For several years, I have seen or read about books that have children wanting to trap Santa Claus. This time our heroine wants to trap a leprechaun. With the help of her reluctant (and sleepy) brother, we see the science behind creating a trap in Three Ways to Trap a Leprechaun. This is not a St. Patrick’s Day book, or even one that only people of Irish decent would appreciate (though I for one appreciated the blarney and cheek of the leprechaun in question). This is a book about a set of clever children and how one determined young lady is going to get herself a leprechaun! Only, things are not that easy and do not always worked out as planned.
Tara Lazar created not only a fun but informative book. At the end are notes on a trap your child can make. Of course, you the adult might need to help as the leprechaun of the story is not easily trapped. (Spoiler: I mean since the leprechaun is never really caught, and leaves notes, you might have to leave a note or two yourself to explain why there is no leprechaun in a well-planned trap.)
The illustrations of Vivienne To are extremely vivid and bright. The format used can almost be distracting at times. However, they are fun and perfectly compliment the story. There is no question what is going on or what might happen next. There are surprises and a neat treat at the (almost) end. The art is as imaginative as the kids that are moving the story along.
Most likely for the older child at least 5 and up (but 6 to about 8 could work best).