Best Children's St. Patrick's Day Books of 2026

The "How to Catch" series by Adam Wallace and illustrated by Andy Elkerton has become a beloved children's book series, and "How to Catch a Leprechaun" is no exception. With vibrant illustrations and hilarious rhymes, this book encourages children to use their imaginations to create their own leprechaun traps. The book is not only entertaining but also educational, blending STEAM concepts into the story. Overall, "How to Catch a Leprechaun" is a fun and lively read that will surely become a St. Patrick's Day tradition for many families.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! is a delightful addition to the popular children's book series, There Was an Old Lady. The story follows the old lady as she swallows items to create a rainbow for St. Patrick's Day and find a pot of gold. The illustrations by Jared Lee are colorful and engaging, making the book perfect for beginner readers. The author, Lucille Colandro, has done a fantastic job of creating a fun and entertaining story for children. Overall, this book is a must-read for kids who enjoy humorous stories with a touch of magic.

Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase is a thrilling St. Patrick's Day adventure that follows Pete as he tries to catch a leprechaun for his friends. However, catching a leprechaun is not an easy task, especially when it's Clover, who's full of tricks. Will Pete be lucky enough to catch him? Written and illustrated by James Dean, this book is a New York Times #1 bestseller and comes with a poster, stickers, and twelve punch-out St. Patrick's Day cards. Overall, this book is an exciting addition to the Pete the Cat series that will keep children engaged and entertained.

The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is another delightful addition to Natasha Wing's best-selling Night Before series. The story follows Tim and Maureen as they try to catch a leprechaun on the night before St. Patrick's Day. They wake up the next morning to find that they have indeed caught a leprechaun but will they be able to find his pot of gold? The book is written in verse, to the same meter of Clement Moore's classic, making it a fun read-aloud for kids. Overall, this book is a great way to introduce children to the traditions and excitement of St. Patrick's Day.

Tomie dePaola's "Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato" is a delightful read that will have children laughing out loud. The story follows Jamie, the laziest man in Ireland, who grows the biggest potato in the world after a chance encounter with a leprechaun. However, the potato grows too large for Jamie and the villagers to handle, leading to hilarious consequences. The colorful illustrations in dePaola's signature style add to the charm of the story, making it a perfect read-aloud for St. Patrick's Day. Overall, this book is a great addition to any children's bookshelf.

This illustrated book, titled "Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland," is a perfect introduction to important Irish legends and an ideal St. Patrick's Day gift. The author-illustrator, Tomie dePaola, recounts the life of Saint Patrick, from his noble birth in Britain to his captivity in Ireland, to the visions that led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland. With his signature bold illustrations and engaging prose, dePaola recounts a number of legends about the Saint, including the well-known story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland and his association with the shamrock. Overall, this well-designed book with its rich colors and beautiful illustrations is an excellent contribution to the Christian Saints Books category.

Emeraldalicious is a delightful, rhyming children’s book that encourages environmental awareness. Pinkalicious and her brother Peter visit their favorite park only to find it covered in garbage. With her imagination and a little magic, Pinkalicious transforms the trash into an Emeraldalicious paradise using a special flower and a homemade wand. The book is beautifully illustrated with mixed media and vibrant colors, making it an engaging read for young children. Overall, Emeraldalicious is a fun and educational book that teaches kids about recycling and the importance of taking care of the environment.

The Berenstain Bears' St. Patrick's Day is a delightful 8x8 storybook that follows the Bear family as they celebrate the holiday. With Gramps leading the way, the cubs learn about the traditions associated with St. Patrick's Day, from dressing in green to leprechauns and pots of gold. The story is filled with silly fun and ends with a parade that includes marching bands, dancers, and even bears dressed as leprechauns. Young Berenstain Bears fans will enjoy giggling along as they learn about the holiday. This book is a great addition to any children's book collection, especially for those who love the Bear family.

This is Ireland is a delightful addition to M. Sasek's children's travel series. The book captures the essence of Ireland in the 1960s, with its captivating illustrations and witty narrative. The facsimile edition, published more than 40 years later, remains current and relevant, with updated facts on a "This is...Today" page. The book takes readers on a journey through Dublin's bustling crowds and steeples, the Blarney Stone, enchanted lakes, and mountains that fall steep to the sea. This charming book is a perfect souvenir for children and parents alike, leaving them with memories of Ireland that will last a lifetime.

Fiona's Luck is an original folktale that tells the story of Fiona, a clever girl who outsmarts the Leprechaun King to restore luck to the Emerald Isle. With enchanting illustrations and rhythmic language, this book is sure to captivate young readers. The story is perfect for St. Patrick's Day and all year round. The book's unique storyline and Irish flair make it a must-read for children's multicultural literature books. Overall, Fiona's Luck is a delightful tale that will spark the imagination of children and adults alike.