The Leprechaun Under the Bed

Bateman, Teresa   The Leprechaun Under the Bed   

Holiday House     2012  unp   $16.95      978-0-8234-2221-0   VG    elem        Fantasy    

Geared toward elementary school students, this easy-fiction title introduces students to Sean MacDonald, a hard-working man who owns a farm in Ireland.  On his farm, he has built a stone cottage over the home of Brian O’Shea (a leprechaun), beneath the ground.  Since Brian does not like having a stone cottage over his home, he tries to stop Sean through leprechaun magic.  When the magic doesn't work, Brian builds a surprise door under Sean’s bed.  Brian doesn't wish to be discovered, and makes Sean believe there is a cat living under his bed who makes noise.  When Sean starts occasionally to leave food under his bed to feed this cat, he begins to discover gold coins that have been left there in return.  People in the poor village start to whisper when he uses the gold coins to purchase food.  Two robbers catch wind of the coins and attempt to steal coins from Sean.  When Brian hears the commotion, he fears for Sean’s safety and tricks the robbers into looking under the bed.  The robbers see a wildcat, and they flee.  Without knowing each other, Brian and Sean have formed an alliance, and they live for the rest of their days happily together.

This book includes beautiful, colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text.  Since this title is already listed in Accelerated Reader, those schools who participate in the program will be able to have students take quiz #149718.
         Charleen Forba-Mayer  Leprechauns--Fiction, Fairy tales