These are our top picks for ages 3-8, your pre-reader that can listen to stories, to kids who are reading well on their own. Some books might even go a little older, but in the read-together sense or read-aloud, the following will be a big hit with the youngin’s:
- Ten Lucky Leprechauns by Kathryn Heling –this book has beautiful illustrations and obviously will help kids with the counting to 10 thing!
- There was an old lady who swallowed a clover by Lucille Colandro –all of these ‘old lady swallowed’ books are lessons in themselves! Not only do you get the benefit of rhyming and repeating phrases to help pre-readers learn, but older kids might just catch on to the idea of WHY the old lady swallowed the silly things she does. This one has a funny picture at the end, again, bright illustrations make it a winner.
- Leprechauns never lie by Lorna Balian –If you’re looking to teach a child about chores, this is a great book to introduce the morality of responsibility and helpfulness. In old-school style, the pages are all sepia and black tone except for the leprechaun. Young kids can help spot him right away as they listen. Older kids might glean some lessons from this book (especially if you say don’t be a ninny nanny after reading it!) You might just want to bust out a list of things that need done and see how fast the kids go!
- Lucky O’Leprechaun (series) by Jana Dillon –follow this tricky fella’s adventures from Ireland to an American classroom, where the kids make special wishes when they catch him!
- The luckiest leprechaun by Justine Korman –It’s a tale of a tail as the cover says. Friends are much better than gold, so this crusty ancient leprechaun discovers!
- The leprechaun under the bed by Teresa Bateman –Looking to introduce symbiosis, cooperation, generousness or friendship as topics to your pre-schooler? This book will do that, and provide a few laughs along the way!
- Green shamrocks by Eve Bunting –This is beautifully illustrated, has funny characters and a kind of haphazard easy going story that young kids will love. Technically I don’t think there’s a leprechaun in this book, but it’s along the same theme so I included it in the list.
- The leprechaun who lost his rainbow by Sean Callahan –A leprechaun named Roy G Biv (there’s a lesson right there!) has lost his rainbow and needs a young girl’s help in putting it back together. A nice moral story of sharing with others for the greater good, and being rewarded for kindness, as well.
Bonus: St. Patrick’s day countdown by Salina Yoon is a great board book for toddlers who want to follow along with you!
