Description

The Keeper of the Crock of Gold is the ideal children's gift book with ten beautifully illustrated stories about the mischievous adventures of the Irish leprechaun.

The leprechaun is the shoe-maker of the Irish fairy kingdom. He is a solitary fairy, fun-loving and very crafty. He is often seen sitting, cross-legged with a tiny hammer in his hand, working on a fairy shoe. The leprechaun is the keeper of the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow and he knows where all the wealth of the world is buried. If you are lucky enough to catch him, you must keep your eyes on him at all times and not allow him to distract your attention or he will disappear. If he does not out-smart you he can make you very wealthy and can make your wishes come true!

To celebrate St Patricks Day 2009, an Taoiseach Brian Cowen presented American President Barack Obama with two books as a gift from Ireland, one for Michelle Obama and one for the Obama children, Malia and Sasha. The book chosen for the Obama children was a Mercier Press book, Bairbre McCarthy's The Keeper of the Crock of Gold. We at Mercier Press are extremely honored to have Obama's daughters learning of Irish legends and culture through one of our books! It will no doubt be kept in The White House and can stand proud as an ambassador of Irish writing, publishing and culture!

When author Bairbre, who is from Ennis in Co. Clare, but now lives in the US found out, she was absolutely stunned:

'I'm really overwhelmed. I'm so very happy that this book has been chosen as a representative of Irish culture. These stories provide a great example of Irish tradition and heritage, transporting kids into an enchanted land full of magic and history. I hope the Obama children enjoy it!'

Illustrated by Odlrich Jelen. www.jeleni.net

ISBN 9781856355643