Local Moms Co-Author St. Patrick's Day Children's Book

Find him at luckytheleprechaun.com

There is a smell of spring in the air and the twinkle of leprechaun magic happening all around Alpharetta, GA these days.  And it's all thanks to a little, pointy eared leprechaun in a green coat and his creators, Samantha Strum Brown and Risa Rae Ramji, who released their first book titled, “Lucky The Leprechaun” in early January.  The fun is just beginning for the local co-authors as “Lucky” has been out and about creating lots of St. Patrick’s Day fun for children of all ages!  It was over a quick cup of coffee at a local Starbuck’s recently that I was thrilled to meet the two authors who shared a little bit about themselves and how “Lucky” came to be.

Samantha Strum Brown and Risa Rae Ramji

Brown and Ramji have been friends for quite a while and met at a local fitness center.  In addition to raising young children, both share a passion for writing and also come from Irish backgrounds.  One year ago while on a girl’s trip together, they talked about co-writing a book.  Eleven months later, on December 23, 2011, they contracted with local illustrator, David Bride and “Lucky The Leprechaun” was born.  The book was self published and became available to the public in early 2012.

The main character in their book is Lucky.  He is a leprechaun who Ramji described as, “fun, mischievous, quick, and clever.”  And while he may be mischievous, Lucky's message to the children is to be respectful and kind to one another, “behave and listen well” because like other fairy tale characters, he is magical and always watching.  Lucky is a lot of fun and can leave traces of where he’s been via “footprints on the ceiling,”  and by leaving “shamrock confetti trails."  “He may even turn your toilet water green,” Ramji said.  What’s even more fun for young readers is he rewards all well-behaved children with little gifts of dough and treats such as candy coins, rainbow lollipops, and crayons.  And, since Lucky is the only character in this first book, they hope to make it a series and may perhaps introduce additional characters and storylines. 

Leprechaun Trap Craft

While developing the book’s concept, a couple of factors determine its uniqueness and attraction.  Brown said St. Patrick’s Day is a niche market and unlike Christmas and Valentine’s Day, it gives the benefit of marketing in a less competitive environment.  In addition, the illustration of a buck tooth, red-headed leprechaun with turned-up toes on his shoes adds to its uniqueness.  Three to eight years old are their target reader group and they wanted to provide a visual element that would foster creativity and imagination.  So they came up with the idea of including a “leprechaun trap” craft with each book purchase.  Each craft packet contains all the necessary materials for a child to create a unique “trap” that can be used to try to catch Lucky. 

They offer a package deal that includes the book, one trap craft, and a CD with two read-a-longs narrated by the authors, music/movement activities and printables such as crossword puzzles, connect the dots, and coloring pages.  The CD is mp3 and PC compatible. 

All items can be purchased from their website at luckytheleprechaun.com.  "Like" them on Facebook at “The Lucky Leprechaun” and follow them on Twitter @follow1lucky. 

Fun and clever, this book is very entertaining and an enjoyable read for the whole family.  Let me know what “Lucky” has been up to at your home and what treats he's left behind!  Don’t forget to email pictures of your child’s craft to info@luckytheleprechaun.com.