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!
Saint Patrick by Tomie de Paola
This sturdy board book is the perfect introduction to Saint Patrick for your littlest learners. 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.
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. Ideal for ages 5 to 8.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George! by H. A. Rey
If your kids love Curious George, they are sure to enjoy George’s adventures at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Ideal for ages 1 to 3.
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.
Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman
A greedy leprechaun king has stolen all the good fortune in Ireland and locked it away. One clever girl must use her wits to outsmart the powerful king and bring luck back to the Emerald Isle. Based on a traditional Irish folktale, this story is ideal for ages 4 to 8.
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie de Paola
Another great St. Patrick’s Day read aloud from Tomie de Paola, this comical Irish folktale will get you and your kids laughing. Ideal for ages 4 to 8.
Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase by James Dean
When Pete the Cat and his friends learn that if you catch a leprechaun it will bring you good luck, Pete sets up a Leprechaun Catching Stand, but catching a leprechaun turns out to be harder than Pete anticipated. This book includes 12 St. Patrick’s Day cards, a fold-out poster, and stickers. Ideal for ages 4 to 8.
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.
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.
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