Picture Books, Reading, Seasonal

17 St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Ireland. One of the best ways to introduce children to this festive occasion is through books. Picture books can provide a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about leprechauns, Irish folklore, and the history of St. Patrick’s Day. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 17 of the best St. Patrick’s Day picture books for kids. That’s one for each day in March leading up to the lucky holiday. You can’t go wrong adding these to your classroom library or read aloud schedule.

1. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day

In The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing, readers follow a family as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day. This is a playful take on the classic Christmas poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” Filled with all the excitement of the holiday, this book is a great choice for getting students in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and the perfect choice for reading on March 16th.

2. The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day Ever

When a young girl finds a pot of gold left by a leprechaun, she sets out on a series of adventures to find the leprechaun and return his treasure. With its bright illustrations and fun storyline, this book is a great choice for introducing students to the mythology of leprechauns and the holiday of St. Patrick’s Day. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever! by Teddy Slater is a must read this March.

3. How to Catch a Leprechaun

How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day picture book to connect to STEM topics and activities. This playful guidebook offers tips and tricks for catching a leprechaun, with the hope of finding a pot of gold. With its humor and lighthearted approach, this book is a great choice for introducing students to the folklore of leprechauns and the holiday of St. Patrick’s Day.

4. Clever Tom and the Leprechaun

Clever Tom and the Leprechaun by Linda Shute is a charming picture book that introduces young readers to the whimsical world of leprechauns. The story follows Tom, a clever and resourceful boy, as he outwits a mischievous leprechaun and wins a pot of gold. With its playful illustrations and witty storytelling, this book is sure to delight children and spark their imaginations.

5. Fiona's Luck

In Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman, Fiona, a young girl discovers a four-leaf clover. This book follows Fiona as she sets out on an adventure to find the end of the rainbow and the pot of gold guarded by a leprechaun. With its lush illustrations and charming story, this book is a must-read before St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a heartwarming story that will inspire children to believe in the power of luck and the magic of the world around them.

6. Green Shamrocks

Green Shamrocks by Eve Bunting is a St. Patrick’s Day mystery! Rabbit has been growing shamrocks in his big yellow pot for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. But what happens when the shamrocks go missing? Your young readers will love finding out what happens in this fun St. Patrick’s Day tale.

7. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie De Paola is a charming and humorous picture book that introduces young readers to the folklore of Ireland. The story follows Jamie O’Rourke, a lazy but lovable man, as he grows a massive potato and uses it to bring joy and prosperity to his village. This book is a fun and engaging way to explore the rich traditions of St. Patrick’s Day and the culture of Ireland.

8. The Leprechaun Under the Bed

The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Tom Sullivan is a fun and whimsical St. Patrick’s Day picture book. When a young boy discovers a leprechaun living under his bed, he must figure out how to get the leprechaun to leave so he can get a good night’s sleep. With its fun storyline and colorful illustrations, this book is a great choice for your March read alouds.

9. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a wonderful non-fiction book to add to your list of St. Patrick’s Day picture books for kids. This informative book provides an overview of the life and legacy of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. With its engaging illustrations and clear explanations, this book is a great choice for educating students about the history of St. Patrick’s Day and the significance of the holiday.

10. St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons is another great non-fiction picture book for St. Patrick’s Day. This informative book provides an overview of the history and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day, including the symbolism of the shamrock, the leprechauns, and the parades. With its clear explanations and engaging illustrations, this book is a great choice for introducing the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

11. St. Patrick's Day in the Morning

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting, is a beautiful story that follows a young boy as he wakes up on St. Patrick’s Day and experiences the excitement and traditions of the holiday. With its rich illustrations by Jan Brett, this book is definite must read.

12. The Littlest Leprechaun

The Littlest Leprechaun by Brandi Dougherty is a sweet and charming picture book that celebrates the magic and wonder of St. Patrick’s Day. The story follows the littlest leprechaun as he sets out on a quest to find a pot of gold and prove that even the smallest leprechaun can be a hero.

13. Tim O'Tole and the Wee Folk

Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott is a delightful picture book that explores the folklore of Ireland. The story follows Tim O’Toole and his wife Kathleen who are very poor. Why searching for a job Tim discovers the “wee folk” who give him gifts. But it doesn’t stop there! Tim must avoid the evil McGoon family. This book is a great choice for young readers who love stories filled with adventure and magic.

14. Lucky the Leprechaun on the Loose

Lucky the Leprechaun on the Loose by Maria Cedolini Thompson is a whimsical and adventurous picture book that brings the magic of St. Patrick’s Day to life. The story follows Lucky, a mischievous leprechaun, as he visits children at school and home. He loves to hide toys, leave messages and make messes when no one is looking. If you plan to have a leprechaun visit your classroom or home, this is a must read!

15. The Leprechaun Who Lost his Rainbow

The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow by Sean Callahan is a beautiful story of helpfulness and saving St. Patrick’s Day. Follow along as this leprechaun helps to create a rainbow for Colleen and her grandfather before the St. Patrick’s Day parade. But it won’t be easy as Colleen has to give up things that are important to her in order to create this special rainbow. This is a great story of sacrifice and helping others.

16. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover

Much loved children’s book character, the old lady who swallows everything, is here with a St. Patrick’s Day classic. She’s trying to make a rainbow so she can find a pot of gold. She starts by swallowing a clover, but what will be next. This whimsical rhyming book will have your students rhyming right along with the book. Add There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro to your March reading list!

17. Pete the Cat and the Great Leprechaun Chase

Young kids love Pete the Cat! So join Pete as he opens a new leprechaun catching business. Will catching leprechauns be as easy as Pete thinks? Will luck be on his side? There will be lots of laughs and giggles as you find these answers in Pete the Cat and the Great Leprechaun Chase by James Dean. This is one of those books your kids will ask you to read again and again.

Save These St. Patrick's Day Picture Books for Kids

Don’t forget to save this list of St. Patrick’s Day picture books for kids for later! Pin this post to your favorite children’s book or St. Patrick’s Day board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever you need it.

holiday, march, picture books, st patrick's day

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Maria Gavin

Maria is a former kindergarten and first grade teacher, with 13 years of teaching experience. Her love and passion for all things early childhood is now fulfilled as a mom to two amazing kids. She loves sharing practical and creative tips and ideas that are perfect for young learners – in the classroom or at home!

Hi, I'm Maria.

I’m a former kindergarten teacher turned work-from-home mom. I still love sharing ideas and resources to make teaching easier, so you can focus on what really matters in the classroom. When I’m not working on the blog, you’ll find me chasing kids around the house with a cold cup of coffee in my hand (some things never change even once you’re out of the classroom!)

17 St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Kids

1. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day

2. The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day Ever

3. How to Catch a Leprechaun

4. Clever Tom and the Leprechaun

5. Fiona's Luck

6. Green Shamrocks

7. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

8. The Leprechaun Under the Bed

9. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

10. St. Patrick's Day

11. St. Patrick's Day in the Morning

12. The Littlest Leprechaun

13. Tim O'Tole and the Wee Folk

14. Lucky the Leprechaun on the Loose

15. The Leprechaun Who Lost his Rainbow

16. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover

17. Pete the Cat and the Great Leprechaun Chase

Save These St. Patrick's Day Picture Books for Kids

Share This Post:

Maria Gavin

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