Festival bids to bring children to books
More than 1,500 events will take place across the country this month to encourage reading among young people.
Libraries, schools, bookshops, community and arts centres will host a wide range of activities as part of the 2008 Children's Book Festival, launched today with the help of around 400 kids from schools throughout Dublin.
As the largest cultural event of its kind in the country, festival organisers want to spread the message that reading is fun, stimulating and accessible to all.
Tom Donegan, Children's Books Ireland (CBI) programme officer, said the festival was being broadened this year to appeal to teenagers.
"There will also be plenty on offer for young readers as well, with a programme celebrating the very best in contemporary children's books from home and abroad," he said.
The festival kicked off today in a fun-filled atmosphere of wizardry and sleuthing at Dublin's Liberty Hall Theatre, launched by internationally-acclaimed children's author Derek Landy.
Authors and illustrators taking part in the programme include Cathy Hopkins, Oisin McGann, Cathy Cassidy, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Kate Thompson, Nick Ward, Tony Ross and Malachy Doyle.
This year's programme will see a specific focus on connecting with teenage readers, although there will also be plenty for younger children to look forward to, with readings and workshops from various picture-book artists.
There will also be a 'Design a Book Cover' competition, allowing budding young artists to vie for the chance to see their winning design become a front cover.
The festival runs until October 31 and further information can be found by logging on to www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
