I was delighted to hear about the Children’s Books Ireland Conference 2012, with the theme of Weaving a Shared Story.
Children’s Books Ireland is the national children’s book organisation of Ireland. CBI is committed to raising awareness of the value of children’s books, and to promoting, celebrating, and supporting books and reading initiatives for young people.
I was especially delighted to hear about the line up, the theme, the pop up book shop, the ideas and the enthusiasm of it all.
It will take place on Saturday 19th–Sunday 20th May, National Library of Ireland, Dublin 2. If you want to have a look, here is the conference flyer.
Something that I have a huge interest in is asking pupils what books they are reading, which they liked and which they didn’t. One of the topics covered is called What’s the Story? and it will answer these questions.
I have been asked to give a presentation at the ICT in Education Conference 2012 in Thurles on Saturday 19th, so I hope to make the Children’s Books Ireland Conference on the Sunday. And guys, if you are going will you please let me know of the hastag so I can follow it.
Here is the information you need to know (taken from the CBI press release)
Having established itself as the most significant event for adults interested in children’s books in the country, the 22nd Children’s Books Ireland annual conference once again promises a packed two-day programme of discussion and debate.
The weekend long celebration of the very best in children’s books both at home and internationally, sees a whole array of speakers invited to discuss the numerous and innovative ways in which books and reading can be part of young people’s lives.
This year’s line-up showcases both famous names and new talents, featuring authors and illustrators from Ireland, the UK, Germany and the USA. The weekend will also feature a keynote address from the new Laureate na nÓg, who will be announced by President Higgins on May 8th.
Speakers
Alexis Deacon (UK)
Author/illustrator of While You Are Sleeping, Slow Loris and Beegu, Alexis describes himself as someone who draws ‘compulsively’. He is one of the youngest illustrators to be included in Martin Salisbury’s Illustrating Children’s Books and was also chosen as one of Booktrust’s ten Best New Illustrators in 2008. Alexis joins the conference this year to talk about his career to date and his fresh and innovative illustrating style.
The Emberley Family (USA)
In what is sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s programme, CBI have brought together picture books’ premier family! CBI are delighted to be joined by Caldecott Medal winner Ed Emberley, the man who inspired a generation to draw, including his own children, Rebecca and Michael. This year Ed and Rebecca visit the conference from the USA, while Michael Emberley and his wife Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick join from closer to home. As this impressively creative extended family sit down together, be prepared for a lively debate about working practises, inspiration and collaboration.
Jutta Bauer (Germany)
Winner of the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, Jutta Bauer is celebrated as a picture book artist as well as a film animator. Her work is described as both humorous and optimistic. Jutta’s session concerns her influences and creative life.
Judi Curtin (IRE)
Bestselling author and creator of the wildly popular Alice and Megan series, Judi Curtin is a firm favourite with young readers the length and breadth of the country. She will join children’s author and journalist Anna Carey to talk about her writing career, her inspirations, her influences and her fabulous fans.
Éilís Ní Dhuibhne (IRE)
Award-winner Éilís Ní Dhuibhne has seen her novels and short stories translated into dozens of languages and she recently undertook the task of translating her Irish language novel Hurlamaboc into English (Snobs, Dogs and Scobies). Éilís will be joined by Dr. Nic Congáil (St. Patrick’s College) to talk about the translating process as well as many other aspects of her varied career as a writer.
What’s the Story?
What are children reading in 2012? Transition Year students from Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun and St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford, have been carrying out research into what, how and why children in Ireland read. In a fast changing context, with new technologies offering us a plethora of new ways of enjoying a book, they present their findings.
Also speaking at the CBI Conference 2012 are: Mary Murphy, Chris Judge, Alan Early, Paula Leyden, Geraldine Meade, Denise Deegan, Debbie Thomas, Brian Gallagher, Nicola Pierce and Peadar O’Guilín.
The price for the tickest are (for non members) EUR 45 per day, EUR 90 for the two days. For members EUR 35 per day and EUR 70 for the two days. For studens it is EUR 40 per day and EUR 80 for the two days.
You can read more here on the conference flyer and if you choose to fill out the payment form here and returned to:
Children’s Books Ireland,
17 North Great George’s St, Dublin 1
For further information, or to arrange an interview with available speakers, please contact:
Aoife Murray, Programme Officer
17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
Tel. 01 8727475
Visit the CBI website at: www.childrensbooksireland.ie/conference_and_events
Michelle Moloney King 
Yeah, it looks so good! If you are going there on the Saturday I hope you will be blogging about it.
Beir bua
Michelle
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Might see you there on the Sunday Michelle. Line up looks good.
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