Discover Irish Children’s Books

I am so proud and happy to be part of this exciting new campaign to help everyone both young and old Discover Irish Childrens Books. Children’s books are a big part of the Irish Book Market with 24% of book sales… and yet we hear so little about wonderful new Irish Children’s books and their writers. Unfortunately Irish Children’s books rarely even get a mention in the Irish Weekly Best seller lists which have come to be dominated by the juggernaut of U. K and U. S kids series of books by big brand authors Why is that …

Irish writers and illustrators and book publishers are producing some incredible work, beautiful memorable books worth reading and buying but yet are finding it extremely difficult to get attention in the current market. So we need to act … if we want kids to read about other kids just like them, and stories set in Ireland or inspired by Ireland we need to do something… and do it fast

The campaign is the brain child of author and children’s book expert Sarah Webb who has an immense knowledge of the children’s book world and grew alarmed when she began to check sales of books by Irish children’s writers and illustrators and noticed the gradual decline in the market and best -selling lists, the sudden lack of events for kids at Irish festivals and the lack of coverage that Irish children’s books and writing was getting across all media. I have to admit I was sad and a bit shocked to hear that such a change had happened and been allowed to happen…

I have been writing for kids for what seems like forever and absolutely love what I do. I work with a great Irish children’s publisher and editor and a team of illustrators, designers and booksellers. It is an absolute joy and privilege to write books for kids.

My first book ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ was written for my own children as I absolutely wanted them to read a story with Irish kids set in Ireland about something I really care deeply about. All my children’s books have been inspired by the same core principal and the need to tell a good story. I am lucky as I have wonderful readers both in Ireland and overseas, but for many writers it has become very difficult to make their way in this changing children’s book world.

Believe it or not but over 350 people are writing and illustrating books for children here in Ireland and many others are employed publishing,designing and selling children’s books.

What can we do?

Buy or borrow a book by an Irish Childrens Writer. Tell everyone about it!

If you are a parent, a granny, an auntie, a big sister or brother or friend and going to buy a book for the kid in your life take the time to look at the Irish Children’s’ books and decide to buy one of them…

If you are a teacher or librarian, maybe pick a book by an Irish children’s writer to read with your class or use for story time or for projects. Do a display in your class or library of the new, Irish kids books that have just come out or of books by your favourite Irish author or artist. Maybe ask writers and artists living near you to visit your school. Get kids used to hearing about Irish books and writers

If there is a festival happening near you see if they are having some kids events and bring your child or grandchild along to meet and listen to some of the best Irish children’s writers ever. Getting kids reading is so important but giving kids a sense of themselves and the world around them is also vital.

If you want to know more about this campaign check out the great new Discover Irish Kids Books website. https://discoveririshkidsbooks.ie and on X:@irishkidsbooks

Instagram: @irishkidsbooks