A turn-up for the books as children's laureate unveiled
Siobhan Parkinson joins President Mary McAleese and (from left) Amy Quinn (12), Roisin Whelan (10), Martha O'Leary (8), Katie O'Brien (9) and Maeve O'Brien (6), with a book after she was named Ireland's first children's laureate
IN ancient Greece, she would have been crowned with a wreath of laurel sprigs in honour of her great achievements.
Instead, award-winning author Siobhan Parkinson yesterday had to make do with a special silver medal when she was announced as Ireland's first laureate for children's literature -- Laureate na nOg.
The country's first champion of children's literature, who has published more than 20 books, will travel the country in a bid to reach a new audience of young readers.
She was presented with her Laureate na nOg medal yesterday by President Mary McAleese at a ceremony at the Arts Council offices in Dublin.
The children's author said she wants to encourage book clubs and more libraries in schools as she sets about her new role in meeting children as Laureate na nOg, a title she will hold for two years. Ms Parkinson, who lives in Dublin with her husband, the woodturner Roger Bennett, is an outspoken champion of the cause of children's literature.
Her award-winning books include 'Sisters -- No Way!', 'Amelia', 'The Love Bean', 'Breaking The Wishbone' and 'Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (Maybe)'.
As she contemplated her new role, the author was unfazed by the challenge in an electronic age of mobile phone texting, Twitter and Facebook.
"Texting is a form of writing as well. If we get too uptight in pushing books at children it will have a negative effect. We have to make them interested in books and to realise they can get enjoyment, fun and pleasure from reading," she said.
Mrs McAleese described Ms Parkinson's new role as "something incredibly special" and an exciting concept that would give long overdue prominence to the books written for and read by children.
- Fergus Black
Irish Independent
