Children's Books Ireland to give 6,000 titles to children

Children’s Books Ireland is giving 6,000 books to children in the run-up to Christmas, supported by the Arts Council and KPMG.

The Irish titles will be handed out to youngsters in centres of direct provision, hospitals and homeless services nationwide.

It has also produced the Books Make Things Better reading guide, which highlights Irish children’s books published in 2020. Children’s Books Ireland is encouraging families to use the guide to find the perfect book for the young readers in their lives, and to shop local and buy Irish this Christmas.

C.e.o. of Children’s Books Ireland, Elaina Ryan, said: “All over Ireland there are children who do not own a book, who may not have a culture of reading at home, or who need cheering up when things are really tough. We know that books can make things a little bit better and brighter for them by bringing the joy of reading to children who need it most.”

The KPMG partnership follows on from the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards earlier in the year, which marked the beginning of a three-year collaboration between the charity and finance firm.

Sarah Bannan, head of literature at the Arts Council in Ireland, said: “The Arts Council recognises that writers and illustrators are the heart of children’s literature. We know, too, that the magic of books is made real when they are opened and read and shared. While this has been a difficult year for so many, books remain a place where we can find solace, or joy, or new perspectives. Writers, illustrators and publishers deserve our collective support so that we can continue to discover the joy of books and reading.”