From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2—The children in Mrs. Madoff's classroom are once again participating in holiday-related activities: wearing something green, writing reports, acting in a play, dancing a jig. Evan is lucky enough to be all Irish, and he shows a picture of himself on a visit to his grandparents in Ireland. At home, he continues to celebrate. Lizzy Rockwell's clear, vivid spreads evoke an active learning environment (though really now, 10 students?). The title does not mention Catholicism or Patrick's role as a Saint, and avoids any religious elements in the traditions (the three leaves of a shamrock are usually said to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but not here). However, St. Patrick's Day has become a secular holiday, and this welcome addition to the series clearly outlines the importance of this day in March on which everyone is Irish.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC
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Product Description
On St. Parick's Day, come dance a jig with the students in the classroom ALA Booklist calls "a lively place."
Today in Mrs. Madoff's class we all wore something green to school. Kate played the fiddle and we danced to Irish music. Then we learned about St. Patrick and many Irish tales and traditions. Now we know why there are no snakes in Ireland. Not every-one in school is all Irish like me, but we all can celebrate St. Patrick's Day together!
From Booklist
The latest in the Rockwells’ long-running holiday series, which takes place mostly in the elementary-school classroom of Mrs. Madoff, this picture book showcases a harmonious, multicultural group of students ready to learn more about other cultures. On the opening spread, the mother-and-daughter team dispense with the most obvious of St. Patrick’s Day trappings: the wearing of green. (No mention of pinching those who disobey.) Instead, happy groups of two and three work on holiday projects, including a play featuring St. Patrick and a bunch of fleeing snakes (made from socks). Anne Rockwell’s text is light and appealingly conversational, while Lizzy Rockwell’s illustrations are cheerful and unobtrusive. Preschool-Grade 1. --Abby Nolan
About the Author
Anne Rockwell is a pioneer in the field of nonfiction for very young children. She has more than a hundred books to her credit, including Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? and Clouds in the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Anne and Lizzy Rockwell have collaborated on all the Mrs. Madoff books, including St. Patrick's Day and Presidents' Day, and Who Lives in an Alligator Hole? in the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Anne is the author of What's So Bad About Gasoline?; Brendan and Belinda and the Slam Dunk!; Why Are the Ice Caps Melting?; and Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth. Lizzy is the author-illustrator of Good Enough to Eat; The Busy Body Book; and Hello Baby! Both Anne and Lizzy live in Connecticut.
