Two Favorite St. Patty's Day Books For Kids

Who is as excited as me for St. Paddy's Day??? I LOOOOOOVE ST. Patrick's Day. Shamrock Shakes may have something to do with it. I also love reading. And of COURSE I have some St. Patrick's Day books I enjoy.

Jamie O' Rourke and Pooka by Tomie dePaola

Description: When Jamie O'Rourke's wife leaves him alone for a week, it's up to Jamie to do the housework. But Jamie isn't just the laziest man in Ireland, he's also the messiest! When a magical pooka arrives unexpectedly and starts to do the dishes and sweep the house, Jamie thinks that maybe he's the luckiest man in Ireland as well. But will Jamie's good fortune-and his pooka's housekeeping-last? Young readers will be giggling through Tomie dePaola's delightfully funny sequel to Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato.

This is a funny story, because Jamie's house gets TRASHED and he is super lazy. The illustrations aren't the "typical" children's book illustrations so that intrigues kids. Also, the story with the pooka is funny for kids, because in the end Jamie ends up with a MESSY house and an angry wife. It brings up good conversation and it's something new and different for kids. The only negatives for school reading, would be the mention of cider which is meant to be alcohol but kids shouldn't know that and they aren't drunk, so I find it suitable. Also, the pooka is kind of scary looking. Probably best for ages 5-up.

Fin M'Coul: the giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola

Fin M'Coul is THE only giant in Ireland that has not been beat up by the bully of a giant CuCullen. The story highlights the day Fin M'Coul and his savy wife trick and out smart CuCullen. Fin dresses up as a baby giant and his wife bakes pans in loaves of bread to trick CuCullen. The bully giant loses teeth and together Finn and Oonagh fool the giant into thinking Finn is tougher than he and manage to rid CuCullen of all of his teeth.

This one is a tad violent, but with enough commentary and talking about what you SHOULD do, it makes for a good read. The illustrations are amazing.

Does anyone else have a favorite St. Patrick's Day book for children? What about some good adult books set in Ireland? Or, who is your favorite Irish author?

I will be enjoying some green beverages this weekend in celebration!