Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews: Saint Patrick's Day Books

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Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Saint Patrick's Day Books

I grew up on an island in the Mediterranean where there were very few Irish people, or people of Irish decent for that matter, so (alas and alack) I did not really get to enjoy a St. Patrick's Day while I was growing up. After I left university I spent a summer in Dublin and grew very fond of the Irish people, their beautiful country, and their interesting history. I did not grow to love the damp Irish weather however. Then, when I moved to the U.S. I finally got to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, getting into the swing of things by donning green clothes, drinking green beer, and even baking Irish soda bread.

Since I started reviewing books I have come across a wonderful variety of children's books about Ireland and about St. Patrick's Day. You can look at the books I have reviewed in the Through the Looking Glass Saint Patrick's Day feature. There are a variety of books in the collection for readers of all kinds. One in particular that I enjoyed was S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet. This is one of several alphabet books published by Sleeping Bear Press. It is the kind of book readers of almost any age - except the very young perhaps - can enjoy. Children (and adults) who read this book will find out many things about Ireland and about the Irish people.

3 comments:

Aaron Mead said...: A delightful St. Patrick's Day book I've recently discovered--which I noticed was not on your list--is Tomie dePaola's Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland. This is a charming biography of St. Patrick for kids in the 6-to-8-years category. The book has some interesting information on legends about St. Patrick in addition to the more strictly biographical materials. Ever wonder why the shamrock is significant? Get an explanation in this book! It's a really fun, interesting book, and dePaola's artwork is fantastic as always. He has a real knack for books that retell traditional or historical stories.; March 15, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Marya Jansen-Gruber said...: Thanks for sharing Aaron. I am very fond of Tomie dePaola's work. Have you reviewed the book? If you have, do send us a link to the review.; March 15, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Aaron Mead said...: You're quite welcome. I just finished a review of the book. The link is here: http://www.childrensbooksandreviews.com/charming-biography-courageous-exemplar-review-of-patrick-patron-saint-of-ireland/

You can also just click my name and that should take you to the review.; March 15, 2010 at 1:41 PM