Children reminded to pick up World Book Day titles
Children’s Books Ireland and An Post are reminding children and families to claim their free World Book Day titles, from Irish authors and illustrators including Paddy Donnelly, Áine Ni Ghlinn and Andrew Whitson AKA Mr Ando, for this year’s World Book Day Ireland today, Thursday 6 March.
Sponsored by National Book Tokens and delivered by An Post in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland, World Book Day Ireland is making books and reading more accessible than ever. Families and children are encouraged to use their €1.50 World Book Day tokens to claim one of 14 specially curated titles before 23 March.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “‘Read Your Way’ is the main message of this year’s World Book Day Ireland and that means encouraging children and young people to enjoy the pleasure that comes from reading – whether that’s a graphic novel, audiobook, Irish language publication, or one of the 14 brilliant World Book Day titles available for readers aged from very young to teen years.
“We also encourage families to take part in the events being planned to celebrate the day and as always, to visit their local library to discover more great books.”
Schools, libraries and bookshops across the country will mark the day with celebrations including storytelling sessions, and costume challenges where pupils to dress up as their favourite character from a book.
Debbie Byrne, MD of An Post Retail, said: “An Post delivered 924,000 book tokens to every school nationwide in addition to donating and delivering 40,000 free books to children who are most in need.”
Cassie Chadderton, World Book Day CEO, said that at the heart of World Book Day is the belief, backed by evidence, that children are more likely to read if they enjoy it and have a choice in what and how to read.
“Graphic novels, comics, or one of our €1.50 books – free in exchange for a World Book Day book token – can help unlock the power of reading. We’re excited to be working with so many partners to reach even more children and families, and to invite everyone to join the party and ‘Read Their Way’ this World Book Day.”
Seán Ó Coinn, CEO, Foras na Gaeilge, said: “We are delighted to be supporting World Book Day Ireland with the inclusion of an Irish language book for the fourth year in a row. Demand is increasing, and we are thrilled that this year, with the support of Children’s Books Ireland and An Post, 10,000 copies of Ag Buzzáil sa Ghairdín by Áine Ní Ghlinn, published by An tSnáthaid Mhór will be available to children and families all over the island of Ireland.”
Irish-language books and resources are supported by Foras na Gaeilge and accessible copies are provided by Vision Ireland and ChildVision.