St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and there are some great picture books to help you introduce this holiday to your young children or build on your big kids’ understanding of the history and the significance of this day. Here are 10 of our favorites!
Our World: Ireland by Muireann Ni Chiobhain
Your babies and toddlers will love getting to know the beautiful country of Ireland through this colorful board book. The simple text and bright, engaging illustrations will introduce you to the key features of Irish culture while teaching you and your children how to pronounce common expressions in Irish. Ideal for ages 0 to 4.
Saint Patrick by Tomie de Paola
This classic from Tomie de Paola is a wonderful way to invite your littlest learners into the story of Saint Patrick. With colorful illustrations and engaging text, Tomie de Paola gives an overview of the life of Saint Patrick from his noble birth to his captivity in Ireland to the visions that led him to return to Ireland and found the first Christian church there. Ideal for ages 1 to 3.
The Story of Saint Patrick by James A. Janda
James Janda combines Patrick’s actual words taken directly from his writings with legends about him to tell the story of Saint Patrick in 17 bite-sized chapters. The simple text emphasizes Patrick’s reliance on Christ and his boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Ideal for ages 3 to 8. (Some parts of the story may be too intense for sensitive readers, particularly the part of the story where the Druids attempt to kill Patrick. God’s protection of Patrick ultimately opens their hearts to hear the gospel. Just know that the description and accompanying illustrations might be scary for some children).
St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting
Jamie wants to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, but his brothers say he’s too small, so he makes his own celebration, trekking through the hills with his Irish flag and flute. This relatable story and its beautiful Jan Brett illustrations of pastoral Ireland are sure to charm your entire family. Ideal for ages 4 to 7.
St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons is known for her engaging, informative nonfiction books, and this is no exception. With clear text and bright illustrations, your children will find out everything they need to know about St. Patrick’s Day from the life of St. Patrick to the history of the holiday to the customs and traditions that surround March 17th. A perfect introduction, ideal for ages 4 to 8.
Saint Patrick the Forgiver by Ned Bustard
This rhyming, sing-song text share’s Saint Patrick’s story in a playful way. The theme of forgiveness is emphasized throughout as God commands Patrick to return to the land of his enslavers and preach Christ to them. Ideal for ages 4 to 8.
Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie de Paola
For slightly older children, this large format edition expands on the board book version, providing even more historical details told in the warm, winsome way of beloved author-illustrator, Tomie de Paola. Ideal for ages 5 to 8.
Patrick: Saint of Ireland by Joyce Denham
Drawing on legend and St. Patrick’s own writings, the author weaves a captivating story of how St. Patrick brought the light of Christ into a dark time and place. Enchanting illustrations by renowned artist Diana Mayo make this book a keepsake you’ll come back to over and over again. Ideal for ages 5 to 10.
Fiona’s Lace by Patricia Polacco
Times are hard in all of Ireland, so Fiona’s family books a passage to America and works in domestic service to pay back their fare. Young Fiona’s talent for lace-making holds the family together and preserves Fiona’s memories of her home country. A touching immigrant story ideal for ages 5 to 10.
Patrick of Ireland by Simonetta Carr
This text gives a more in-depth look at the life of Saint Patrick and the historical context surrounding his life. Part of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, these gospel-centered biographies include photographs of places and historical artifacts, captivating illustrations, and several chapters of text, great for reading aloud in your morning time over several days or weeks. Ideal for ages 7 to 12.
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