This Beauteous St. Patrick's Day Book Glitters Like an Emerald

Though centuries have passed since my dad's ancestors came over from Ireland, I like to think of myself as Irish. Heck, my name even means Ireland, and it goes so nicely with McCarty, an Irish name if I ever heard one, though it would be nice if everyone weren't so inclined to make it "McCarthy". March is a fine month for all folks of Irish descent, or those who just want an excuse to drink green beer, which seems to be the case for half the people in my city, as evidenced by the lines around the block near every bar and pub in town on March 17th. For me, though, the fun of St. Patrick's Day hasn't anything to do with getting sloshed.

Eve Bunting's St. Patrick's Day in the Morning is likewise devoid of inebriation, unless it's of the Rocky Mountain High sort. Young Jamie, who has been told he is too young to march in the St. Patrick's Day parade, won't let the naysayers stop him. He's determined to drink in the joy of the occasion with his own procession up verdant Acorn Hill, flute to his lips, flag in his hand, black hat on his head, fringed sash on his shoulder, shaggy dog Nell by his side.

Jan Brett's illustrations are gorgeous as always, though the style is different than I am used to. These seem to be line drawings, while most of Brett's books are richly painted. The color palette is limited, consisting of only shades of green and yellow along with the black. This no doubt was a deliberate choice meant to accentuate the emerald tone of Ireland in general and this day in particular. Additionally, there is no clever border, which is a staple of most of Brett's books, but I suppose that's because this was not a solo project for her. At any rate, the stretches of lush grass, broken up by white stone fences, thatch-roofed houses, drowsy white sheep and the occasional shaggy donkey are stirring, and Jamie is adorable with his wavy hair, impish grin, forest green sweater (probably hand-knit by his mother, and much like the ones Piggley wears on Jakers!) and too-big boots.

The writing style has a lyricism to it, with the occasional bits of dialogue adding to the Irish flavor with such snippets as "It's the terrible noise you're making, Jamie Donovan" from a cranky woman leaning out her window to "You're the early ones" from a kindly shopkeeper who welcomes Jamie and Nell inside for a special pre-dawn treat. Descriptions such as "the mountains were as green as cats' eyes" and "the sun jumped up like a firecracker" contribute to the story's beauty.

St. Patrick's Day in the Morning is an endearing tale with a mystical touch to it. Children who know what it's like to feel left out of something because they're too small will appreciate Jamie's pro-active solution, and anyone with a love of Ireland can get a kick out of the artful words and pictures. Just watch out you don't turn green with envy of those who are able to greet St. Patrick's Day on the Emerald Island itself!