Book Review: 'Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun' by Sean Callahan

✰✰✰✰✰ Shannon loves stepdancing, but she doesn't have the fancy wigs, new shoes, or expensive costumes like the other girls. All the same, she keeps practicing for the Saint Patrick's Day stepdance contest. Unfortunately, when the heel of her shoe snaps off, her chances of winning are ruined...or are they? Even though things look hopeless, Shannon closes her eyes and remembers what her dad once told her about how to get a leprechaun to appear and grant a wish. When she opens her eyes again, Liam, the world's tallest leprechaun, is standing there.

Shannon is skeptical. After all Liam doesn't look like what she expected. However, she makes a wish, and he grants it...sort of. The same thing happens the next day and the day after that. With all three wishes used up, Shannon shows up at the contest ready to dance her best. After all the practice, will Shannon win the leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Liam knows the answer, but Shannon must find out for herself in this charming Saint Patrick's Day tale.

The Bottom Line: Sean Callahan's tale of a little girl and her three wishes is perfect for Saint Patrick's Day. The main character learns that things may not always be what they seem, but hard work, tradition, and lots of practice can make a lot of difference. Kathleen Kemly's pastels perfectly compliment this heartwarming tale. Highly recommended for kids interested in Irish-American traditions, stepdancing, and Saint Patrick's Day lore.

Details: Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun written by Sean Callahan & illustrated by Kathleen Kemly. Hardcover picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8075-7326-6