
Ah, Saint Patrick’s Day. A time when cities color their rivers green, kids spend hours trying to engineer a leprechaun trap, and everyone decides they have a little bit of Irish in them (for the day at least). Saint Patrick’s Day has become quite a popular celebration around the world and as the holiday nears, we went on a search for a Saint Patrick’s Day children’s book that not only tells a story surrounding the holiday, but also the history of the country itself. We found a few that caught our eye and gave our kids a little history lesson and a giggle surrounding this fun holiday!
We have placed links to these books if you are interested in purchasing them below each short description. The site we have partnered with is working to keep local bookstores alive. A purchase from them helps a local bookstore in your area. During this difficult time for many, we encourage everyone to shop local!
Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
Written by: Tomie dePaola
An engaging and vibrant story of Saint Patrick and how he came to be the patron saint of Ireland. An ideal book to read to children who would like to understand exactly why we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and the traditions and stories around it. A great gift to give to any child curious about Irish history.
Buy it here! (US)
Buy it here! (UK) – This is the shorter, board book version for younger kids.
Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales: Finn Maccool and the Giant’s Causeway
Written by: John Dougherty
One of my favorite Irish tales for both children and adults alike! The Giant’s Causeway sits on the coast of Northern Ireland and mystifies its visitors with it’s hexagonal basalt bridge out into the ocean. Legend has it that Finn Maccool a giant in County Antrim, was prepared to fight another even larger giant, Benandonner, and built the bridge by throwing giant rocks into the sea to confront him. Want to know what happens to Finn? Check out the story and find out!
Buy it here! (US)
Buy it here! (UK)
Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase
Written by: James Dean
From the Pete the Cat series of books, this one is about good ol’ Pete trying to catch Clover the leprechaun. Throughout the story Pete tries many different tricks and ideas in order to catch Clover. But will Pete catch him? And what will happen if he does? A colorful and cute Saint Patrick’s Day children’s book that teaches them about luck and how to get it.
Buy it here! (US)
Buy it here! (UK)
Ireland (Follow Me Around)
Written by: Wiley Blevins
A great book to teach kids about the country of Ireland through the eyes of a boy, Seamus. He takes kids on a journey through the country teaching them about Irish life and the people who live there. Kids will learn about everything from the weather to fun Irish limericks they can recite at home! Just be careful, after reading this book you might have a kid that gets the travel bug!
Buy it here! (US)
How to Catch a Leprechaun
Written by: Adam Wallace
This Saint Patrick’s Day children’s book will have kids laughing as they watch the leprechaun bounce from house to house defeating all of the children’s traps. A fun-loving story that will get the entire family into the spirit of trying to create a trap that will catch the leprechaun.
Buy it here! (US)
Buy it here! (UK)
You may also like these Saint Patrick’s Day articles from Bébé Voyage!
Giant’s Causeway: A Legendary Unesco Site That Will Capture Your Child’s Imagination
A Taste of Ireland for Saint Patrick’s Day: Recipes from the Emerald Isle