Patrick and the President
Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
A captivating story which beautifully evokes a seminal moment in the life of JFK through the eyes of a young boy. From foremost radio and television broadcaster, Ryan Tubridy, and Kate Greenaway Medal-winner P. J. Lynch, comes a picture book about President John F. Kennedy's return to his ancestral home in Ireland. When the much-loved President visited Ireland in 1963, he described it as the best four days of his life and, for a generation of Irish people, it was a trip they never forgot. In this warmly told, big-hearted picture book, Ryan captures the fevered excitement in the build-up to JFK's visit - all evoked through the eyes of a young boy called Patrick who wants to know, more than anything, what it would feel like to shake the President's hand. Rooted in historical fact, and marking the centenary of JFK's birth, this feast of a book offers readers a very pure and personal take on JFK's visit to County Wexford and includes a bibliography in the back matter.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Patrick felt when he met the President? What would you feel in his place?
What are some ways Patrick helped to prepare for the President's visit? How do you think these actions made a difference?
Why do you think the President's visit was important to Patrick's town?
If you could ask the President one question, what would it be and why?
How can we all contribute to making our community a better place, like Patrick did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Patrick’s shoes to explore feelings and thoughts, enhancing their empathy skills.
Discuss the significance of community and leadership demonstrated in the book and relate them to real-life events or leaders that are familiar to your child.
Emphasize the impact of individual actions on community well-being by drawing parallels to the child's own experiences of contributing to their community or family.
Use the question about asking the President something as a way to engage your child in thinking critically about what matters to them and articulate their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Involvement
Explanation: The story illustrates how the entire town comes together to prepare for President Kennedy's visit, showing children the value of community spirit and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in community activities, understanding the impact of collective efforts in real-life communal projects and events.
Example Lesson: Respect for Leadership
Explanation: Through Patrick’s admiration for President Kennedy, the book teaches children to respect and value leaders who have a positive influence on society.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect their teachers, local leaders, and national figures who contribute positively to society.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of President Kennedy's visit to Ireland, the book offers a glimpse into historical events, helping children understand the significance of such visits.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn more about their own country’s history and the history of other nations, fostering a deeper global awareness and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Pride in One’s Heritage
Explanation: The excitement of the Irish townspeople, including Patrick, highlights the importance of taking pride in one’s cultural and national heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and celebrate their own heritage and culture, participating in cultural activities and learning about their ancestors.
Example Lesson: Dreaming Big
Explanation: Through Patrick’s hopes of meeting someone as influential as President Kennedy, the book inspires children to dream big and aspire to meet their own heroes or achieve significant goals.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to set ambitious goals and work towards them, teaching them that aspirations are achievable with determination and effort.