Check It Out:

Saint Patrick’s Day is not only a day to wear green and eat Irish food, but one to enjoy the rich storytelling traditions of Ireland. Find the treasure at the end of the rainbow with children’s books from the Newport Beach Public Library that feature luck and leprechauns. There’s a wealth of books that re-tell the old tales from the Emerald Isle.

Read a story of luck with “Fiona’s Luck” by Teresa Bateman. The leprechaun king has locked away all the luck in Ireland, and it’s up to a clever woman named Fiona to get it back. But first she must pass three tests of luck. The mixed-media illustrations by Kelly Murphy really bring the story to life, especially through the facial expressions of the characters and the use of color to evoke mood.

Some of children’s favorite stories at this time of year are those of leprechauns. “That’s What Leprechauns Do,” written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully, is a cute one. Three leprechauns have an important job to do. Or are they just causing mischief? Find out what silly things leprechauns do along the road as they take their pot of gold to the end of the rainbow.

Another tale that captivates young children is “The Leprechaun’s Gold,” by Pamela Duncan Edwards. As Old Pat and Young Tom travel to the Royal Palace for a contest to find the finest harpist in Ireland, they meet some leprechauns with an unexpected treasure. This book has really wonderful illustrations by Henry Cole, complete with hidden four-leaf clovers to find.

More leprechauns await discovery in “Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk,” by Gerald McDermott. Poor Tim’s fortunes change when he finds a troop of green-clad Wee Folk. When the evil McGoons trick Tim out of his magical treasure, he teams up with the little men to regain his treasure in a quite humorous way. The illustrations are warm and cheerful, with bountiful green!

Kids interested in learning about Irish folklore can read “Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to ‘Leprechaun in Late Winter,’” by Mary Pope Osborne. This Magic Tree House Research Guide ties in to the latest book in the popular series, wherein Jack and Annie travel to 1860s Ireland. With this book, kids learn about the facts and folklore behind Jack and Annie’s latest adventure.

For an Irish twist on a familiar and beloved story, read “The Irish Cinderlad” by Shirley Climo, with charming illustrations by Loretta Krupinski. Becan, a poor boy belittled by his stepmother and stepsisters, works as a herder. Becan’s fortunes begin to change when he befriends a magical bull. After he rescues a princess from a dragon, he leaves one boot behind….

And for a real treasure-chest assortment of the traditional stories and poetry of Ireland, check out “A Pot o’ Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, and (of Course) Blarney,” by Kathleen Krull. A wonderful and whimsical book full of Irish verse, stories and lore, this pretty book is populated with fairies, leprechauns, and other magical creatures and decorated with Celtic knotwork borders by illustrator David McPhail.

The Central Library will be hosting the “Luck of the Irish Party” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day. This event is for children in kindergarten through third grade. It will be a fun and fanciful afternoon of leprechauns, pots-o-gold, and other colorful and shiny crafts. Be sure to wear green! Children may register online for this program at www.newportkids.org.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.