I absolutely love making holidays special…EVERY holiday. I love creating memories and traditions for my children…doing something to brighten their day. With St. Patrick’s day coming up, I wanted to share a few ideas of things you could do to celebrate if you’re not a mom who enjoys crafting or cooking (those ideas to come later this week!)

I wanted to share a list of books, movies, and activities you could do with your children to make St. Patrick’s day more than “that day you need to wear green to school so you don’t get pinched.” I encourage you to head to your local library with this list, and see what is available. If these books aren’t available, find a book or two about a leprechaun, and read a special story with your child. Help make their day SPECIAL.

Here are a few of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day books….

1. Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie de Paola – If you are a fan of the Strega Nona series, you will love this Irish folktale from Tomie de Paola. In true de Paola fashion, there is a bit of magic, a BIG problem, and a sensible woman to save the day. Read this story, and then serve Irish Sundaes for dinner!

2. St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting – In this adorable story, illustrated by the amazing Jan Brett, little Jamie is told he is too small to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade up Acorn Hill. Along with his trusty dog Nell, Jamie decides to go on his own parade up the hill, just to prove to himself that he can do it. Children will be introduced to several Irish traditions in this charming St. Patrick’s day tale.

3. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater – Join a family of leprechauns as they plan and prepare for a St. Patrick’s day celebration. Written in a bouncy rhyming prose, your children will enjoy the cartoon-like leprechauns illustrated by Ethan Long, and you will enjoy exposing your child to several Irish words and traditions in this lucky little story.

4. Hooray for St. Patrick’s Day by Joan Holub – This is a great option for the younger set. In this fun lift-the-flap book, children can learn about many different aspects of Irish culture, including food, crafts, traditions, and St. Patrick himself. There is a leprechaun hiding on each page for added fun. Your younger children will enjoy learning about different ways people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

5. The Gnome Mobile – While not a book, (and not directly about leprechauns or St. Pat’s Day) your children will enjoy this fun live-action classic from Disney. Two children and their grandfather stumble upon a tribe of gnomes in the forest. When the grandfather is committed for claiming to see gnomes, it becomes the job of the children and the gnomes to find and save him! This is a great movie to show children who are excited about the idea of leprechauns.

6. Darby O’Gill and the Little People – This live-action classic from Disney is most suitable for older children (as several large plot points hinge on drinking), and will introduce them to the King of the leprechauns who matches wits with Darby O’Gill. Darby and King Brian engage in a battle of tricks all while Darby’s daughter is falling in love with a very young Sean Connery. (Seeing James Bond sing is reason enough to check this 1959 classic out!)

Take some time to check out a few of these books or movies, or head to your library and find a few books to make St. Patrick’s Day special! Even a working mother, a busy family, or an anti-project mom has time for a special, themed bed-time story. Stir up a pitcher of lime Kool-aid, cut some green apples, and share a St. Patrick’s day book with a child you love!

The Gnome Mobile

Darby O’Gill and the Little People