The Ilkin, whose name is Tierny Swarthfinger, (Pronounced 'Tiny'), lives in the land of Tourmaline Green. As a young Ilkin he is badly behaved, drinking beer and smoking a corn-cob pipe. The tale opens when a Teacher-Leprechaun named Harrity J. Eckles is sent to teach him how to behave and to take the tests which if he passes, will earn him the right to wear the emerald green tunic that has six gold buttons to the front, along with the bowler hat that all Leprechauns wear.
This is a tale of magic and charm, of morals and of good luck and good fortune, a book that has characters the children will love as well as endear it to adults. There are pictures to colour in and all have a beauty and charm, a learning book of what good manners mean.