I have trouble recognizing her work - her voice - her intent - from one book to the next. I wish all of her books were as meaningful as this one. Such an inspiration!
June 10, 2023
Old Pat is the finest harpist in all of Ireland. He once taught Young Tom how to play and now Tom haughtily thought HIMSELF to be the best harpist in all of Ireland. Then one day a sign was posted up on a wall that called all harpists to the King's royal palace to compete for the prize of being the finest harpist in all of Ireland! (I said that thrice and feel like it's too much 😜) Tom and Pat set off together towards the palace. Then Tom secretly breaks one of Pat's harp strings. He is so sad because he can't afford to buy a new one. That night, they hear a cry of help. Tom, selfish as he is, will not go and see who is in need. Pat, on the other hand, went immediately to see what had happened. It turns out that a leprechaun needed help! What will happen next? I just realized that that was a very chaotic summary and I assure you that the story is much more clear. The illustrations are beautiful! This is definitely one of my favorite books of the St. Patrick's Day season, and it's sure to make you smile! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
February 27, 2026
Brief summary: Old Pat, a harpist, and Young Tom, also a harpist, travel together to attend a harp contest. Young Tom proves to be a cheat and leaves. During the night, they hear cries of help. Old Pat goes in search of a leprechaun in need of assistance. The leprechaun helps Old Pat in return for his help.
Comments: There are many two-page spreads in this book with rich colors, and several pages feature illustrations in black frames with decorated borders.
This will make a fun read-aloud for older elementary students. There are themes of kindness, generosity, and sharing.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Comments: There are many two-page spreads in this book with rich colors, and several pages feature illustrations in black frames with decorated borders.
This will make a fun read-aloud for older elementary students. There are themes of kindness, generosity, and sharing.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
February 26, 2021
My 6yo: It was a good story. It taught us to always be kind and never steal other people's things and break them.
Mom: I almost skipped this one as I expected it to be a frivolous story of luck, rainbows, and a pot of gold. It turned out to be the story of a young man who learned the consequences of disrespect, and an old man who is blessed for his kindness and generosity. The illustrations are lovely.
#passportaroundtheworld #ireland
Mom: I almost skipped this one as I expected it to be a frivolous story of luck, rainbows, and a pot of gold. It turned out to be the story of a young man who learned the consequences of disrespect, and an old man who is blessed for his kindness and generosity. The illustrations are lovely.
#passportaroundtheworld #ireland
February 26, 2018
This is a good book to teach a helpful and humble heart vs. greedy and all-for-myself attitude, and ultimately which one “pays” more. And a good glimpse into the Irish lore of leprechauns. It also has hidden four-leaf clovers through out the book to find, which the boys really enjoyed looking for.
March 18, 2018
An acceptable read aloud for St. Paddy's Day - for K and 1st graders, who like the part about the leprechaun and rabbit the best. I have to admit, it's probably because I do really good rabbit and leprechaun voices ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
Good choice for St. Patrick's Day. It has a good message too - honesty and kindness pay off.
April 20, 2018
A great story highlighting the fact that you get what you deserve.
April 22, 2019
Two harpists compete A nice story about being humble versus greedy. It would make a good read around St. Patrick's Day.
June 26, 2019
Fun read for your primary aged kids. There's a challenge at the end of the book to find all the 4 leaf clovers that pulls the kids into reviewing the pages
August 1, 2019
You are rewarded for being humble and kind
March 17, 2021
This was a fun story that my students loved!
March 21, 2021
A cute story for St. Patrick's Day storytime. :)
March 1, 2022
Classic Irish folktale with a good moral presented in a picture book format with excellent illustrations.
March 12, 2022
This is a good St. Patrick’s Day read aloud for second-fourth. It has a good message and storyline.
March 16, 2023
We really enjoyed this story in which one kindness is traded for another, and a person with low character gets what he deserves.
April 13, 2023
This was a surprisingly lovely story.
December 23, 2023
Two harpists go to a contest to determine who will be the finest harpist in all of Ireland. One helps a leprechaun out of a spot, who returns the favor by helping him win.
February 20, 2025
Perhaps a bit wordy for how simple the story and how obvious the theme? Still, I did enjoy reading it, and I thank openlibrary for archiving a copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews