Too Many Leprechauns: Or How That Pot O' Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow

Those who have wondered how the folklore about leprechauns stashing their treasure at rainbow's end came to be, now have a playful explanation courtesy of Krensky's original tale (with the fitting subtitle, "Or How That Pot o'Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow"). Following a year of fun in Dublin, Finn O'Finnegan, who "looked like a rogue and walked like a rascal," plans to recharge by loafing around his mother's cottage in Dingle. But his plan hits a snag when Finn learns that cobbler leprechauns have been keeping the whole town up at night with all their "infernal tapping," as they craft footwear for the local fairies. Finn, sounding like a judge from "Project Runway", insults the leprechauns' style and craftsmanship, inciting their anger and teaching them a trick or two about the transport of fairy gold. Though Krensky's ("How Santa Got His Job") magical logic may at times be difficult for younger readers to follow, kids will likely be amused by the proud and cranky leprechauns and trickster Finn. Andreasen's ("By the Dawn's Early Light") oil paintings exude loads of Old WorldEmerald-Isle charm in scenes of rolling hills dotted with stone walls and thatch-roof cottages. His leprechauns, clad in natty green hats and suits, and shod with (well made, no doubt) buckle shoes, prove a memorable clan. Ages 4-6. " (Jan.)" Copyright 2007 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

K-Gr 4Wry humor and lyrical dialogue make this story great fun to read aloud. Unfortunately, the text does not always provide sufficient context to explain some of the plot elements. Finn O'Finnegan returns to his village after a long absence and notices that "something was clearly amiss." It is an oil painting that reveals what: a cow is being served milk, a hen is staring at fried eggs, and a pig is taking a bubble bath. Finn's mother complains that some noisy leprechauns who are making fairy shoes are disturbing her sleep with their ""tap-tap-tap"," so the young man devises a clever scheme to outwit them. He angers the leprechauns when he finds fault with every one of their shoes, so they show him their stash of gold to prove that they make fine products. However, the story does not explain how the leprechauns can find their gold at will, and at the end of a rainbow, when there is no reference to moisture in either the text or illustration. Nevertheless, the clever Finn makes their gold disappear (or does he?) and strikes a bargain: "If you promise to leave Dingle and never trouble us again, I'll return your gold." Additional humorous visuals show the increasingly annoyed leprechauns searching high and low for their treasure. Purchase as needed."Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA" Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.