The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh [Paperback]

Janett Nolan (Author), Ben F. Stahl (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: 2 and up

A family retells the story of the shillelagh that was whittled from a tree. During the Irish potato famine, Fergus and his family left for America. But first Fergus cut a branch from a blackthorn tree to take a piece of Ireland with him.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Fergus and his family immigrate to the U.S. during the potato famine. On his last night home, the boy cuts a branch from his favorite blackthorn tree in order to "take a piece of Ireland with him on his journey across the ocean." During the voyage, he whittles this branch into a shillelagh, and on each St. Patrick's Day, he recounts his family's journey from their homeland to America. After many years, he passes the shillelagh and its story on to his son Declan, who in turn passes it on to his son, Emmet. The heirloom makes its way to succeeding generations until Ryan puts it in a closet when he moves to a new house. Years later, his daughter discovers it and, at her father's urging, takes it to her Grandpa Garrett in order to learn its history. He passes the object on to her, saying, "A good story never has to end as long as someone remembers to keep telling it." Though not as spare and poetic as Patricia Polacco's The Keeping Quilt (S & S, 1988), this account provides just enough historical context for each generation to be interesting. Stahl's realistic, acrylic illustrations adeptly convey the passage of time for this engaging family. A nice introduction to Irish immigration and the concepts of family traditions and heritage.
Piper L. Nyman, Fairfield/Suisun Community Library, Fairfield, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. In the midst of the Irish potato famine, Fergus' parents make a difficult decision: the family will leave Ireland and sail to America. On the long journey, Fergus carves a branch he cut from a blackthorn tree into a handsome shillelagh. Fergus embraces America, but every year he tells the story of the shillelagh on St. Patrick's Day. When the time comes, he passes the shillelagh and the honor of telling its story to his son saying, "Take this branch as a memory of Ireland." People in each new generation continue to tell the story as a way of celebrating their Irish heritage and remembering the past, even as they continue to help America move forward. Fergus and his descendants symbolize the important role that immigrants play in shaping American history. Stahl's richly textured acrylic paintings complement the text effectively. This heartwarming story, which also celebrates the art of storytelling, can be enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day and all year round. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807573450
• ISBN-13: 978-0807573457
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 9.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Religious
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Other
  • #29 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Religious

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The St. Patrick's day Shillelagh, October 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh (Library Binding)

Excellent story that is beautifully written and illustrated. It captures an important part of our heritage while emphasizing the importance of family tradition and roots. My 8 year old just loved it and I can see my self reading this to her over and over again. The story teaches U.S. history on one level and family sharing on another. The illustrations are beautiful. I strongly recommend this book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a grand story, September 30, 2002

By 

Donna Spicuzza (Evanston, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh (Library Binding)

A very sweet story with a lovely message about traditions and remembering your heritage even as changes through the generations blur the past. Well written in a style that respects both the subject and the readers, and lovely illustrations as well. Hope to see more from this author!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Irish immigration and concepts of family traditions, October 5, 2009

By 

American Immigration Council's Community Educ... (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh (Paperback)

Between 1845 and 1851, thousands upon thousands of Irish men, women and children died when the potato crop failed. Fergus and his family immigrated to the U. S. during this time. On his last night home, he cuts a branch from his favorite blackthorn tree in order to "take a piece of Ireland with him on the journey across the ocean". The branch is whittled into a shillelagh, a walking stick. Within this shillelagh lies the story of the Fergus's family. Every St. Patrick's Day, the story of their flight from Ireland is told. Fergus grows up and gives the shillelagh to his son Declan. In turn, Declan gives it to his son Emmet and so it goes, on through the generations. The object becomes an heirloom and continues to be handed down with poetic stories told by family elders. Realistic illustrations add to the passage of time. This is a great introduction to Irish immigration and concepts of family traditions. Teachers in grades 2-4 may find this especially useful when introducing family traditions and/or a unit on Immigration.