Sparking a love of stories for Longford readers: New children's reading guide launched

A new reading list aimed toward young readers in Longford and across the country has been made available both online and in Longford Library. 

Children's Books Ireland has launched the guide on Culture Night that took place on Friday 20th September last week.

Curated by Children’s Books Ireland, ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ spotlights authors, illustrators and publishers from or based in Ireland and features 200 titles, in Irish and English.

The guide itself is in both Irish and English.

Split into two sections the guide features 100 book reviews and a further 100  “Read Also” recommendations.

“Our children need to see themselves in books, whether they trace their lineage back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, or have only recently arrived on our shores.” That’s according to Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde, who launched Children’s Books Ireland’s newest reading guide celebrating Irish children’s books at a special event on Culture Night.

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The guide includes the latest books by authors such as Maggie O’Farrell, Manchán Magan and Sarah Webb. 

Also featured are début titles such as ‘Who Watches This Place’ by Amy Clarkin and ‘Into the Witchwood’ by Méabh McDonnell.

Speaking about the guide, Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, said: “This reading guide is an essential resource for parents/carers, educators, librarians and booksellers in Longford and of course, our young readers themselves! And it will definitely come in handy for anyone starting to think about gift-buying for young readers in the coming months!

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“Why does it matter that the writers and illustrators featured call Ireland home? Because our children need to see stories that reflect their identities and surroundings, from artists who understand and can relate to their lived experiences. 

Children in Longford need role models to pave pathways that will help them to realise their dreams. We see it in sport, we see it in theatre and film, and we need to see it in the realm of children’s books.”

The ‘Recommended Irish Reads 2024’ guide is available to download from the Children’s Books Ireland website. With 25,000 copies distributed across the country, it will be widely available free of charge through local libraries and participating bookshops in Longford.