S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet

by Eve Bunting, Matt Faulkner (Illustrator)

Small in size (less than 400 by 200 miles) the country of Ireland holds a big place in world and human history. And many from around the globe proudly lay claim to ancestral ties there. S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet gives readers a guided A-Z tour of this small island country whose influence extends far beyond its sea borders.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Ireland, Holiday, Geography, School

36 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Also known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.

Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.

Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.

In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Bunting is of Irish descent, and so is the perfect author for this book. Rhyming quatrains are used to describe each person, place or thing in this book. In addition, there is a sidebar for each letter with more detailed information, which is more suitable for an older student or adult. For example, "B" is for "Blarney Stone" includes what the word "blarney" means and information about the stone itself. Other subjects include "Claddagh" Ring, "Dublin,""Fairy" Rings, "Hedge Schools," and more. The illustrations are ink and watercolor.

[Rachel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

S is for shamrock is a fun book filled with facts about Ireland, its history, and how Irish culture has influenced other cultures. This book would be great to use during multicultural month when students will learn about all people that helped shape up America to the country it is today.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was mostly okay - lots of interesting information and cool illustrations.

But WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY WOULD YOU MAKE 'R' FOR RIVERDANCE?
Irish dance is not "Riverdance." Riverdance is the name of a show (which is mentioned in the text, yes). Irish dance is the style of dance.
WHYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad, but I was a little disappointed. For me, it didn't really convey the "spirit of Ireland" and I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations. Some of the collection felt a bit random. As with all the alphabet books in this series, you can share the short poems for each letter with the younger picture book set, while saving the more in-depth side bars for the older kids, but do note for sensitive youngsters some of the entries are very sad or even scary.

[Kevin McNally · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone of Irish descent, I enjoyed reading this book as it gave me more insight about my ancestral home. I have always wanted to visit Ireland, and this book made me smile as it used the alphabet to describe the proud country. I would definitely recommend this book to any families with Irish heritage to read to their children.

[Shauna Ludlow Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations of all things Irish. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annotated for older children and adults. Interesting facts

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost like a travel guide for ancient Ireland. I want to read more from this series!

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the different levels of information. Quick rhyming bits for small kiddos and more in-depth info that can be read optional.

[Erin Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking Day Ireland 2024

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations paired with lilting rhymes.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun Ireland ABC book that I forgot I had until it popped off the shelf.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each alphabet letter-designated word is accompanied by some additional history about Ireland. Quite fascinating information, I learned a lot!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book with lots of facts if you chose to read it aside from the Alphabet of Ireland. It is often quite sad. Beautiful drawings.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This terrific book takes you on an alphabetical tour of Ireland.

You'll learn about the Blarney Stone, Fairy Rings, Leprechauns, St. Patrick, Shamrocks, and that there is no letter X in the Irish alphabet.

Informative and fun, with wonderful illustrations by Matt Faulkner.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but the illustrations left a bit of something to be desired. As a for instance, "L is for Leprechaun" but the illustration of a leprechaun did not match the description- in the longer text for the presumably-adult readers reading this book to the "picture book market" - AT ALL.

I also found it rather odd that "E is for Ellis Island," because Ellis Island is in New York. Sure, Irish immigrants passed through it, but I'd have thought "E is for Emerald Isle" to be a better choice.

I did learn some interesting tidbits of Irish history in this book: For instance, I had no idea that the Blarney Stone was not just a rock in a field. I was surprised to learn that it is actually set in a thick wall and requires some contorting to kiss it. I also enjoyed learning of the folklore origins of the Giant's Causeway. :-)

[Danielle Wrasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an alphabet book this one is unique because for each letter there is a section that is simple text that often rhymes or is silly or interesting, but also a history-oriented section that expands on what the word for that letter is all about. This makes this book more authentic and it also allows students/people with different levels of ability and interest to be able to read it and learn something from it. Many of the letters are for things that help explain or teach about something deeper about Irish culture, such as U is for Ulster that explains about the Troubles and some of the history of unrest between Norther Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. There are also ties made to Irish culture today such as M is for Modern Ireland and ties to American culture such as T is for Titanic because the ship was built in Belfast, Ireland.

[S10_Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

S is for Shamrock, by Eve Bunting, is a great cultural resource. It would be a great book to use in the classroom to introduce Ireland and its culture to young readers. Every letter is connected to an import aspect of the culture and has authentic and meaningful illustrations. In addition, the book provides two sources of information to the reader. First, there is important information within the illustration for younger readers. However, the author then provides a more detailed explanation off to the side. It takes the information given at the basic level a step further. It gives the reader historical information about the intended topic. This book would be appropriate for students who range from second grade to eighth grade.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"S Is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet" is fantastic for anyone interested in Irish culture, legends and history. The short rhymes are perfect for reading out loud to a young child, while the longer sidebars of historical information will appeal to older children who can read it on their own. Even adults might learn something new (I did!)

The illustrations are wonderful and fascinatingly complex. Although some of the intricacy is lost due to the sort of crosshatched, sketched drawing style (at least in my opinion), one could spend ages studying each page and keep finding more and more details.

Readers of any age will enjoy this book. Looking forward to checking out the rest of the Discover the World series!

[Samantha Sebastian]

This book is much like "D is for Drinking Gourd". It is used to show the importance of the tiny little island of Ireland and the influences that it has all around the world. There again is two sets of information that the reader can read. A more descriptive version of what is said in the illustrations is available to read. The illustrations are very true to the Irish culture and are very beautiful. This book can be used in the classroom to introduce the Irish culture to some students that may not know about it.

[Keri-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on Ireland, and didn't expect to learn much from this one. Not only was I wrong, but pleasantly surprised by some of the choices for the various letters, which leaned heavily on Irish history and its meaning in today's Irish culture. Nice blend of North and South as well without glossing over "The Troubles". High marks for including the information in a straight forward way.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, in both illustrations and words, S is for Shamrock is an Irish alphabet book filled with a wealth of information of this green, lush land. From Blarney Stones to Fairy Rings, and St. Patrick through Ulster and beyond, you'll be amazed how many historical and fictitious facts are crammed into this book.

A lovely addition to any library, public, private, or school, for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

[Moe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It tells you all about Ireland. My favorite parts was about the Giant's Causeway. It is these hexagon shaped columns made from volcanoes. It was a coincidence because last week we were looking in a science book and we saw the same thing in real life.


IT is recommended for Ireland fanatics!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book I can read to my daughter around St. Patrick's Day. I really loved the layout of the book and the big colorful illustrations. It is an alphabet book that introduces Ireland to the reader. There is a short text explanation and then also in small print there is more description. It is a book she can grow into. There is a series of other books and I would love to get more!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book. You can do a quick read with the kids, following just the verse explanations on each page, and then go through on your own and learn some fun trivia about Ireland with the more detailed sidebars. Nice illustrations as well.

[abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We love these alphabet books. This is a fun, beautiful introduction to Ireland from A-Z.

☘️ Bookwyrms ✵ See our full St. Patrick’s Day read aloud list for Christian families.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my son, and we really liked it. Full of facts about Ireland and Irish culture presented with beautiful illustrations and just the right amount of information per page for an 8-year-old.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read at Preschool Story Time on 11/3/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Maren Prestegaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminds me so much of our trip to Ireland when I was pregnant with little M. Super cute & informative.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, full of facts about Ireland.