In our household, author/illustrator Tomie de Paola is a favorite with parents and kids alike. Tomie de Paola is half Italian (his Dad’s side of the family) and half Irish (his Mom’s side of the family). My kids often choose de Paola’s Italian folklore Strega Nona stories at bedtime, but this time of the year we tend reach for some of his Irish stories like JAMIE O’ROURKE AND THE BIG POTATO, and my favorite, FIN M’COUL, THE GIANT OF KNOCKMANY HILL.
A story to read again and again...
Tomie de Paola says that growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was a really big deal, with a special meal (corned beef and cabbage) and “theatricals.” This year, he says, “on March 17th, I’ll be wearing my green underwear and socks and I’ll start the day with a hot cup of Irish Breakfast tea. I’ll raise my cup to honor my Irish relatives and shout “Erin Go Bragh!”
How will you celebrate St. Paddy’s Day?
- Green undies to celebrate St. Partick’s Day.
Illustration by Tomie de Paola.
My son just told me they read Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato in school and he LOVED it.