St. Patrick's day, here I come!

PreS-Gr 1--Steinberg has added a St. Patrick's Day volume to his popular "Here I Come" series. This title opens with introductions to the traditions of wearing green, Leprechauns and their pots of gold, shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, and, very importantly, how to get to Ireland: "make a left at England and follow the rain." Irish traditions, legends, and foods are also covered. Written in short four-to-six lines of rhyming text, which are contained on one page or on spreads, the text is humorous and rife with witty puns that will make children and adults smile. Wiemans's artwork coordinates well with the text and brings the humor to life. Illustrations a vibrant, realistic cartoon style; white space is used effectively to balance the many shades of green and keep the busy pages from overwhelming readers and listeners. Steinberg and Wiemans have included everyone in the Irish celebrations: children with diverse skin tones and abilities are shown in relatable settings and situations, such as a school hallway, and reacting differently to green food and corned beef and cabbage. VERDICT A cute must-have for displays, older children's story time, or a quick read before a St. Patrick's Day program.--Sarah Sieg

High-step Irish dancing style right into a St. Patrick's Day celebration. This collection of poems begins with one about a rousing St. Patrick's Day parade complete with a marching band ("Dum-diddly-dum!"), bagpipes and brass horns ("Barrump-bum-bum!"), and drummers and dancers ("Tippy-tap-tum!") and celebrates almost every facet of this holiday, the day when everyone in this diverse community is Irish. Readers are urged to wear green and to expect a kiss if they wear a "Kiss me, I'm Irish" shirt. A creative map will have readers following along to get to the Emerald Isle. To inspire new Irish poets, one poem--appropriately in limerick form--defines the limerick, and two more examples follow. An accompanying image depicts a musing poet-to-be using a wheelchair. Some verses invite readers to search for a magical leprechaun, a lucky four-leaf clover, and a pot of gold. The book can be read cover to cover, but the individual poems can also stand alone. However, because the poems vary in rhythm and meter, librarians and educators should pre-read before storytime for the best holiday performance. Brightly colored illustrations feature plenty of green and will hold the attention of young readers. The last page contains a variety of themed stickers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An enthusiastic overview and colorful celebration of all things St. Patrick's Day. (Picture-book poetry. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.