RELEASED by Children’s Books Ireland, ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ is a well curated list, detailing 200 Irish and English titles that will reflect young-reader’s identities and personal experiences.
Said Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde, author of the list, said “children in Limerick need role models to pave pathways that will help them to realise their dreams. We see it in sport, we see it in theatre and film, and we need to see it in the realm of children’s books.”
The reading guide will be widely available free of charge at a number of libraries and bookshops as the whopping 25,000 copies have been distributed across the country.
“Our children need to see themselves in books, whether they trace their lineage back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, or have only recently arrived on our shores,” Ms Forde said.
Speaking about the guide, the curator said it’s “an essential resource for parents/carers, educators, librarians and booksellers in Limerick and of course, our young readers themselves. And it will definitely come in handy for anyone starting to think about gift-buying for young readers in the coming months.”
The author and Laureate of Ireland’s children’s literature worked as a primary school teacher before beginning her journey as a critically acclaimed writer and passionate advocate for children’s education.
Established in 2008 to celebrate children’s literature and its contribution to cultural life, Patricia Forde represents the seventh author and illustrator to adorn the title and encourage a new generation of readers.
To learn more or download a free copy for yourself, visit childrensbooksireland.ie.
