Clever Tom and the Leprechaun

Leprechaun's are tricksters that can't be outsmarted--at least, that's their reputation. Clever Tom knows this when he accidently comes upon one. So, HE'S not going to be fooled by any trickery. And what does Tom want of this tiny fairy-tale-like creature? The pot of gold that every leprechaun has hidden, which he will take and become rich. Even though leprechauns are tricky, they are honest to a fault, and that's what Tom is counting on. He captures and forces the leprechaun to make a promise about the whereabouts of his hidden treasure. But leprechauns are known for NEVER giving up their pot of gold. How can this honest fairy promise Tom the location of his "loot" and still fool him so he can't find it? Well, as a leprechaun, he is very clever--that's how. You'll enjoy his cleverness!(Beautiful and humorous pictures, too!) [This is an Irish folk tale picture book suitable as a read-aloud to pre-school through grade 3, or as an independent read for grades 3-5. It is recommended by the School Library Journal.] A Non-Workbook, Non-Textbook Approach to Teaching Language Arts: Grades 4 Through 8 and Up

If you read the other reviews below, you will see that this is a fun and fabulous little story for kids or anyone who enjoys a good Irish story. What especially struck me was the two pages of "Source Notes" that the author put together at the end of the book. She covers T. Crofton Croker, the collector of many "peasants' stories, ballads, and keens" as well as terms that have been touched upon in the story itself. She gives us some great information on the origin of the tales and names of the little people called leprechanes, lurikeen, logheryman, etc. So, read the story of Tom's run-in with a leprechaun for fun and learn some fun information about leprechauns, too.

My 5 year old son loves this story (me too). We also have the audio tape giving it even more Irish flavor! I recommend the purchase.

Tom Fitzpatrick hears a leprechauns tapping in the woods and catches the little man. The leprechaun agrees to show Tom where his golds is hidden in exchange for his freedom. He takes Tom on a long walk over the country-side to an gigantic field of boliuns. He points to a plant and tells Tom that buried under the earth is his pot of gold. Tom marks the plant with his garder and make the leprechaun swear that he will not remove the garder. The little fellow promises not to take off the marker. Tom races home to get his spade as he plans how he will spend the gold. Appon his return he finds EVERY plant marked with an identical garder. He digs under the plant were he thought he put his marker but finds no gold. He digs all night but to no avail. Years pass and Tom tells the story over and over to the children of the village. He always carries his spade so that the NEXT time he catches the leprechaun he will have his forchune made! A wonderful book; it is the illastations that really sell the story. Linda Shute's leprechaun is so lovable and charming you can't help but root for him!