In the run-up to Christmas, it has been announced that 6,000 children’s books will be given by Children’s Books Ireland, with help from the Arts Council and KPMG. The Irish titles are set to be given to children in hospitals, homeless services, and centres of direct provision across Ireland.
It also features the Books Make Things Better reading programme, which aims to put the spotlight on Irish children’s books published throughout 2020. Families are being encouraged to use the guide as a way of finding the perfect book for their little ones this year. It also encourages readers to shop locally and buy Irish this holiday season.
As The Bookseller reports, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “All over Ireland, there are children who do not own a book, who may not have a culture of reading at home, or who need cheering up when things are really tough. We know that books can make things a little bit better and brighter for them by bringing the joy of reading to children who need it most.”
The pairing with KPMG began earlier this year with the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, which celebrated the beginning of a three-year partnership between the finance firm and the charity.
Head of literature at the Arts Council in Ireland, Sarah Bannan, said: “The Arts Council recognises that writers and illustrators are the heart of children’s literature. We know, too, that the magic of books is made real when they are opened and read and shared. While this has been a difficult year for so many, books remain a place where we can find solace, or joy, or new perspectives. Writers, illustrators, and publishers deserve our collective support so that we can continue to discover the joy of books and reading.”
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