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The official lineup for this year’s Children’s Books Ireland International Conference has now been confirmed. Taking place 21–22 September in the Light House Cinema, Smithfield, the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference is a weekend-long celebration of the very best in children’s books with tickets available for in-person or online attendance.
This year’s conference theme 'Character Building' has a double meaning; which asks speakers to reflect on the importance characters and character development plays in their work. But also, to explore what is it that builds character, resilience and strength, both on the page and in real life.
Fans of children’s literature will be delighted to see international authors such as, multi-award-winning British author David Almond (Skellig, Kit's Wilderness) and New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed (This Book Won’t Burn, Love Hate and Other Filters) take to the stage this September to deep-dive into the theme of choice.
Carnegie shortlisted author Nathanael Lessore (Steady For This, King of Nothing); award-winning author and illustrator Fiona Woodcock (Hiding Heidi, Poppy and the Blooms); 2023 British Book Awards winner, illustrator Harry Woodgate (Grandad’s Camper, The Little Prince); and winner of the 2024 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, illustrator Chloe Savage (The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, The Search for Carmella) complete the international lineup.
A host of home-grown artists, are listed as guest speakers across the weekend, including Oein DeBhairduin (Why the Moon Travels), Tristan Rosenstock (Inis Mara) and Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde. Children’s Books Ireland chosen Champions of Reading, artists Sarah Moore Fitzgerald (A Strange Kind of Brave), E.R Murray (The Book of Learning), Tarsila Krüse (Bliain na nAmhrán ) and Kim Sharkey (Mór agus Muilc) will also discuss their involvement in a three-year project, where they worked with schools around the country to cultivate reading communities and inspire a love of reading for joy.
As well as established artists in the industry, Children’s Books Ireland continue to champion and advocate new and upcoming voices in Ireland. This month, 10 début artists will present their work as part of an annual New Voices panel held during the conference. Hollywood graphic artist Annie Atkins, RTÉ presenter Zainab Boladale and Northern Irish comedian Sean Hegarty are amongst the emerging new talent to present their latest work to the children’s books community.
Tickets are available to purchase at childrensbooksireland.ie at €120. More information is available at Eventbrite link: www.eventbrite.ie/e/childrens-books-ireland-international-conference-2024-tickets-722605330997
Children’s Books Ireland offer some financial support for anyone who may require it towards travel, accommodation or child-care costs to be able to attend this conference.
A limited number of in-person and online conference tickets are also set aside at no fee. More information on how to seek this assistance can be found at the Eventbrite link.
The Children’s Books Ireland International Conference 2024 is supported by Arts Council Ireland and is presented in partnership with the Light House Cinema, Dublin.
