ST. PATRICK’S DAY
by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
The Rockwells mother and daughter bring to St. Patrick’s Day the same cogent, ecumenical treatment they’ve brought to the other titles in the Mrs. Madoff series (Presidents’ Day, 2008, etc.). “On St. Patrick’s Day,” says Evan, “I wore my green shirt, green pants, and even my green striped socks. Pablo wore green sneakers.” Once at school, the kids work on their St. Patrick’s Day projects: Three kids write a story, two put on a play, three others perform a jig and two do a report on the shamrock. It’s exactly the same scene that’s played out in elementary schools across the country every March, and as such it will be sweetly familiar to readers. Given the paucity of books on the subject despite perennial demand, it will be deservedly welcomed by teachers in many settings. (Picture book. 3-6)