Eason and Children's Books Ireland team up to promote 'quality Irish books'

Irish bookselling chain Eason has partnered with charity Children’s Books Ireland to promote exceptional Irish children’s literature.  

A curated selection of "Recommended Irish Reads", chosen by Children’s Books Ireland experts, will be available in Eason stores nationwide and online. This initiative will showcase the best of Irish children’s books for readers aged up to 18.  

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland said: "Working with Eason is such a brilliant way to spotlight the incredibly talented and hard-working Irish and Irish-based writers and illustrators we have on this island.  

"Children and young people deserve to experience the richness and diversity of Irish society and culture expressed in literature. We hope that the Children’s Books Ireland selections in stores and online will act as a mark of quality Irish books, giving families confidence in our Recommended Irish Reads and providing young readers with a diverse range of stories to pick up and enjoy."

An official launch event, bringing together the "who’s who" of Irish children’s literature – authors, illustrators and publishers – took place at the Eason flagship store on O’Connell Street in Dublin on Thursday (30th January). Ryan and Lynda Laffan, Eason head of books, delivered welcome speeches, with authors and illustrators also attending.

Each quarter, Children’s Books Ireland will select up to 15 new titles in both English and Irish, highlighting the work of talented Irish and Irish-based authors and illustrators. In recognition of this partnership in-store, these recommended books will be prominently displayed with co-branded materials.  

Laffan said: "We’re thrilled to share these hand-picked recommendations from a team of book experts dedicated to championing children’s literature and fostering a love of reading in the next generation.  

"We are excited for our new partnership with Children’s Books Ireland and look forward to working together, promoting Irish-based authors and illustrators, and to continue encouraging reading in young people by adding new initiatives to our ever-growing plans in-store and online."

This partnership "underscores Eason’s commitment to fostering a love of reading among young people and providing a platform for the vibrant Irish children’s literature sector". More information on the recommended reads can be found in the company website.