The Leprechaun Under the Bed

K-Gr 2—Brian O'Shea loves his solitary life. He has built a home underground where he happily cobbles shoes. When a tall human, Sean McDonald, decides to build a cottage right above his home, the leprechaun is distressed. He tries to scare the intruder away with ghosts, but to no avail. Brian creates a front door under Sean's bed and begins to devise ways to disturb his sleep with hammering and thumping. Whenever Sean seems to move, the leprechaun whispers that it is only the cat making noises. That works until Sean realizes that he doesn't have a cat and must be blessed with a lucky wee friend. He leaves food for Brian and talks to him, and a comfortable alliance is made. When robbers break into Sean's home, the leprechaun's magic saves the day. This nicely told story with a sprinkling of enchantment is complemented with lively, simple illustrations depicting plain country life. Children will love this story and ask to hear it at any time of the year, but it is a wonderful choice for St. Patrick's Day.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME