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Overview
From jig to shamrock and from bodhran to Yeats, learn all about the stories and legends behind the annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day. It's all here, from A to Z.What does the shamrock represent, and why is it associated with St. Patrick? What great Irish poet featured St. Patrick in one of his most famous poems? What is one of the best-known legends about St. Patrick? These questions and many more are answered while exploring the magic of the Emerald Isle.
Beverly Barras Vidrine is a member of the Writers' Guild of Acadiana and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is also the author of A Mardi Gras Dictionary, A Christmas Dictionary, Easter Day Alphabet, and Halloween Alphabet, all published by Pelican.
Patrick Soper is a member of the Society of Illustrators, and he is a popular textbook illustrator. Mr. Soper is also the illustrator of A Mardi Gras Dictionary and A Christmas Dictionary, as well as Night Thief, Mardi Gras in the Country, and Cajun Folktales, all published by Pelican.
For each letter of the alphabet, presents and defines a word relating to Saint Patrick or to the holiday that celebrates him.
Synopsis
For each letter of the alphabet, presents and defines a word relating to Saint Patrick or to the holiday that celebrates him.
Children's Literature
On St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish, no matter his ethnic heritage. To ensure that every child can rightly claim the "wearin' o' the green," this book introduces elements of past and present Irish culture. The author presents cultural objects and concepts one letter at a time, particularly as they relate to St. Patrick himself and the religion he brought to the Emerald Isle. The alphabet ranges from the ancient Druids and the myth of St. Patrick driving all snakes from the island to the more contemporary annual parade in New York City and poet William Butler Yeats. Most of the non-religious letters define musical instruments and dance. The illustrations, like much of the text, are uninspired. Although a few objects are nicely rendered, most of the drawings offer little to ignite the child's imagination. Even the inclusion of the wee folk and leprechauns fails to capture the magic that is Ireland. 2001, Pelican Publishing Company, . Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow