Young Michael McKeever discovers a leprechaun in the basement of his Chicago home, but the leprechaun won't share his gold, even though Michael's father is out of work. After the leprechaun and Michael call each other greedy and selfish they both have a change of heart. Watercolor and pencil illustrations give a homespun feel to the somewhat didactic story. From HORN BOOK Fall 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

K-Gr 3-A matter-of-fact tone and contemporary details make this a picture book that can be read throughout the year, but it's likely to be especially popular around St. Patrick's Day. Michael McKeever and his family are down on their luck-but not too far down. His father is out of work but they still have a roof overhead and plenty to eat; there's just precious little to spare for new baseball shoes. Michael is thrilled to discover a leprechaun (with the traditional pot of gold) in the basement. Unfortunately, O'Leary loves his gold as much as Michael loves baseball, and therein lies the rub. All turns out well, but not exactly in the expected manner, giving the somewhat flat story a pleasant twist. Sandford's illustrations also help to flesh out the tale. Executed in watercolor and pencil, the artwork is most appealing when it features the pointy-eared leprechaun. Michael and his parents are less distinctive in appearance. The relatively long text and rather serious subject matter make this a good read-aloud choice for primary grades. Younger listeners may need to be reassured that things work out in the end, which is implicit but never expressly stated in the text.-Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Ages 4^-7. Michael wants a new pair of baseball shoes, but he has to make do because his father is out of work. On Saint Patrick's Day, Michael goes down into the basement and, to his surprise, meets O'Leary the Leprechaun, who has a pot of gold. Michael thinks he should be given the gold because that's the tradition of leprechaun lore. O'Leary refuses to give up his gold because he is greedy. But, in the end, both Michael and O'Leary learn some very valuable lessons about understanding, compassion, and acceptance of situations that are at times less than perfect. The brightly colored illustrations, reminiscent of Michael Hague's work, enhance the blend of magical elements and everyday realities portrayed in the story. Libraries might buy this for the Saint Patrick's Day tie-in, but it is really a book about relationships. A good addition for larger picture-book collections. --April Judge