I’ve just had a wonderful few days in sunny Galway as the good people in Kenny’s bookshop, Tom, Tomas and Sarah Kenny came up with the idea of creating a very special edition of The Children of The Famine Trilogy in one book in a beautifully designed limited edition to mark thirty five years since the book was first published. The specially bound book is beautiful and I am so proud and pleased with it. I had to sign every numbered copy over two days with Grainne and then Clodagh helping me.
On Thursday evening Kenny’s held a special event to launch it with author Grainne O’ Brien interviewing me. We had a great turn out with lots of lively fans of all ages. My publisher Ivan O’Brien came down from Dublin for the night and a few of my lovely cousins also attended. I have such lovely memories of doing events in Kenny’s over the years in the old book shop and gallery. Thank you to all the Kenny family and all who came along to mark the occasion.
‘Happy World Book Day’ today is the day when we celebrate the joy of reading and books with everyone getting the chance to have fun.
All over Ireland and the United Kingdom teachers are busy as kids are dressing up today as their favourite character in a book for schools fancy dress parties. My three little grandsons are dressing up as Harry O ’Hay, Dog Man and The Big Bad Wolf characters from the books they love. New book jackets are being designed for favourite books. I always love seeing the brilliant and creative new jacket ideas for my books. Everywhere bookworms and young readers are out in force testing their knowledge in their school’s World Book Day Quizzes. Also for us writers there are lots of visits to schools and libraries.
Most of you will receive a special World Book Day token either in school or in your local book shop which can be used to get one of the specially published World Book Day books or can even be used to go towards another book you want to buy. So use your token and remember the important thing is to keep reading…….
Irelands Read’s is a brilliant initiative by the Government and Healthy Ireland supported by our public libraries to encourage us all to read during the month of February.
The Irish Library Borrowing figures for 2024 have just come out and I am so delighted to be top of the list of Irish authors on it.
The ever popular comic series of ‘Dog Man’, and ‘Bunny and Monkey’ take the top slots but it is great to see that ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ is still the most borrowed book by an Irish author. It is no surprise to see that Children’s books dominate the list as we have the best young readers and bookworms in the world. The top 37 titles are children’s and young peoples. The list is compiled by 330 Irish libraries and 23 mobile libraries, which have more than 13 million books to borrow. They also have eBooks and audio books to borrow with ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ topping the overall eBook list
There will be a big call out on Saturday 22nd of February for everyone, whatever your age or interests to Get Lost in a Good Book. It doesn’t matter where you read, or what you read as long as you read.
Reading is good or us and relaxes us and reduces stress by believe it or not 698%.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without giving lots of lovely new Irish books to the children in my life. This year there are so many brilliant new books by Irish children’s writers to choose from that I know will keep everyone happy. Many of this year’s favourites are published by Irish publishers which is a real bonus
‘Over the Red Brick Chimney’ by Una Leavy with illustrations by Shannon Bergin is a really beautiful picture book about a little goose that gets lost and injured from the flock as they migrate to winter in Ireland . Finn and his mother find her and help to look after her and get her ready to fly again.
‘Twas the Match before Christmas’ by Julianne McKeigue with illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald is one that I know all the GAA Supporters and young footballers in my family will love. A Funny and colourful story as Santa and his crew of reindeers and elves decide to play a big Christmas Eve match in Croke Park stadium.
The Great Discovery by Peter Donnelly is a wonderful picture book by one of Ireland’s foremost children’s writer and illustrators. This time we return to the Dead Zoo with Mr Gray and a brand new discovery. All Peter’s books have been a huge hit in our family with The Presidents Dog a great favourite.
‘Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity’ by Leona Forde with illustrations by Karen Harte
Milly from Cork is back with big plans for the class Christmas school show, but as often happens with Milly things can go wrong!! This is perfect for Wimpy Kid fans but with a great Irish heroine.
The Lost Dogs: by Patricia Forde.
This will enthral and entertain all young dog lovers with a great story of being lost, and the quest of three dogs to try to find a new home and owner.
‘I see the Moon and the Moon sees me’ is the latest in the beautifully colourful illustrated collection of rhymes and songs by Sarah Webb and illustrator Paul Delaney. Perfect for all ages and a joy to share with the ones you love. Along with all my book recommendations I want to give a big a shout out to ‘The Borrowers’ in Dublin’s Gate Theatre which is brilliant and totally entertaining. We loved it and it was adapted for the stage by my friend Charles Way who has also adapted ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’. A great cast, new songs and clever staging of this children’s classic make it well worth a trip to the theatre.
Everyone knows by now that libraries are one of my favourite places so it was a real treat to be invited along to the lovely library in Ballymun to meet and talk to their Book Club.
They are a great bunch of young readers and the junior Book Club is run by librarian Caitriona O’Doherty. They had all just finished reading my book The Blue Horse so we had plenty to talk about. I was thrilled to hear they had also enjoyed reading Fairy Hill last year. They meet every month and read everything from newly published children’s books to old favourites and the classics, perfect for these brilliant bright bookworms. Over Christmas and New Year they will be reading The Wind in the Willows.
Ballymun library is a very special place and right at the heart of the community, with Writers Groups, art groups, and book clubs including a Murder one, study space and all kinds of events to encourage people to use the library. My friend librarian Sarah Conroy showed me around and Peter O Reilly, the senior librarian, is justifiably proud of their mission to get everyone reading, and using the library.
Peter O’Reilly, Caitriona O Doherty, Marita and Sarah Conroy in Ballymun Library
Marita Conlon-McKenna 