It's St. Patrick's Day, but Michael doesn't feel like celebrating. His dad is out of work and has no money for new baseball shoes. As Michael heads into the basement on an errand, he hears someone singing--it's a leprechaun, conmplete with pot of gold!
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
It's St. Patrick's Day, but Michael McKeever has run out of luck. His dad has lost his job, the hot water heater is broken, and now his baseball shoes are falling apart. He and his dad never go out and "throw a few" like they used to, and his mom says they have to learn to Make Do. So when he accidentally discovers a leprechaun in the basement, Michael is sure his luck has changed. Unfortunately, he didn't count on this leprechaun being quite so cantankerous. Any child who has felt the pinch of hard times will relate to Michael's anxiety. And those who have become fretful from boredom will know just how "O'Leary" the leprechaun feels. If any child is fortunate enough to have experienced none of the above, these characters provide a great lesson in empathy--there's always more to a person than meets the eye. (Ages 5 and older) --Emilie Coulter
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-A matter-of-fact tone and contemporary details make this a picture book that can be read throughout the year, but it's likely to be especially popular around St. Patrick's Day. Michael McKeever and his family are down on their luck-but not too far down. His father is out of work but they still have a roof overhead and plenty to eat; there's just precious little to spare for new baseball shoes. Michael is thrilled to discover a leprechaun (with the traditional pot of gold) in the basement. Unfortunately, O'Leary loves his gold as much as Michael loves baseball, and therein lies the rub. All turns out well, but not exactly in the expected manner, giving the somewhat flat story a pleasant twist. Sandford's illustrations also help to flesh out the tale. Executed in watercolor and pencil, the artwork is most appealing when it features the pointy-eared leprechaun. Michael and his parents are less distinctive in appearance. The relatively long text and rather serious subject matter make this a good read-aloud choice for primary grades. Younger listeners may need to be reassured that things work out in the end, which is implicit but never expressly stated in the text.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Michael McKeever's family is down on their luck, with Michael's father being out of work, and Michael's mother has told Michael that they have to "Make Do". Michael desperately needs need baseball shoes, as his toes are pushing through the ends, but his family cannot afford new shoes and Michael must "Make Do".
Unbeknownst to them all, O'Leary the Leprechaun has been living in their basement and is discovered by Michael on St. Patrick's Day. Michael is familiar with the tales of leprechaun's gold and desperately wants new baseball shoes. O'Leary is a very greedy leprechaun, and refuses to share his gold with Michael. Michael will have to "Make Do" as his mother says and cannot convince O'Leary to share even a small part of his gold.
During the night, greedy, old, cantankerous O"Leary has a change of heart and sews Michael a beautiful new pair of baseball shoes. Michael feels that things will be definitely getting better in their household.
Colorful book for ages 4-7, and children will learn some timely lessons in family hardships, compassion, and understanding. I thought that it was a rather cute tale and if read with a parent, the parent can help the child learn about the lessons presented in the book.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Endearing story of a family struggling with financial issues due to unemployment.
The Leprechaun in the Basement teaches a little boy values that transend the monetary ones.
The Leprechaun in the Basement teaches a little boy values that transend the monetary ones.
Format:Hardcover
Cute story and interesting pictures. Best for kids aged 6, 7, 8 & 9. Enjoyed the historical aspect of the book and how Ireland ties into the US in past history.
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First Sentence:
O'Leary was a leprechaun. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
baseball shoes Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Saint Patrick's Day New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
O'Leary was a leprechaun. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
baseball shoes Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Saint Patrick's Day New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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