"S" is for Shamrock: A Fun St. Patrick's Day Read-Aloud for the Whole Family

S is for Shamrock by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Matt Falkner, is part of the Discover the World book series by Sleeping Bear Press (2007) - and is a perfect read aloud choice for your family this St. Paddy's Day!

 "P" is for St. Patrick...

St. Patrick taught the fish to jump.

He drove the snakes away.

It seems the whole world honors him 

on each St. Patrick's Day!

 "W" is for Writers...

There are so many writers

that it's hard to name them all.

How could they have fitted

in a country that's so small?

The reason I'm recommending this blarney book as a family read aloud is that the full page spreads for each letter of the alphabet have short rhyming verses that are fun for younger kids, while parents and older children will enjoy the further information and historical details given in the sidebars.

For example, on the "W" is for Writers page (pictured above), the author notes that long ago Irish storytellers, shanachies, went from house to house telling their tales and were welcomed and revered by the people of Ireland.  She then shares about some famous Irish storytellers from modern times.

So sit down, brew yourself a pot of Irish Breakfast tea, and read this book with your kids on March 17!  (Go here for my other book recommendations for St. Patrick's Day.)