Forde named Ireland’s children’s literature laureate

Patricia Forde has become Ireland’s children’s literature laureate, na nÓg.

The author was announced as the seventh laureate na nÓg on Monday (29th May) at a ceremony at the Arts Council in Dublin, Ireland.

An award-winning children’s author from Galway, Forde will hold the title from now until 2026, taking up the position from the outgoing laureate, Áine Ní Ghlinn.

Laureate na nÓg champions and celebrates literature for children and young people, inspiring generations of writers, illustrators and readers.

It is an initiative of the Arts Council, administered by Children’s Books Ireland with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Forde writes for all ages in Irish and in English. She has published over 20 titles, including her award-winning first novel, The Wordsmith (Little Island Books). A former primary school teacher, she is a former director of the Galway Arts Festival and co-founded the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in Galway in the mid-1990s. She is also the former chair of Children’s Books Ireland. Forde’s latest book, The Girl Who Fell to Earth, will be published by Little Island Books in June 2023.

Professor Kevin Rafter, chair of the Arts Council Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, said: “Laureate na nÓg is the highest honour that can be awarded to a children’s writer or illustrator in Ireland.

“I am delighted that a writer of the calibre of Patricia Forde is Ireland’s seventh laureate. Her writing for children and young people is original and thought-provoking while her picture books for younger readers are captivating.”

Forde commented: “I’m honoured to be the seventh laureate na nÓg and I look forward to bringing books and reading to children and young people all over the country for the next three years. 

“My theme, ‘Samhlaigh, Samhlaigh! Making It Up As We Go Along’ is all about creativity and using imagination to enrich our lives. Creativity has been important to me throughout my life, and I feel strongly that children need this life skill now more than ever.”

Liam Hannaway, Arts Council of Northern Ireland chair, said: “During her time in this important role, Patricia will act as an ambassador for children’s writing, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers to open up their imaginations to new stories, poems, concepts and ideas.”