We all want smart and global children, right? Let’s start by making sure they understand the meanings behind the many special days that nations across the world choose to recognize.
Celebrated on March 17 of each year, Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday named after one of the patron saints of Ireland, Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461). Many of us look forward to feasting away this highly-spirited day in the holiday’s more secular form; however, not putting aside any shamrocks, green colored cookies, green clothing, or pots of gold—we know that these elements are symbolic and a lot of the fun—these two books will help give this festive day some historical back bone, in a child-friendly way.
by Ann Tompert (Author), Michael Garland (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (November 30, 2004)
Source: Library
Based on real facts—a letter written by Patrick, himself—Tompert’s biography about the man behind the annual celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, offers an inspiring story and great insight. Using mixed media, Garland adds authentic Celtic and folk appeal. This book definitely gets an A+ for being non-fiction that reads like fiction.
Add this book to your collection: Saint Patrick
by Tomie dePaola
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Holiday House (February 1994)
Source: Library
Of Irish (and Italian) decent, dePaola’s depiction of Patrick’s life is not to be missed. With his beautiful, signature artwork and passion-filled text, readers not only learn of Patrick’s life but also five of the legends which surround this historic man; such as, the symbolic Shamrock.
Add this book to your collection: Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
For the little ones, something a little sillier: Green Shamrocks by Eve Bunting.