A Fine St. Patrick's Day

This book is so wonderful. What a great yet simple story. The ending made me choke back tears. The only other children's book that ever made me cry was the Giving Tree. This book ranks right up there.

I love this tale for it offers the perfect opportunity to discuss generosity and service to ones community. In the story the whole community comes together to paint the town Limerick Lime. They also unite to help the traveling stranger with his problem. There's so much selfishness in society today, and every now and then it's nice to be reminded of the things that matter most in life, friendship, love, and community. Well, those things matter most to me anyway... The illustrator, Tom Curry, has a folksy style that lends itself to Wojciechowski's countrified fable. Reminiscent of Grandma Moses' folk art, Curry's pastoral scenes are charming, and out of the ordinary for children's literature. Susan Wojciechowski generally known for the Beany series succeeds in writing a noble tale of charity verses greed. She has a pleasing way with words as the text flows along page after page. There's a lilt to her writing, and she's thrown in a bit of the Irish brogue as well. All in all, A Fine St. Patrick's Day is a worthwhile read.

Looking for a book with a fun St. Patrick's Day tale, bright illustrations, a moral and a wee bit `o leprechaun magic? Here it is. Wojciechowski spins an original folktale of two Irish towns engaged in an annual St. Patrick's Day decorating competition. Preparations are getting heated and judging time draws near when a stranger arrives asking for help. How each town reacts teaches a moral lesson about helping others and working together. The folk-art illustrations by Tom Curry complement the mood of the story and are fun to look at. I can't wait to read this to my kids. Dawn Mena www.bookbuds.net

Every St. Patrick's Day two towns compete to see who could decorate better. Sick of losing every year a young girl in one of the towns comes up with the idea of painting everything in the village green (except the mailboxes - they're government property and fire hydrants - which must be yellow so they can be seen). When a stranger comes asking for help the town must decide whether or not to abandon their painting to help. The illustrations feature bold colors and are well suited for this delightful folk tale.