A Fine St. Patrick's Day

by Susan Wojciechowski, Tom Curry (Illustrator)

Overview

WELCOME TO THE rival towns of Tralee and Tralah, where the annual St. Patrick’s Day decorating contest is under way. Every year, Tralah defeats Tralee. This year, though, little Fiona Riley has a wonderful idea that will help Tralee win the contest for sure. But neither town has counted on a stranger arriving—a funny little man with pointed ears and boots trimmed with bells—who will turn the contest upside down!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780385736404
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	10/28/2008
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Susan Wojciechowski has three grown children and lives with her husband in York, Pennsylvania, where she works as a writing consultant at the Learning Center of York College.

Tom Curry lives in Alpine, Texas. In addition to being an award-winning acrylic painter, he is the illustrator of several children’s books.

Editorial Reviews

Wojciechowski tells a fine story that reads well aloud; Curry’s drolly mock-primitive paintings practically glow with color and bristle with texture. Practice your brogue, and sure and begorra, start working some story-hour magic.”—The Horn Book

From the Publisher

Though the author makes a bit of a leap at the end, this original tale, celebrating the benefits of generosity over ambition, makes worthwhile reading. The more goal-oriented town of Tralah always beats rival Tralee in the annual St. Patrick's Day decoration contest-until one year when the Tralahvians turn away a wee man who comes to their doors begging for help to free his cows from the mud. With only a little reluctance, the Traleenians leave off their frantic decorating to lend a hand, and wake the next morning to find their entire town painted a deep, prizewinning green. Then the citizens of Tralee enjoy their victory feast so much that they decide to chuck future competition and just have the dinner. Curry places the thatch-roofed, quaint-looking villages amid verdant, rolling fields, and though Wojciechowski never comes right out with it, the "little man," dressed in a long, pointed hat and curly-toed shoes, has a recognizably leprechaunish look. A thought- and discussion-provoking tale that shouldn't be relegated to the "holiday" shelves. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews