Saint Patrick's Day

Holidays, Festivals, & Celebrations

by Ann Heinrichs, Joel Snyder (Illustrator)

Dress in some green, savor a slice of soda bread, and catch a little luck of the Irish! Kids will discover the history behind Saint Patrick's Day, and find out ways to celebrate on their own. Young readers learn about the festivities and traditions associated with this celebration of Irish culture.

Genres: Holiday, Nonfiction, Religion

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Ann Heinrichs is the author of more than 200 books for children and young adults. They cover U.S. and world history and culture, science and nature, and English grammar. Ann has also enjoyed careers as a children’s book editor and an advertising copywriter. An avid traveler, she has toured Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she now lives in Chicago. She enjoys biking, kayaking, and flying kites.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy St. Patty's Day! I have always loved that this holiday is a celebration of Green. It seems like such a warm holiday.

This is a little fun history lesson about St. Patrick's Day. They talk of the legend of St Patrick which I learned from and Leprechaun's and parades held. They do a great day explaining why it's celebrated in many parts of the world. It also goes into the details of the Shamrock. They have several poems at the end of the book as well.

There isn't a story. The kids were interested and it got a little long for them. They loved the section on Leprechaun's. It's a well done book and I think I would prefer more of a story to tell it than telling about it. That's just me.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-done children's book about the history, customs, and symbols surrounding St. Patrick's Day. One thing I learned (or was reminded of, if I knew what it was before) is that the name of that big stick that you sometimes see leprechauns carry is called a shillelagh.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for! Excellent book for teaching about this holiday, with beautiful illustrations, crafts, recipes, and poems! Great ideas in here 💚

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about the British boy named Maewyn Succat (at least that is the the commonly accepted name he is given) who was re-named Patricius by Pope Celestine I when he became a Catholic Priest. Patricius is Latin for Patrick. That's right. Saint Patrick wasn't just a Christian missionary, he was an ordained Catholic priest and later on in life even became an ordained Catholic Bishop. Under the Holy Spirit's guidance Saint Patrick spread God's Word throughout Ireland and brought the pagans to God's Truth. Saint Patrick had gone to a Catholic monastery where he was taught about God by the Catholic monks. Because of Saint Patrick, many people became Christians, some men even became priests and some women even became nuns. The best thing is that they all dedicated themselves to God and to worshipping and loving HIM and bringing others to God, so that others could love and worship HIM, too.

This book contains a lot of Irish poems which are quite fun to read. The illustations are adorable and there are even recipes in the back. Not all of Saint Patrick's Legends are presented, but one of the most popular one is presented in a very nice way. Presenting the Saint Patrick and the Legend of the Snakes as a story not meant to be taken literally is right on the money or pot o' gold if you prefer! The Legend of the Snakes is a nice legend illustrating the fact that Saint Patrick spread God's Word in Ireland and got rid of paganism there. This book is colorful---green of course---and quite enjoyable, but probably not as enjoyable as going to mass to celebrate God and Saint Patrick and then attending a parade on Saint Patrick's Day. "Erin go bragh and God Love You!"

[Jill Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twin Text: The Story of the Leprechaun by Katherine Tegan. 2011

Rationale: Learning all about Saint Patrick’s Day through my non-fiction book, I wanted to concentrate on one symbol that is associated with the holiday. I think kids would find leprechaun’s fascinating, so, my twin text book was a story about one leprechaun. The story is set in Ireland, where St. Patrick’s Day originated, and uses the “pot of gold” tale as a storyline.

Text Structure: Description. The author takes time to explain who Saint Patrick was, with legends, and moves to how people started to celebrate the holiday; symbols, decorations, poetry, recipe and making a pot of gold. You could use a concept map again as a graphic organizer, but it would be more fun to learn about the book, read the poetry, and make Irish Soda bread and the pot of gold. Teachers and students could throw their own St. Patrick’s Day celebration, inviting family, and then giving informative (small) speeches about what they have learned.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a number of short little holiday books. This one was perfect. It was a great length and packed full of information. They added in some Irish poetry which I loved.

[Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good history. And even recipes in the back.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better overview books about St. Patrick's Day that I've seen. The illustrations are appealing and I appreciate it includes not just some cultural and historical information, but some poems, jokes, a craft and recipe )for Irish soda bread). Also includes a glossary, index and recommended books and websites to learn more.

[Evvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations & the mentions of marching bands! I got to march with my trombone in Dublin back in high school in '09, so I found this book very sentimental & sweet. Brought back happy memories. I also appreciate all the poetry & recipes. Very cute for a 10-minute read. My dog fell asleep to it.

[abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though out of print, this is an accessible, attractive way to introduce kids to St. Patrick's history, customs, and celebrations. We found it at our local library.

☘️ Bookwyrms ✵ See our full St. Patrick’s Day read aloud list for Christian families.