10 St. Patrick’s Day Read Aloud Favorites
If you have been following along with the blog for a while, you know how much I love a good read aloud. Holidays are a great time to introduce some new stories to the kids, as the natural excitement really helps to build engagement and enthusiasm! Today’s post talks all about my St. Patrick’s Day read aloud favorites. These stories are excellent ways to introduce information on Irish customs and history, while still be super engaging and fun for your students.
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St. Patrick’s Day Read Alouds
Below I have included 10 of my very favorite read alouds for St. Patrick’s Day. Read on to find some new favorites to share with your learners.
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1- How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace
How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace is the clear favorite when it comes to incorporating S.T.E.M. into student learning activities. Your students may already be familiar with stories from the “How to Catch…” series, as they are widely popular with this age group. The books in this series are holiday classics for a reason – engaging text, fun illustrations, and lots of opportunities for educational tie ins. The rhyming story is told from the point of view of a leprechaun, who boasts that none of the traps built for him are tricky enough to catch him. As this story talks all about catching a leprechaun, it easily lends itself to a trap building S.T.E.M. challenge. The pictures in the book are great to help inspire young trap building engineers. My students love this story, making it top on my list for a St. Patrick’s Day read aloud.
2- Fiona’s Luck by Theresa Bateman
Fiona’s Luck by Theresa Bateman wins my class award for top interactive read aloud choice for St. Patrick’s Day. This retelling of the original Irish folktale tells the story of a cunning girl named Fiona. She is tasked with getting the luck and good tidings of Ireland back from a greedy leprechaun king. This story provides lots of opportunities for class discussion, and the storyline provides ample opportunities to work on key comprehension skills. I also love that the story has a strong female protagonist!
3- Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato By Tomie Depaola
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato is definitely our class overall favorite. In the story, Jamie O’Rourke is the laziest man in all of Ireland. He is so lazy that he won’t even help his wife on their farm. However, after encountering a leprechaun, Jamie ends up growing the biggest potato around. Chaos soon erupts, as Jamie is tasked with dealing with a piece of produce that has grown much to large for him to handle. As we live in a farming community, this St. Patrick’s Day read aloud was especially loved by my learners. It makes a great introduction to folktales, and makes for great classroom discussion about being careful what you wish for. It is also really great story to practice those sequencing skills, and makes a great retell station during literacy stations.
4- That’s What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting
That’s What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting is a whimsical picture book that delves into the playful and mischievous world of leprechauns. This St. Patrick’s Day read aloud follows three leprechauns, Boo, Ari, and Col, as they journey to place a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, a task that epitomizes the essence of what leprechauns are known for. Along their way, they can’t resist indulging in various pranks, from tipping cows to tangling fishing lines, embodying the spirited and playful nature of these mythical creatures. Bunting’s engaging narrative captures the imagination and introduces children to the enchanting folklore surrounding leprechauns, highlighting themes of tradition, mischief, and the joy of small surprises.
5- The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day By Natasha Wing
“The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” by Natasha Wing is a festive and engaging picture book that captures the excitement and anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day through the eyes of children. The story follows siblings Tim and Maureen as they eagerly prepare for St. Patrick’s Day, setting up traps in hopes of catching a leprechaun and the promise of his gold. Wing’s playful rhymes bring to life the mischievous spirit of the holiday, as the children learn that leprechauns are not easily outsmarted. This book is a celebration of imagination, tradition, and the joy of St. Patrick’s Day, making this St. Patrick’s Day read aloud a delightful read for children anticipating the holiday’s festivities.
6- There was am old lady who swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro
“There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover” by Lucille Colandro is a humorous and whimsical addition to the beloved series featuring the eccentric old lady with an insatiable appetite. In this St. Patrick’s Day-themed installment, the old lady swallows items associated with the holiday, starting with a clover and proceeding to swallow increasingly bizarre items, each with a festive twist. Colandro’s playful text captures the humor and absurdity of the old lady’s antics, making this book a fun and engaging read for children.
7- Larry the Farting Leprechaun by Jane Bexley
“Larry the Farting Leprechaun” is a humorous and light-hearted children’s book that introduces readers to Larry, a unique leprechaun with a rather embarrassing problem: he can’t stop farting. The book’s engaging storyline, alongside colorful and lively illustrations, captures the imagination of children while delivering messages about self-acceptance, the value of uniqueness, and the importance of looking on the bright side of a seemingly embarrassing situation. It’s a celebration of individuality, teaching kids to embrace their own quirks and those of others.
8- O’Sullivan Stew by Hudson Talbot
“O’Sullivan Stew” by Hudson Talbott is a captivating and richly illustrated picture book that combines elements of traditional Irish folklore with a clever and engaging storyline. This St. Patrick’s Day read aloud is set in the small village of Crookhaven, where the O’Sullivan family finds themselves in a bit of trouble. The story kicks off when Kate O’Sullivan, the resourceful and quick-witted heroine, devises a plan to save her family and village from the consequences of their attempt to steal the king’s horse. Talbott’s narrative is both entertaining and moral-rich, showcasing the power of storytelling, the value of cleverness and courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
9- Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott
This engaging story centers around Tim O’Toole, a down-on-his-luck man who can’t seem to catch a break in life. His fortunes change, however, when he encounters the wee folk—tiny, magical beings who decide to help Tim out of his misfortune. Gerald McDermott’s storytelling is both whimsical and witty, capturing the essence of Irish folk traditions with a lighthearted touch. It offers laughter and lessons in equal measure, making it a treasured read for children and a celebration of Irish storytelling.
10- Too Many Leprechauns by Stephen Krensky
“Too Many Leprechauns” by Stephen Krensky dives into the heart of Irish folklore with a unique twist on the traditional leprechaun tale. The story is set in the village of Dingle, where the residents find themselves overwhelmed by an unusual problem: an infestation of leprechauns. These mischievous creatures are causing chaos, hammering away all night making shoes, and keeping everyone awake with their noisy antics. Stephen Krensky’s storytelling is both humorous and smart, presenting a problem-solving narrative that captivates and entertains. It’s a delightful read for children, providing a perfect blend of mischief, humor, and the magic of Irish myths.
Irish Fairy Tales for St. Patrick’s Day
Looking for some activities to use along with St. Patrick’s day themed stories? Look no further! Each of these close reading activities contain a full text fairy tale, close reading activities, comprehension questions, graphic organizers, and a fun art project! You can check them out in my TpT shop by clicking on the images below.
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