Too Many Leprechauns by Stephen Krensky

Too Many Leprechauns: Or How That Pot o' Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow by Stephen Krensky-32 pages

I chose this book based on the cover. I enjoy stories of leprechauns, Ireland, and St. Patrick's Day. This is the story of how Finn O'Finnegan tricks the leprechauns into leaving his town that he has just returned to from Dublin. Leprechauns have overtaken the town making shoes and so much noise that the townspeople can't get any sleep. So, Finn outwits the leprechauns by hiding their fairy gold at the end of a rainbow and bargaining with them to leave in order to get it back. I enjoyed reading this short picture book.

Leprechauns and Irish Folklore by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce

Leprechauns and Irish Folklore by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce-115 pages

This is the companion nonfiction book to Leprechaun in Late Winter. As I stated in my post on reading Leprechaun in Late Winter, I have long had an affinity for most things Irish. It was interesting to read about fairies and leprechauns and what the Celts believed and practiced in regards to them. In some instances, the Irish still build houses and building in a certain manner if a fairy path is believed to be on the property. Some Irish still believe in fairies and leprechauns, apparently. Fairies generally fit into two categories: solitary and trooping. Leprechauns are solitary fairies as they usually live alone. Overall, it was fun to read a bit more about Irish folklore and I really want to visit Ireland someday.

Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne

Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne-111 pages

Jack and Annie are taken back to Ireland in 1862 to inspire Miss Augusta (who later becomes Lady Gregory) to learn the Old Language (Irish Gaelic) and write Irish stories and folklore. I really enjoyed reading this because I have long had an affinity for Ireland and Irish (I want to visit someday and I have already been to Scotland and I enjoy watching The Quiet Man, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, and reading other stories of Ireland). The only small, wee issue I have is that some of the Irish characters use Aye instead of yes and, to my knowledge, Irish don't say Aye. Scottish use the word Aye in place of yes sometimes, but not Irish. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book.