Best St Patrick’s Day Books for Preschoolers (Ages 3

St Patrick’s Day books for preschoolers should be short, colorful, and actually hold their attention, not long explanations about history or traditions they won’t understand yet.

When my son was little, we stuck to silly leprechaun stories, interactive board books, and anything with repetition or rhyme.

Those were the ones he asked for again and again. This list focuses on picture books that work well for ages 3–5, whether you’re reading at bedtime, during circle time, or just looking for something festive without it turning into a full lesson.

These picks are fun first, with just enough learning mixed in naturally.

Collage of St Patrick’s Day picture books for preschoolers, including leprechaun stories, Curious George, and holiday-themed board books with bright covers.

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Our Favorite St Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Preschoolers

These are the St Patrick’s Day books that actually work with preschoolers, short enough to finish in one sitting, bright enough to grab their attention, and fun enough that they’ll ask for them again.

You’ll find a mix of board books, silly leprechaun stories, and gentle holiday reads that feel playful rather than instructional.

They’re great for bedtime, circle time, or a cozy afternoon read when you want something festive without overcomplicating it.

Each pick is suited for ages 3–5, keeping the focus on fun first, with a little learning sprinkled in naturally.

The Leprechaun’s Gold

When we read this one, my son loved how the leprechaun tries to outsmart the humans but ends up learning a lesson himself. It’s not too long, and the illustrations give kids a lot to look at, which helped keep him engaged. It’s a nice story for talking about honesty in a simple, age-appropriate way.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!

If your kids already like the “Old Lady” books, this one is an easy win. The silly pattern of swallowing bigger and bigger objects always gets laughs, and my son loved trying to guess what she’d swallow next. It’s short, funny, and perfect for kids who enjoy repetition.

How to Catch a Leprechaun

Captivates young readers with its imaginative story of setting traps to catch a leprechaun. This delightful picture book combines St. Patrick's Day traditions with creative problem-solving, engaging preschoolers in a festive and entertaining read.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George

If your kids already love Curious George, this is an easy seasonal pick. The tabbed pages kept my son flipping back and forth, and it’s short enough for bedtime when attention spans are fading.

Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This one is great if your kids love animals and busy scenes. Rosco gets into all sorts of trouble at the parade, and my son enjoyed spotting everything happening in the background of the pictures. It’s a fun choice for kids who like slightly chaotic stories where something new is happening on every page.

Ninja Life Hacks St. Patrick’s Day Race

This feels more modern than a typical holiday book. The ninja characters make it appealing for kids who love superheroes, and the story sneaks in a simple message about trying your best and not giving up. It worked well for us as a quick read when attention spans were short but we still wanted something festive.

The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun

If your child likes Itsy Bitsy Spider, this one is an easy win. The familiar rhythm makes it fun to read out loud, and my son loved joining in with the repeating lines. It’s short, predictable, and perfect for younger preschoolers who enjoy singing along to stories.

The Story of the Leprechaun

This is a gentle introduction to leprechaun folklore without being too intense or scary. The illustrations do most of the storytelling, which is helpful for kids who like to “read” the pictures themselves. It’s a nice option if you want something magical but calm.

The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day

This one leans more educational, so it works best as a read-aloud with guidance. I’d use it for older preschoolers who are starting to ask why we celebrate certain holidays. It keeps things simple, but it’s still more about learning than silliness, so it’s better for short daytime reading rather than bedtime.

How to Build a Leprechaun Trap:The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activity Book for Kids

This one pairs really well with How to Catch a Leprechaun if your kids get obsessed with trap ideas. My son loved flipping through the pictures for inspiration, and it naturally turned into a hands-on activity afterward. It’s more interactive than a typical story, which makes it great for kids who like building and experimenting.

Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato

This is a funny folktale that kept my son laughing, especially at how lazy Jamie is at the start. The potato gets bigger and bigger in such a silly way that kids really notice the exaggeration. It’s a nice pick if you want something humorous but still rooted in Irish folklore.

The Littlest Leprechaun

Liam’s story worked well for us because it taps into that “small but mighty” theme preschoolers relate to. My son liked cheering for him as he tried to prove himself. It’s a sweet read about confidence that doesn’t feel preachy.

Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase

If your child already loves Pete, this one won’t disappoint. The stickers and fold-out poster kept my son engaged long after we finished reading. It’s fast-paced and playful, which makes it a good choice for energetic readers who don’t sit still for long stories.

The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School

This one feels familiar in a good way. My son recognized the Gingerbread Man right away and loved seeing him in a new setting. The school theme makes it relatable, and the leprechaun twist adds just enough holiday fun without taking over the whole story.

Shannon and the World’s Tallest Leprechaun

This one surprised us in a good way. My son liked that the leprechaun doesn’t fit the usual tiny stereotype, and it opened up a nice conversation about how being different can be a strength. The story is gentle and positive, making it a good bedtime read when you want something calm.

Fiona’s Luck

This feels more like a traditional folktale, with a clever main character who outsmarts the leprechaun king. I’d use this one with slightly older preschoolers who enjoy longer stories. My son stayed interested because Fiona is resourceful and brave, which made her easy to root for.

Fin M’Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill

This is a bigger story with bold illustrations, so it works best as a read-aloud. The giant character really captured my son’s attention, especially the exaggerated size comparisons. It’s fun if your child loves mythical creatures, but I’d save it for daytime reading rather than right before bed.

St. Patrick’s Day

This is one of the better informational picks on your list. The pictures clearly show how the holiday is celebrated, which helped my son connect the story to what he sees in real life. It’s short enough to keep preschoolers engaged, but it definitely leans educational.

Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk

My son enjoyed the magical elements in this one, especially the tiny characters hiding in the pictures. It has a cozy folktale feel and works well if your child likes stories with a bit of mystery but nothing too intense.

How to Trap a Leprechaun

This one is very hands-on, which preschoolers love. My son immediately started planning his own “trap” while we were still reading. It’s playful and imaginative without being too long, making it a great choice if your kids enjoy pretend play and building things afterward.

The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever!

This is a bright, cheerful story that really feels like a celebration. The parade scenes are busy in a fun way, and my son liked pointing out all the little details on each page. It’s a good pick when you want something upbeat and festive without a complicated plot.

Leprechauns Big Pot Of Gold

This one leans into the classic rainbow-and-gold legend, which preschoolers usually find fascinating. My son enjoyed following the journey to the pot of gold and talking about what he would do if he found it. It’s gentle, colorful, and works well as a cozy read-aloud.

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

This one works better as a read-aloud for older siblings. The pictures are beautiful, but the story is longer and more detailed than most preschoolers prefer.

Last Updated on 12 January 2026 by Clare Brown

Best St Patrick’s Day Books for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Our Favorite St Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Preschoolers

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Our Favorite St Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Preschoolers

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