Dear Mr. Leprechaun: Letters from My First Friendship

by Martin Nelson Burton

The first friend I ever had was a leprechaun. We used to write to each other. I would leave notes for him at bedtime. In the morning, I would find his answer. So begins this true account of an enchanting correspondence that would last for seven years, and a friendship that would last a lifetime. The original childhood notes of Martin Nelson Burton and the warm, fatherly replies of Mr. Leprechaun spring to life in Clint Hansen's breathtaking paper...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0966649001
• ISBN13: 9780966649000
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: London Town Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.7" x 11.6"
• Age Range: 4 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

A Note From the Author

I greatly appreciate the kind words of the reviews below. I do want to make it clear that in my book, I do not state that my father is the one who wrote the leprechaun's notes to me. True, some people think the leprechaun was my father. But many others - especially children - strongly believe that the leprechaun wrote to me himself. I respect both sides, and included the actual notes in the book so the reader could decide. I am satisfied the story can be fully enjoyed either way.

Exactly what we need in a childrens book

Recently came across after reading a nice review on it and let me tell you it is everything you would hope for in a childrens book and so much more! It's a classic! Mr. Burton does a nice job in telling his story and the art is different-something that gets the childs notice-but in a nice way. The story does not speak down to the child but rather treats them with intelligence (and my grandkids love that) and it makes them put things together (rather than force feeding the kids what the author wants them to believe). It's a heart warming tale of love between father and son (we also need more of that). I bought my first copy last week for my youngest grandson, and 3 more are on the way for my others. Great book, I highly recommend!

Magic of Childhood

I have never seen a leprechaun, but author Martin N. Burton made me feel as if I was experiencing the magic of the leprechaun who was his childhood friend. The well written story is the reason why I loved this book and why I loved reading it to my own children. The writing style is fun for young readers and for their parents who may find themselves reading out loud in an unintentional Irish brogue. Mr. Burton captures the gentle magic of childhood that is enhanced by loving parents and lasts a lifetime. The friendship and love revealed between the child and his father makes this a perfect story for Father's Day. If your children believe in fairies, Santa, and other magical beings, they will find irresistible the possibility that they can have their own leprechaun friend. Dear Mr. Leprechaun discretely encourages children to write their own letters so they too can discover what might happen. The illustrations are beautiful and convey the magical world of childhood.

An instant classic!

I can not possibly start to express just how wonderful this book is. I & my children enjoyed it so much, we bought a second copy to donate to their school library. Young children delight in the idea of corresponding with "Mr. Leprechaun", but the real joy of this book is in it's demonstration of the deep & heartfelt love of a parent for their child. The artwork is exceptional as each page simply begs to be poured over again and again. While it is an excellent childrens book, I also believe it is a wonderful addition to any adults library as well.

A joy to read and simply amazing to look through

Original and imaginative, Dear Mr. Leprechaun: Letters From My First Friendship by Martin Nelson Burton is a warm and inviting picture book story about an enchanting correspondence by letter with a leprechaun. The full-color illustrations by Clint Hansen are especially amazing in that they were all created through three-dimensional paper sculpture! A joy to read and simply amazing to look through, Dear Mr. Leprechaun is enthusiastically recommended for children ages 4 to 9.