St. Patrick’s Day · Shopping guide
A little history and an Irish folktale
Two different ways into storytime: a holiday introduction and a comic folktale retelling.
Choose a factual introduction when the questions begin, or a folktale when everyone wants a story. Explain which kind of book you are opening.
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01
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato
Paperback, reprint, English, Puffin Books, January 27, 1997, 32 pages
Tomie dePaola retelling about a giant potato and its consequences.
What customers say: Paperback readers praise the funny read-aloud story and distinctive illustrations, with one parent noting that it entertained both children and adult.
Before choosing: Discuss Jamie as a comic character rather than treating his behavior as a portrait of Irish people.
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02
St. Patrick's Day — Gail Gibbons
Paperback, reprint, English, Holiday House, January 1, 1994, 32 pages
Gail Gibbons introduction to Patrick, legends, and holiday customs.
What customers say: Parents and a teacher value the illustrations and questions the book prompts; a preschool teacher found it long for a single group reading.
Before choosing: Read in short sections with younger children and label the saint stories as legends where appropriate.
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