CROOM National School have had their own happy ever after having won a Children’s Books Ireland Award.
Croom NS were one of a lucky 15 schools nationwide to receive an award. And with over 480 applications received to Children’s Books Ireland, these awards are hotly contested.
The Limerick school received the Robert Dunbar Memorial Award, which recognises schools who foster a love of reading for pleasure for both students and staff, and encourage a culture of reading throughout the school community.
The award has been a welcomed addition to the school’s shelves, which are now adorned with nearly 200 new children’s literature titles.
Padraig Wallace, Croom NS vice principal, said that the school’s “windows are decorated with a Monster Doodle drawing creation which showcases the artistic talents of each of our children in the school. Bunting with pictures of favourite titles or characters from books hangs proudly around our new library of books.”
“Another hugely exciting and important part of the award is getting a Champion of Reading to visit the school. We have been so lucky in Croom NS to have had Gráinne O’Brien”.
Gráinne, author of A Limerick Fairytale, was the Champion of Reading assigned to Croom NS and delivered workshops from junior infants to second class.
The local author inspired the children with her infectious energy and enthusiasm for imaginative and creative writing.
At the end of these workshops, Croom NS students now have their very own Croom Fairytales trilogy.
“The Croom Fairytales are just fantastic stories, filled with imagination and based on various locations in Croom. I will be giving copies – both hardback and digital – to have in the school library, but also to share with parents,” Gráinne explained.
Fianna Fáil location election candidate for the area, Trina O’Dea, lauded the school’s achievement.
”The gift of imaginative and creative reading and writing is a wonderful source of enjoyment for all children. The libraries for both junior and senior students are exceptionally stocked and cover all genres. I was especially pleased to see the energy and pride among both students and teachers for this initiative and want to congratulate all involved. Who knows, the next Booker Prize winner could very likely come from Croom NS,” Trina suggested.
