How to Catch a Leprechaun

1. What do the characters use to try to catch the leprechaun?
2. Can you point to the leprechaun in the book?
3. How do you think the characters feel when their traps don't work?

1. Why do you think the leprechaun is so hard to catch?
2. What would you do differently if you were trying to catch the leprechaun?
3. How do you think the characters feel at the end of the story when they haven't caught the leprechaun?

Craft Idea: A simple craft idea to go along with "How to Catch a Leprechaun" could be making a leprechaun hat craft using construction paper. Here's how:

Materials:

• Green construction paper
• Black construction paper
• Yellow construction paper or gold glitter paper
• Glue or tape
• Scissors
• Optional: stickers, markers, or crayons for decorating

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of green construction paper to fit around your child's head and secure it with glue or tape to create the band of the hat.
2. Cut out a large circle from green construction paper to make the brim of the hat. Then, cut a smaller circle out of the center to create the opening for the head.
3. Glue or tape the brim of the hat onto the green band, making sure it's centered and secure.
4. Cut a rectangle shape from black construction paper to form the top of the hat. Fold it in half and glue or tape the ends together to create a cylinder shape.
5. Attach the black cylinder to the center of the brim to complete the hat.
6. Cut a small square from yellow construction paper or gold glitter paper to make the buckle for the hat. Glue or tape it onto the front of the black band.
7. Optional: Let your child decorate the hat with stickers, markers, or crayons to add extra flair and personalize their creation.
8. Once the hat is complete, let it dry if needed, then let your child wear their leprechaun hat proudly while reading "How to Catch a Leprechaun" or during your St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

This craft is simple, festive, and allows children to get creative while bringing the story to life in a tangible way.

Snack Idea:

Here's a recipe for banana and spinach mini muffins with a St. Patrick's Day theme:

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: green food coloring (for a brighter green color)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the mashed banana, fresh spinach leaves, milk, honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Pour the wet spinach mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a brighter green color.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, serve your St. Patrick's Day-themed banana and spinach mini muffins as a festive and nutritious snack or treat!

These mini muffins are a fun and healthy option for celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and the addition of spinach adds a vibrant green color while also sneaking in some extra nutrients.