St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! (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