Inside: The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day book review and follow-up activities. This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day
by Natasha Wing
illustrated by Amy Wummer
Grosset & Dunlap, 2009
32 pages
Synopsis:
As the title suggests, it’s the night before St. Patrick’s Day and nobody in the house is awake except for Tim and Maureen. After decorating the house in green they decide to build a leprechaun trap. And even though they catch their man, we all know that leprechauns are tricksters and this little fellow is no exception!
Opening Lines:
Why I Like It:
This book has been around for awhile but it’s definitely worth adding to your collection. As you can probably tell from the opening lines it’s a take-off on the classic poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
The illustrations are colourful and engaging and for the most part the rhyming text flows really well.
Kids are intrigued by the possibility of catching a leprechaun so the idea of setting a trap and the fun that ensues should appeal.
It’s also the perfect book to use before having your kids make their own leprechaun traps!
Book Activities:
1. Make leprechaun traps!
Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun you’re granted 3 wishes. Designing a leprechaun trap is a great STEAM activity and lots of fun. And BONUS, it’s pretty easy to find some materials around the house or classroom. If you have to make a trip to the store then the dollar stores will likely have everything you need for not very much money.
The idea is to encourage your kids to do the brainstorming, planning and building, but if they need a little kick start there are tons of ideas to be had with a quick google search.
2. Make leprechaun puppets!
I just happen to have a paper bag template that’s perfect for young kids. You didn’t see that one coming, did you? 🙂
3. Draw a leprechaun!
I like to use directed drawings with my class, especially when doing something a little more complicated like a leprechaun. Many kids don’t need the extra guidance but lots of children lack confidence in art so this is a nice way to approach a drawing project.
There are lots of tutorials on the web, but I like this one at How to Draw: Step by Step Drawing Tutorials because it lays out all the steps in picture form, which I find easier to follow than a video.
4. Complete a St. Patrick’s Day Word Search and Colouring Sheet!
Yup, I have that one, too. And it’s totally free.
I have lots more St. Patrick’s Day activities on my blog. Be sure to check them all out!
Before you run off I want to share one more book with you. The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun is a board book and is best suited for 2-5 year olds, but it’s so cute I just had to mention it. You can sing it to the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!
