If you've been searching for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones, look no further. Reading a children's book together is a great way to dive into the magic of Irish folklore, shamrocks, and leprechauns.
Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day books to spark your kiddo's imagination and teach them about the spirit of the holiday.
Amazon
This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.
The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Amazon
If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.
Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.
This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.
Amazon
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.
But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.
Amazon
This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.
Amazon
Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.
Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.
Amazon
The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.
Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.
This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.
Amazon
Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.
On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.
The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.
Amazon
Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.
DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!
This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
To this day, Gilmore Girls is still a coming-of-age classic that many people continue to rewatch. It's packed with witty banter, quirky small-town characters, and heartwarming portrayals of the mother-daughter dynamic between Lorelai Gilmore and Rory Gilmore.
However, while the show remains extremely popular, even among new generations, there are some undeniable issues that make Gilmore Girls feel outdated. From problematic portrayals to underrepresentation and flat-out bad character behavior, here are 10 ways the series hasn't aged well.
Warner Bros. Television
It's no secret that Gilmore Girls relied on stereotypes, particularly when portraying non-white characters. The most notable example of this is Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim.
She's supposed to be an overbearing, traditional Asian mother who has a rigid sense of discipline and is obsessed with her daughter's academic success. This portrayal might've been intended to reflect cultural differences, but Mrs. Kim's character often just comes across as a caricature.
Netflix
The show also largely overlooked the inclusion of any LGBTQ+ characters, despite it featuring plenty of recurring roles over its seven seasons. While the 2016 revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life briefly revealed that Michel was married to a man, the OG show never mentioned his orientation or love life.
It's particularly glaring since, aside from centering on mother-daughter relationships, the series frequently navigates the main characters' romantic issues. For modern audiences, the inclusion of only straight relationships just isn't relatable or representative.
Warner Bros. Television
There's no doubt that Rory feels tension between her working-class upbringing and the privilege she ultimately gets from her grandparents, Richard and Emily Gilmore.
As a young kid, she was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her. So, at the beginning of the series, Rory is a lovable character who values hard work.
However, she becomes increasingly entitled as Gilmore Girls goes on. For instance, remember when she dropped out of Yale (which was paid for by her grandparents), got to live in their luxe pool house for free, and acted like the whole experience was such a hardship? Many fans have to skip over this cringey time in Rory's storyline altogether.
Warner Bros. Television
During the 2000s, fatphobia was a go-to comedic device, and Gilmore Girls fell into that trap. It's a shame, too, since the show was so revered for its quick, eclectic wit.
Nonetheless, characters like Lorelai, Rory, and even Emily made fatphobic comments that came across as cruel as opposed to funny. Perhaps the worst instance of this came in Season 4, when Rory reported on a Yale production for the newspaper and called a ballerina a "hippo."
The ballerina later confronted Rory out in the cafeteria, calling her review "mean, petty, and despicable," but Rory didn't apologize and responded, "This was all in the line of duty. It was an assignment from my editor, so it was nothing personal."
Warner Bros. Television
Rory's affair with her married ex-boyfriend, Dean, marked one of the most controversial moments in the show. They previously dated at the very beginning of Gilmore Girls, but after they broke up, Dean finally moved on and married someone else.
Well, when Rory felt lonely, she started an affair with him while knowing he was married. It was a particularly low point for her as a character, showing her selfishness and disregard for the consequences of her actions.
Christopher is arguably one of the most frustrating characters, considering the show's tendency to paint him in a surprisingly positive light. He's largely absent during Rory's childhood, and even when he does re-enter his daughter's life, he isn't a stable parent.
Even so, Gilmore Girls continues to present him as funny, charming, and deserving of multiple chances at romance with Lorelai. Nowadays, modern audiences would probably find it hard to overlook his repeated shortcomings.
Warner Bros. Television
We get it: Lorelai's parents, Richard and Emily, needed to be kind of horrible in order to make the storyline work. Why else would Lorelai flee her home as a pregnant teen and cut them off?
Regardless, Emily maintains an elitist attitude throughout the entire series and never stops looking down on people she deems beneath her, especially those with less privileged backgrounds.
For instance, she's infamous for treating her household staff terribly and firing them frequently. Her disapproval of Rory's relationship with Dean, who's a working-class boy from Stars Hollow, also couldn't have been more different than her warm welcome of Logan, a wealthy Yale student. The discrepancies are glaring.
Warner Bros. Television
Rory and Lorelai's mother-daughter relationship is critical for Gilmore Girls, but their bond often crosses into territory that feels uncomfortably codependent. It might've been more understandable when Rory was still a teenager living at home. Yet, even when she goes off to college, the strange dynamic continues.
In fact, Rory actually begged Lorelai to visit New Haven on her first night at Yale and stay over in her dorm room. Not only did Lorelai agree, but she also threw a party for Rory and her new roommates!
Warner Bros. Television
After watching Lane fight back against her mother's controlling tendencies throughout high school, Gilmore Girls fans had high hopes for her future. Unfortunately, those were squashed when she got married to Zack and wound up pregnant with twins.
She was always supposed to end up with the character Dave Rygalski, played by Adam Brody, but Dave was written off the show due to Adam's commitment to The O.C. So, Lane was stuck with Zack, and the relationship felt forced. More importantly, her character arguably never reached her full potential.
Warner Bros. Television
Finally, we believe that Michel, the sole Black character on the show, deserved more. Instead, his uptight and snobby role was just used for comic relief.
Gilmore Girls never delved far into his personal life or explored his character in any meaningful way. The lack of depth is especially noticeable today. Plus, Michel's surface-level storyline feels like a missed opportunity considering actor Yanic Truesdale's talent.
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Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.
Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.
One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.
The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.
This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.
In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.
Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.
The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.
You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!
Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.
While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!
Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.
Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.
This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.
Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.
It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.
When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.
Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.
However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.
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Starting your day with the right foods can make a huge difference in how you feel – that rings especially true if you’re fighting any kind of inflammation. Instead of sugary cereals or processed pastries (though they can be convenient), opt for these delicious anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas that’ll help keep your body balanced. These anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas are packed with nutrients that’ll undoubtedly leave you feeling your best – with no flare-ups in sight!
Brit + Co
Packed with three kinds of berries high in antioxidants, this beautifully layered smoothie will totally soothe any inflamed feelings you have. (via Brit + Co)
Rebecca Firsker
This protein-rich breakfast recipe is made with real, whole ingredients, making it a stunning savory option in the morning. (via Rebecca Firsker for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
When it comes to anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas, the simpler = the better. Luckily, these filling pancakes are made with just three ingredients and come together so quick. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Meal preppers will adore this easy parfait popsicle recipe that you can easily customize with your fave anti-inflammatory fruits! You could even enjoy this as a nice, refreshing snack outside of breakfast time. (via Brit + Co)
The Real Food Dietitians
This hash is balanced well with plenty of protein, veggies, and fiber from the sweet potato. It's a hearty helping that'll definitely leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the day, sans inflammation. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Vanilla and Bean
Turmeric is famously known for its anti-inflammatory benefits – sneak some into these yummy chia and oat bowls, and thanks to the help of more spices and maple syrup, you won't even notice it's there! (via Vanilla and Bean)
Crowded Kitchen
A good balance of grains and veg can be found in these aesthetically-pleasing breakfast bowls, which gives you a great source of energy to go off of all morning long. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Clean Cuisine
These chia puddings taste just like blueberry muffins, but are a bit healthier for you than your typical baked good. The chia seeds supply a beneficial amount of not only fiber, but protein, so you feel full after eating a serving. Yum! (via Clean Cuisine)
Feel Good Foodie
Cottage cheese FTW! It's one of our favorite underrated protein sources, and can easily be customized to pair with either savory or sweet flavors. For a savory bowl, add some tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or avocado. For sweet, opt for berries, honey, peanut butter, and granola! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Averie Cooks
Forget flippin' pancakes and all the time it takes to make 'em – this baked skillet pancake is just as tasty and way more convenient, especially if you're big on meal prepping. The added berries qualify it for some great anti-inflammatory benefits, thanks to the abundance of antioxidants. (via Averie Cooks)
The Original Dish
Veggies at the table are a must if you want to craft a savory anti-inflammatory breakfast. (via The Original Dish)
Kathryn's Kitchen
These sweet muffins hide quite a bit of spinach in each serving, a leafy green that helps fight inflammation with ease. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
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