Written by Ryan Tubridy
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Sometimes, the most memorable moment of your life comes early in your life.
In 1963, President John Kennedy visited his ancestral homeland, Ireland. This is the story of Patrick, one of the children who lived in the village where the president’s family originated.
The president was very famous and very popular in Ireland, so all the residents were excited and happy. Patrick participated in the children’s choir that greeted the president at the airport with “The Boys of Wexford” and two other tunes. “We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand, …” Later in the day, Patrick helped serve the president his lunch at Mary Ryan’s home. It was in serving the cake that Patrick had a real opportunity to speak to the president. It was a day no one would soon forget. The author does a wonderful job of bringing out all the emotion of the day and describing every aspect of the entourage.
The realistic illustrations are almost like faded photographs, making the historic event come alive.
Kids will learn about the president, about Ireland, and about what it might be like to meet an idol. The historical note at the end provides more information on the event.
- Title: Patrick and the President
- Author: Ryan Tubridy
- Illustrator: P.J. Lynch
- Published: Candlewick Press, 2017
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
- Grade Level: 1 to 4
- Genre: Historic fiction, Heritage
- ISBN: 978-0-7636-8949-0