It was such sad news to hear of Robert’s death. The world of children’s books will certainly not be the same without him. He will be terribly missed by both writers and readers alike.

Robert Dunbar was like a bridge introducing readers to good books, his mission was to bring both writers and readers together. Wise, witty and funny, in his red duffle coat he was like a Santa Claus with his books that he loved and enthused over.

I cannot imagine a children’s book launch or summer school without him! He gave me huge support and encouragement from the beginning when Under the Hawthorn Tree was published and always encouraged my work. I valued his opinion and always loved to meet him and have a chat.

Over the years he made a special point of supporting Irish writers and their books. Children’s Literature was his lifelong passion and he never lost his enthusiasm for it. A brilliant academic and speaker, Robert always worked tirelessly to promote reading and to share his love of books with everyone.