A young boy named Patrick thinks his Irish village's annual parade each March is in honor of him and feels so special as a result. When he learns that he's been mistaken all this time, he gets upset and starts acting out because he thinks he is just "ordinary." However, he is in for a special surprise when the neighborhood pulls together a bonus to this year's parade.

This book was an interesting way to talk about St. Patrick's Day. The general gist of the holiday is there -- the saint, the driving out of the snakes, etc. -- but the book is more about families, neighbors, and behavior. At first I was a little off-put by Patrick's unkind words and actions when he thinks he is no longer special, but then the book rectifies this but having his parents reassure him how important he is to their family and Patrick then goes around to apologize to all those he wronged.

The illustrations make the book look a bit dated, but overall it's a solid read. ( )

This is an older book about a little boy that thinks his community St. Patrick's Day parade is his parade because his name is Patrick. He feels like he is special and that is why he always behaved and helps out.The climax of the story is when he find out the parade is not for him. He thinks that he isn't special and begins to act badly. While the books is about St. Patrick's Day it only explains who St. Patrick is very briefly. I would not recommend this book to teach students about St. Patrick's Day. ( )

A book to read for St. Patrick's day or anyday. This would be especially bibliotherapeutic for an arrogant presumptuous child who thinks the world revolves around him. The story opens with Patrick sitting in the heather looking down on the road where the parade will soon take place. He plans how he will share his ideas of how his parade should change. His ego-centric attitude and the family of brothers is reminescent of the biblical Joseph and his coat of many colors. By the end ot the story he realizes that the parade is in honor of Ireland's patron saint.

This book is an example of realistic fiction because it tells about a boy who lives in Ireland and name is Patrick and thinks that the annual Saint Patrick’s day parade is for him and when he finds out its not he feel like he isn’t special he is just ordinary and is upset by it.
Media water color and pencil