Are leprechauns real? And if so, what exactly are they?
Good questions and perfect for March! Leprechauns are small creatures that some believe are related to faeries or elves. They hail from Ireland, so the bearded fellows are often depicted wearing green and have become associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
But what do leprechauns do?
Another excellent question. Leprechauns, it is said, are very strong for their size. They are also wonderful craftsmen and specialize in making shoes. They also have powers of regeneration and healing.
But are they real?
We could tell you what we think, but wouldn’t it be fun to do a bit of research and decide for yourself? You are, after all, a very smart cookie.
We recommend two books from the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Start with the fiction book, Leprechaun in Late Winter. You’ll meet Jack and Annie and follow them on a mission to learn about Ireland and Leprechauns.
After the adventure, check out Leprechauns and Irish Folklore, a nonfiction companion to the first book. When Jack and Annie returned from their adventure, they had many questions. What are leprechauns? How do we know many of the old Irish stories? How do fairies spend their time? Who speaks the Irish language? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.
Still curious? Visit your school or city library and ask the librarian for more books about leprechauns and Ireland.