FROM THE PUBLISHER

The three leprechauns Ari, Boo, and Col have a job to do. They must race to where they've buried the pot of gold and dig it up before the rainbow comes. The clouds are already gathering, so they'll be no time for mischief along the way. But Mrs. Ballybunion's cow, Miss Maud Murphy's hen, and Old Jamie soon find out that the three clever fellows can't resist having a little fun on the road to Paddywhackers Bog. For, in addition to putting a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, mischief is what leprechauns do! Delightful illustrations from a Caldecott medalist and a playful text written in a lifting Irish style make this a perfect story for St. Patrick's Day or any other time of year. Includes an author's note about leprechauns and rainbows.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Bunting (The Wall) adds a bit o' blarney to a favorite Irish legend as she imagines three leprechauns on a mission to place a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. As storm clouds begin to roll in, Ari the leprechaun rouses his two colleagues, Boo and Col, for the latest gold job. "It's a leprechaun's duty, so it is," Ari notes of the somewhat wearisome task; "not a single soul ever finds it," Col laments. But on the road to Paddywhackers Bog, where the gold remains hidden on non-rainbow days, the three leprechauns also make mischief ("That's what leprechauns do... Along with our more important duties," says Ari in a kind of refrain). Painting the hooves of Mrs. Ballybunion's cow red and tying Old Jamie Bradley's drying long johns in a knot keep the trio more than amused. By tale's end-and rainbow's end-they're ready to do it all again. Bunting offers a kicky if slight outing here, bringing a dash of modern silliness to her twist on familiar lore. McCully (Mirette on the High Wire) portrays the leprechauns as a craggy-yet-cute blend of dapper and disheveled fellows, donning red buckle shoes, bright green tail coats and blue-and-white striped stockings, all of which accent their smiling eyes. Scenes of the little heroes rolling in the grass or doing a jig in the bog will put a touch o' spring in readers' steps. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-As storm clouds gather ominously in the Irish sky, three diminutive leprechauns rouse themselves to dig up their pot of gold and place it at the end of the coming rainbow. Ari hurries Col and Boo along the country road, intent on accomplishing their task, but the friends can't resist stopping to pull some mischievous pranks along the way, because "that's what leprechauns do." They paint the hooves of Mrs. Ballybunion's cow bright scarlet, tie Old Jamie Bradley's drying long johns into a knot, and plant a yellow tennis ball in the nest of Miss Maudie Murphy's hen. At last, as the raindrops begin to fall, the playful tricksters reach Padddywhackers Bog, dig up their treasure, and set it in place. As the rainbow arches across the sky to touch the pot of gold, the trio settles down to wait, but nobody finds the gold, as usual. Ari cheers up his disgruntled pals, saying "That gold's waiting for just the right person." McCully graces this lighthearted story with her characteristically expressive and charming watercolors that eloquently capture the verdant beauty of the Irish countryside and the irrepressible personalities of the elves. An explanatory note about leprechauns is appended. A perfect choice for March story hours, this title can also be enjoyed all year long.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The skies over the Irish countryside are clouding up: A rainbow is on the way. Leprechauns Ari, Boo and Col have a job to do. Despite the fact that no one ever finds their pot of gold, they must hide it at the end of the rainbow when it appears, because that's what leprechauns do. As they scurry down the country road, Ari, Boo and Col try to resist the temptation to do mischief (something everyone knows leprechauns do too). They just can't pass Mrs. Ballybunion's cow without painting her hooves red. They can't pass a stray tennis ball that, if found under a chicken, would confound Miss Maude Murphy. They complete their appointed task, and make it back in time to have a laugh at Miss Murphy's expense. This nice, if unnecessary, addition to St. Patrick's Day literature is a good introduction to the holiday's wee fairy symbols. Caldecott-winner McCully's sprightly watercolors bring prolific Bunting's cut-and-dried story to life. (Picture book. 4-9)