17 Awesome St. Patrick’s Day Read Alouds for Your March Lesson Plans

As the lush green hues of March unfold, we embrace the enchanting season of St. Patrick’s Day – a time rich with legends, leprechauns, and a sprinkle of Irish luck. This festive period offers homeschooling parents and educators a golden opportunity to introduce a world of learning and imagination. I am excited to present a collection of picture books perfect for infusing your teaching with the magic of St. Patrick’s Day.

These St Patricks Day read alouds are more than mere stories; they are portals to a world steeped in Irish folklore and tradition. Whether it’s the mystical tales of ancient Ireland, the colorful vibrancy of the holiday celebrations, or the simple wonder found in a four-leaf clover, these picture books capture the heart and soul of the holiday. They are invaluable educational tools, filled with laughter, learning, and a hint of leprechaun mischief. Every page offers a chance to embark on a new adventure, to uncover a new lesson, and to instill a deep sense of cultural appreciation in your students.

Bringing the Magic of St. Patrick’s Day Read Alouds into Your Homeschool or Classroom

In this post, you’ll discover captivating books rich in narrative depth, perfect for all those reading comprehension skills you need to refine this March. From whimsical tales to enlightening journeys, these mentor texts have been selected to ignite creativity, foster meaningful discussions, and nurture a love for reading in your learners. 

So, grab your March lesson plans, brew a cup of your favorite tea, and let’s delve into the enchanting world of St. Patrick’s Day with these delightful picture books, each a perfect addition to your homeschool or classroom library.

1. The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow

This heartfelt story captures the adventure of a young girl who helps a leprechaun find his lost rainbow. It’s a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the wonders of weather, making it an ideal read for young dreamers and budding meteorologists alike.

Get the book: The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow by Sean Callahan

Great for teaching: theme, problem & solution, STEM connections,

2. Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato

Authored by the beloved Tomie dePaola, this book tells the whimsical tale of Jamie O’Rourke, the laziest man in Ireland, and his encounter with a magical potato. It’s a humorous story that introduces children to folk traditions while teaching a valuable lesson about hard work and reliance.

Get the book: Jamie O’Rourke & the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola

Great for teaching: character traits, cause & effect, summary, genre – folk tales

Looking for a great, done-for-you lesson for this book? I’ve got a full-day of pre-planned ELA lesson plans ready to print and use. You can learn more about what’s included and find the link to grab them here: Jamie ORourke and the Big Potato St. Patrick’s Day Lesson Plans

3. St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning

This charming book by Eve Bunting takes readers through a young boy’s journey to prove he is big enough to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. It’s a delightful story of determination and joy, perfect for young readers eager to join in holiday celebrations.

Get the book: St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting

Great for teaching: predicting, connections, genre – realistic fiction, sequencing, story elements

4. That’s What Leprechauns Do

This playful book, also by Eve Bunting, is a merry romp through the mischievous world of leprechauns. It’s filled with fun and trickery, ideal for children who love a good giggle and a touch of magic.

Get the book: That’s What Leprechauns do by Eve Bunting

Great for teaching: plot – story sequencing/summary, genre study – fantasy,

5. How to Catch a Leprechaun

This modern classic is a lively and engaging St Patricks Day kids book that sparks imagination and creativity. It’s a fun, interactive read for children, encouraging them to think about how they would catch a leprechaun themselves.

Get the book: How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace

Great for teaching: sequencing, cause & effect, problem & solution, STEM connections

6. O’Sullivan Stew

This tale by Hudson Talbott is a wonderful mix of adventure and wit. It features a clever girl who must use her storytelling skills to save her family and town. It’s a perfect read for those who love a blend of folklore and strong, smart characters.

Get the Book: O’Sullivan Stew: A Tale Cooked Up in Ireland by Hudson Talbott

Great for teaching: character traits, problem & solution, plot – summary/retell

7. The Leprechaun’s Gold

This enchanting story by Pamela Duncan Edwards is a classic Irish legend retold, filled with kindness, greed, and a moral lesson. It’s an engaging read that teaches about the importance of honesty and integrity.

Get the book: The Leprechaun’s Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards

Great for teaching: theme, genre – legends, cause & effect

8. Clever Tom & the Leprechaun

An Irish folktale retold by Linda Shute, this story is a delightful chase between Tom and a crafty leprechaun. It’s a fun read that introduces children to the classic cunning of leprechauns in folklore.

Great for teaching: compare & contrast, problem & solution,

9. Fiona’s Luck

Written by Teresa Bateman, this book tells the story of how Fiona outsmarts the Leprechaun King to restore luck to Ireland. It’s a tale of wit and wisdom, perfect for children who enjoy stories of clever heroes and heroines.

Get the book: Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman

Great for teaching: character traits, genre study – folktales, problem & solution

10. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever

Share the joy of St. Patrick’s Day with this vibrant story by Teddy Slater. It’s a celebration of family and tradition, filled with cheerful illustrations and rhythmic text that’s ideal for read-aloud sessions.

Get the book: The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater

Great for teaching: rhyming & word play, compare & contrast, text-to-self connections

11. The Gingerbread Man & the Leprechaun Loose at the School

A delightful combination of two beloved characters, this book by Laura Murray brings a festive and humorous twist to the classic Gingerbread Man story, making it a fun read for St. Patrick’s Day.

Great for teaching: sequencing, character traits, compare & contrast

12. Leprechaun in Late Winter

Part of the beloved Magic Tree House series, this enchanting tale takes young readers on a journey with Jack and Annie to the emerald hills of Ireland. They meet a young Irish girl and embark on a magical adventure that’s not only thrilling but life-changing for their new friend. 

Get the book: Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osbourne

Great for teaching: sequencing, problem and solution, genre – science fiction, character traits

13. Jack & the Leprechaun

 In this charming story by Ivan Robertson, Jack learns about Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day traditions from a leprechaun he meets in America. It’s a wonderful tale of cultural exchange and the magic of heritage.

Great for teaching:

14. A Fine St. Patrick’s Day

This book by Susan Wojciechowski is a delightful tale about towns competing to create the best St. Patrick’s Day decorations, with a twist that teaches the value of kindness and community spirit.

Great for teaching: compare and contrast,

15. Shannon and the World’s Tallest Leprechaun

Shannon’s tale is one of hope and unexpected help. When her step-dancing aspirations are in jeopardy, Liam, the world’s tallest leprechaun, steps in. It’s a story that intertwines the excitement of a contest with the magic of leprechauns, perfect for young dancers and dreamers alike.

Great for teaching:

16. St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons

This informative and beautifully illustrated book provides a comprehensive look at the history and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day, making it a great educational resource for young readers.

Great for teaching: fact and opinion, cause & effect, main idea, summary

Enrich Your Homeschool & Classroom with the Magic of St. Patrick’s Day Read Alouds

As we conclude our journey through these St. Patrick’s Day read alouds, it becomes evident how each story serves not just as a delightful read but as a vibrant educational tool. For homeschooling parents and teachers, these St Patricks Day books are treasures, offering a unique blend of entertainment, cultural education, and opportunities for creative learning.

In the heart of these tales lies the rich folklore, tradition, and spirited essence of Ireland. From the playful escapades of leprechauns to the revival of ancient legends, these mentor texts provide a multifaceted approach to teaching about St. Patrick’s Day. They foster imagination, cultural appreciation, and a love for storytelling in your young learners.