The first sentence of the book sold me!

“Paddy, you are too fidgety!”

Our son is a typical 4 year-old boy.  He can’t be still at Mass, he can’t stand still for prayers before bed and he rarely stops moving while he is awake – and sometimes while he is asleep he is still moving!

I looked forward to reading this book to him because I felt he could relate to a little boy who wanted to please his mother, but just can’t be still!

Paddy and the Wolves is a colorful, unique story about Saint Patrick as a little boy.  Paddy gets sent to “go help Barra” (the Shepherd who is moving sheep to higher pasture that day).    Paddy’s mother prays “May Jesus go with you” and sends him on his way; hoping he will channel all that energy most boys have toward something good an helpful.

I love this book for three main reasons:

First, for the illustrations!

It’s no secret that I love Jen Norton’s work.  I listed her journal as one of the 10 Best Journals for Busy Women bought myself a copy. Her style is friendly, inviting, fun and colorful. I feel like no matter how much I praise her talent with words, I can not do it justice.  Here’s a glimpse of some of the book’s pictures (and by the way, there is also is a coloring book Paddy and the Wolves Coloring Book!!  If your child loves to color, this is a great gift to pair with the book!)

Second, I love the teaching moments this story provides!

The author, Steve Nagel, not only allows the readers to get a glimpse of St. Patrick’s childhood by revolving the story around shepherding, but also allows the child practice in sitting still!  The book is just long enough to catch my “almost 5” year olds attention, but challenges him to sit a little longer than those Step Into Reading Books he just loves. I read it to him once and he listened and went on his way.  Another time my husband read it to him and I heard our little boy ask, “what does obey mean?”  We often tell Xavier he needs to listen, or follow directions – but that word obey was new to him.  My husband was able to explain the meaning of that word, and explain how it is important for children to obey their parents.  Thank you Steve Nagel for that wonderful opportunity!

Finally, the book provides extension activities and prayers!

The learning and discussion about Saint Patrick doesn’t end with the closing of the story.  There are several prayers in the back, facts about Saint Patrick, a game board on the back cover – and my favorite addition – a recipe to make oatcakes!  Oatcakes play a role in the story, and I am so excited to make them with Xavier!  He loves to bake and it will be another opportunity for me to teach him about Saint Patrick!

This book a great way to teach your children about Saint Patrick! Order yours today!  Click here: Paddy and the Wolves

Have a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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