Picture Books on St. Patrick's Day

What do you associate with St. Patrick’s Day?  Leprechauns?  Parades?  Green Beer?   As the holiday approaches this year, I decided to find out:  Who is St. Patrick?   I learned he grew up in what is now England (back then it was part of the Roman Empire).  He lived a life of privilege and comfort.  During his early years, he did not believe in God or desire to follow him.  After being taken captive and eventually being sold into slavery, he had a change of heart.  St. Patrick was able to escape slavery and eventually make it back home.  Vowing to never leave again, he felt God call him to preach to the pagans in Ireland.  As a result, he left his home and spend 30 years ministering to the people and experiencing great hardships.  Based on the celebrations today, I was surprised that the man being honored was a devout Christian.  Here are a couple books you can read to your children or students in remembrance of St. Patrick:

Saint Patrick (by Ann Trompert)  

Tropert’s retelling of St. Patrick's life is a great introduction that is simple enough for younger children yet interesting enough for older readers/listeners.  His perseverance and maturity are chronicled in this narrative as he lives life as a child, a captive, a slave, and a castaway.  St. Patrick, as well as those around him, learn about the power of prayer and obedience to God.  After being called by God into ministry, he spends years preparing by growing in knowledge, in leadership, and in the Spirit.  During his ministry to the Irish pagans, he is threatened, imprisoned, and enslaved, yet he is able to reach thousands of people with the Gospel.  St. Patrick epitomizes the commandment to be “fishers of men.” 

St. Patrick’s Day (by Elaine Landau)  

This selection is part of the Finding Out About Holidays series from Enslow Publishers.   It is divided into short chapters.  Some are more narrative and religious in nature like when St. Patrick’s life is described.  Others are more informative and secular describing the traditions (past and present), legends, and symbols.  Landau explains how the three-leafed clover and leprechauns are connected with the holiday.  Overall, St. Patrick’s Day provides a comprehensive description of the man and the holiday. 

Some people might be familiar with the folklore around St. Patrick.  One of the most common legends is the story that he led all the snakes out of Ireland.  In The Last Snake in Ireland, author Shelia MacGill-Callahan has created a trickster tale based on the ancient story and combined it with a contemporary myth of the Loch Ness monster.  Also, Joyce A. Stengel has a retelling of the snake legend that includes the help of some furry friends called St. Patrick and the Three Brave Mice. 

I have never celebrated or thought much of the St. Patrick holiday.  These books, though, helped me have a better understanding and appreciation for the man the day honors. 

In my blog hopping recently, I came across two wonderful St. Patrick's Day units with activities parents can use at home with their preschool-aged children or teachers might want to use in their classes.  Visit Over the Moon and  2 Teaching Mommies to view and download. There are lots of fun craft ideas on the web. Click on these blog sites to view them: The Home Teacher (Hand Print Plate), Mom on Time Out (Leprechaun Hats), and Living Montessori Now (Beaded Rainbow). For a delicious craft/healthy snack idea, visit The Iowa Farmer's Wife and another holiday treat at Our Side of the Mountain. 

Picture Book: Salt in His Shoes (by Deloris and Roslyn Jordan)

Summary of Salt in His Shoes:  

Michael loves to play basketball!   Every Saturday he follows his older brothers to the park in hopes of playing.  There is only one problem:  Mark, the tallest boy on the court.  He taunts and bullies Michael.  One Saturday as Michael tries to make the winning shot, Mark’s long arms knock the ball away, causing the other team to win.  Michael is discouraged.  He talks to his mother about the game loss and his desire to be taller.  She suggests they put salt in his shoes and say a prayer every night, and before he knows it, he’ll be taller.   He agrees to her plan.  That night, his mother prays over him, just as she does all her children.  She asks God, “Please help Michael to be the best he can be and to give his best in all that he does.  And Lord, could you make him just a little bit taller tomorrow than he is today.”

Michael wears his salted shoes everywhere he goes, even church.  He eats healthy meals.  Instead of going to the park on Saturdays, he practices hard at home.  Most of all, he does not forget to pray each night before bed.  After a few months, Michael still hasn't grown.  He misses playing ball at the park with the guys.  His father encourages him, “You are a good player, son.  And you already have everything it takes to be a winner, right in here [taps him on the chest].”  Inspired, Michael dashes off to join the game already in progress.  When he gets on the court, he makes the winning shot!  He is so ecstatic that he runs all the way home!  After that day, his mama stops putting salt in his shoes, “but Michael [does] not stop being patient and working hard and praying.” 

Today, Michael is six-foot-six inches tall.  He is the basketball star—Michael Jordan. 

Evaluation:

Fortunately, because I heard Salt in His Shoes read aloud, I did not see the cover which reveals it is about Michael Jordan. There was a collective “wow” gasp in the room at that revelation on the final page.  This book especially resonates with children and adults because it is a true story of a world-famous athlete.  This narrative highlights character qualities, such as perseverance, faithfulness, patience, and hard work.  Children will be encouraged to see that a superstar like Michael Jordan had to work hard and overcome obstacles.  Salt in His Shoes was written by Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris Jordan, and his sister, Roslyn M. Jordan.  The text is well-written and appealing.  My favorite part is when his mother prays over him, asking God to help him grow physically and develop personally.  Prayer and hard work are both clearly credit for Michael’s success.  Kadir Nelson’s illustrations capture the era and culture as well as the tone and emotions.  I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.