March is Irish Heritage Month and March 17 is St Patrick’s Day! Here at the Library, we are celebrating all things Ireland, and the talented Irish authors and illustrators working today. Here are a few of our favorites for youngest readers, from classic folklore to new and exciting titles!

If you’re new to Irish mythology, we suggest starting with Malachy Doyle’s Tales from Old Ireland, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. This rich collection is full of short stories from Irish legends, folklore, and myths, and makes for a perfect read before bedtime.

For fans of the fairy folk, the delightful Too Many Fairies: A Celtic Tale, written by Margaret Read MacDonald and illustrated by Susan Mitchell, expands on the fairies of Celtic legend, who often promise to help but, as one older woman learns, are sometimes full of mischief!

If your little one can handle a gentle scare, The Banshee, written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully, features the spooky Irish creature of legend, who may have come to visit the family of a young, brave boy—or has she?

Another brave character can be found in Irish author Margaret’s Unicorn, by the Irish author Briony Smith. Rich illustrations depict the Irish seaside, and a little girl falls in love with a baby unicorn she begins to care for. 

Finally, The Longer the Wait, the Bigger the Hug, written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Polly Dunbar, has received accolades in Ireland and here in the states for its charming story of a hedgehog and a tortoise who are waiting for a very special hug!

Check out our special St Patrick’s day storytime here, and from all of us at the Library, Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! That’s Irish Gaelic for Happy St. Patrick’s Day!