Leprechaun Gold

Bateman, Teresa. 1998. Leprechaun Gold. Ill. by Rosanne Litzinger. New York: Holiday House.

This is an older book, but perfect for the upcoming holiday. This book is rather lengthy for preschool storytime, but the story is wonderful in that it combines the trickster element common in Irish tales with the wonderful message that some things are more precious than gold.

Donald O'Dell saves a leprechaun's life, but surprisingly, does not want to accept his offer of gold. The leprechaun is determined to repay his debt and Donald is equally determined to refuse it.
This is a lovely tale that features gratitude, self-sufficiency, and the value of intangibles more precious than gold. Soft, double-spread, watercolor and pencil drawings accompany the rather lengthy story. Of course, being a leprechaun tale, this one ends with a satisfying twist.