If you're looking for children’s books for St. Patrick's Day, want your children to learn more about their Irish heritage through children’s books, or are anxious to find stories that will engage their imaginations, you can find them in Irish folk and fairy tales. The first nine books are folk and fairy tales; the tenth is about the importance of preserving family stories. All are read-alouds that you and your children can enjoy together, and most are enjoyable reading for independent readers.
1. Tales from Old Ireland
Malachy Doyle's book is a fascinating anthology of Irish folk- and fairy tales, greatly enhanced by the artwork of Niamh Shakey. The seven stories include "The Children of Lir," a well-known folktale, "Fair, Brown, and Trembling," an Irish Cinderella story, and "The Twelve Wild Geese," a tale of family love and loyalty. Some of the tales are unsettling, some are sad, some have satisfying conclusions; all have a depth missing in many modern retellings. (Barefoot Books, 2000. ISBN: 190228397X)
2. Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
Celebrate St. Patricks's Day with Tomie dePaola's captivating folk-art style illustrations and engaging story of Patrick, a boy who grew up to become the patron saint of Ireland. I recommend the book for 4-8 year olds as well as older children. Patrick’s life and his faith are fittingly presented in both the text and illustrations. It's also a treat to find, at the end of the book, illustrated accounts of five legends associated with St Patrick. (Holiday House, 1994. ISBN: 0823410773)
3. Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Ireland
I was delighted to find that this book, first published in 1961, is back in print. It’s one of my favorites. Although there are only five tales in this book of retellings from Irish storytellers by Viriginia Haviland, each story is a gem. They include “The Bee, the Harp, the Mouse, and the Bum-Clock” and “The Widow’s Lazy Daughter.” All of the stories are full of wit and wisdom and make excellent read-alouds or read-alones for 8-12 year olds. (HarperTrophy, 1994. ISBN: 0688125980)
4. Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife: A Giant of a Tale from Ireland
This popular tale of two giants is presented in picture storybook format in this version. Retold and illustrated by Robert Byrd, the story puts more emphasis on magic and on Finn’s wife, Oonaugh, than some other versions, although the basic story of how the cowardly giant Finn and his wife scare away the fearful Scottish giant by pretending Finn is their baby, is the same. Byrd’s detailed whimsical ink and watercolor artwork is a treat. (Dutton Children’s Books, 1999. ISBN: 0525459715)5. A Pot O' Gold
The content in this “Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, and (Of Course) Blarney” was selected and adapted by Kathleen Krull. The charming watercolor illustrations are by David McPhail. The selections are divided into five categories: The Sea, The Food, The Music, The Pride, The Scholars, The Land, The Fairies, The Leprechauns, and The Blarney. Source notes are provided in this 182-page book, which has selections for all ages. (Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. ISBN: 0786806257)6. Fair, Brown & Trembling: An Irish Cinderella Story
This tale is an Irish variant of the traditional Cinderella story. A widower has three daughters: Fair and Beauty, who are spoiled and mean, and Trembling, whose sisters mistreat her. The henwife acts as Trembling’s fairy godmother, sending her, not to a ball, but to church. Her lost slipper and a prince willing to fight for her result in a “happily ever after” ending. Jude Daly’s strong folk-art style paintings add interest to the story. (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2000. ISBN: 0374422575)7. The Prince of Ireland and the Three Magic Stallions
According to the author’s note, this story “…is one of those very old stories that can be found in hundreds of different versions.” This picture storybook retelling by Bryce Milligan, with illustrations by Preston McDaniels, is full of drama and adventure. It involves a jealous stepmother, a giant, the brave young Prince of Ireland, a good deed, and more. McDaniels’ whimsical illustrations add to the enjoyment for 6-10 year olds. (Holiday House, 2003. ISBN: 0823415732).8. Tales for the Telling: Irish Folk & Fairy Stories
There are twelve tales in Edna O’Brien’s collection, each of which is illustrated with the watercolor paintings of Michael Foreman. I wish that the 127-page book provided background information on the tales. However, O’Brien is an excellent storyteller and her retellings, along with Foreman’s entertaining artwork, will engage children eight and older as well as adults. The stories include “Two Giants,” “The Leprechaun,” “The Swan Bride,” and “The White Cat.” (Atheneum, 1986. ISBN: 0689313187)9. A Treasury of Irish Stories
This book is a good read-aloud. Because a number of the words will be unfamiliar to children, it is not well suited for independent reading, although some of the individual stories are. What makes this collection of 17 tales unique is that the stories include both retellings of traditional tales and original contemporary tales by well-known Irish storytellers. This is a relatively small, softbound book with modest, but clever, black and white illustrations.(Kingfisher, 1995. ISBN: 1856975959)10. The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh
This picture storybook for 8-12 year olds is about the importance of passing on family stories and traditions from one generation to the next. Janet Nolan tells the story of young Fergus who immigrated to the U.S. with his family during the portato famine. His story and the shellelagh he carved from the branch of a favorite tree are shared every St. Patrick's Day. Ben Stahl's realistic paintings lend a feeling of authenticity to the story. (Albert Whitman & Company, 2002. ISBN: 0807573442)Please share your recommendations
Are there additional Irish folktales and fairy tales that you would recommend? What about St. Patrick's Day books? Share your favorites on the About Children's Books Forum.
