Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Laura
March brings lots of leprechaun mischief and shamrock fun, so you’ll want to have plenty of St. Patrick’s Day picture books on hand this month! This is the perfect time to introduce young readers to Irish folklore, holiday traditions, and fun-filled adventures featuring tricky leprechauns and lucky clovers. Whether you’re planning themed storytimes, March read-alouds, or book displays, a great selection of St. Patrick’s Day picture books will keep students engaged and excited to spend time in the library.
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Trap a Leprechaun!
Leprechaun traps are popular in my school, so I love to have lots of St. Patrick’s Day books on hand to support those proejcts!
How to Trap a Leprechaun by Sue Fliess, Sky Pony Press 2017 – A group of children concocts clever plans to catch a leprechaun and secure his pot of gold, leading to a whimsical adventure that emphasizes creativity and determination. Rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this a fun read-aloud that encourages problem-solving and imagination.
How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2016 – A mischievous leprechaun outsmarts various elaborate traps set by children, proving that he is not so easy to catch. This rhyming, fast-paced book is full of humor and STEM-inspired creativity.
The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose in the School by Laura Murray, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers 2017 – When a prank-playing leprechaun causes chaos in the school, the Gingerbread Man and the students set off on a chase to stop his mischief. This fun book is a great choice for classroom and library read-alouds.
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing, Grosset & Dunlap 2009 – Tim and Maureen set up leprechaun traps on St. Patrick’s Eve, hoping to catch one and find his pot of gold. The story, written in the familiar style of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, introduces young readers to St. Patrick’s Day traditions with playful rhyme and fun illustrations.
Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase by James Dean, HarperCollins 2018 – Pete the Cat starts a business catching leprechauns, thinking it will bring good luck to his friends, but quickly learns that luck isn’t something you can trap. This lighthearted story features Pete’s signature cool attitude with a fun message about kindness and believing in yourself.
Three Ways to Trap a Leprechaun by Tara Lazar, HarperCollins 2019 – Claire, an inventive young girl, devises clever and crafty ways to prove the existence of leprechauns by trying to catch one. Packed with humor and STEM-friendly problem-solving, this book encourages creativity and persistence.
More Leprechaun Fun
Your elementary library students won’t be able to get enough of the clever little guys!
The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman, Albert Whitman & Company 2012 – A grumpy leprechaun named Brian O’Shea is determined to keep a human from moving into his home under a tree, but unexpected kindness changes his mind. This cute story blends Irish folklore with themes of cooperation and unlikely friendship.
Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny by Todd Tarpley, Two Lions 2020 – When a competitive leprechaun and the Easter Bunny argue over who spreads the most holiday cheer, their rivalry leads to a silly and unexpected twist. Colorful illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments make this a fun holiday mash-up.
The Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun by Deborah Diesen, Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2020 – Mr. Fish embarks on a St. Patrick’s Day quest to find a leprechaun’s pot of gold but discovers that true luck comes from friendship and kindness. With engaging rhymes and familiar characters, this is a great pick for fans of the Pout-Pout Fish series.
Sing Alongs and More
Music is the easiest way to make your library storytime interactive. Try one of these St. Patrick’s Day books to get your students involved!
The 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day by Jenna Lettice, Random House Books for Young Readers 2017 – Using the familiar structure of The Twelve Days of Christmas, this book introduces children to various St. Patrick’s Day traditions, from shamrocks to Irish dancing. Bright illustrations and the chance to sing along make this a great interactive read-aloud.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! by Lucille Colandro, Cartwheel Books 2012 – In this festive twist on the classic Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, the old lady swallows a series of St. Patrick’s Day-themed objects, leading to a surprising finale. Turn this into a sing-along/chant-along storytime that your students will love!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day From the Crayons by Drew Daywalt, Penguin Workshop 2022 – The beloved Crayons celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in their usual humorous way, discussing all things green while showcasing their colorful personalities. A playful and creative introduction to the holiday, perfect for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit.
St. Patrick’s Day Nonfiction
St. Patrick’s Day by Rachel Grack, Bellwether Media 2015 – This nonfiction book provides a clear and simple introduction to St. Patrick’s Day, covering its history, symbols, and celebrations. With engaging photographs and accessible text, it’s a solid choice for early readers learning about the holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day by Rebecca Pettiford, Bullfrog Books 2015 – A beginner-friendly nonfiction book that explains the origins of St. Patrick’s Day and how it is celebrated today, using simple text and vibrant images.
Leprechauns and Irish Folklore by Mary Pope Osborne, Random House Books for Young Readers 2010 – Not a picture book, but this Magic Tree House Fact Tracker companion book explores the myths, legends, and history of leprechauns, providing an informative look at Irish folklore. Choose a part or two to read to your classes before or after you read a St. Patrick’s Day picture book.
March Picture Books for Elementary Libraries
With so many fun St. Patrick’s Day picture books to choose from, you’ll easily find the perfect stories to bring a little extra luck and laughter to your library this March. Whether you’re sharing stories about tricky leprechauns, introducing students to Irish folklore, or doing a little research on the holiday, these books will keep your elementary students engaged and excited to visit the library!
Use these picture books for Leprechaun Storytime!
Your March library lessons will be fun and engaging with this Leprechaun Storytime unit. The book review activity, St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, a leprechaun scavenger hunt and MORE will keep your elementary library buzzing with excitement in March! Click the image below to take a look at the preview and see why it’s so popular in kindergarten, first and second grade library classes.
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Be the light! ~
