The Lit Review |21| Children’s Book Day
International Children’s Book Day
Every year on the 2nd of April, coinciding with the Birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, International Children’s Book Day is celebrated to encourage young readers to read more books. This aim this year is to Imagine Nations Through Stories which promotes international stories to an Irish audience.
The International Board on Books for Young People (iBBY) Ireland has released an e-book entitled Ducks, Shoes and Maids Of The Sea for the occasion. This is a mash up of Hans Christian Andersen’s most recognised books, and it will be free to download from imaginations.ie.
Dublin City Libraries have also been busy organising a host of events for children and adults, because remember, children’s books are for big people too.
BBC Culture Top Ten Books
As another nod to book-wormy children around the world, BBC Culture has put together the top 10 children’s books ever. Ever. Check them out here and see if you agree.
The Millennium Continues
It has been almost a decade since The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson was unleashed unto captivated readers around the world. The books were published posthumously after the Swedish writer’s death in 2004. Now, former Crime Reporter David Lagercrantz will endeavour to continue with the acclaimed series. The Girl in The Spider’s Web will launch this September and will feature the series’ familiar characters Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist.
Tomas Tranströmer Dies at 83
Swedish-born writer and Nobel Prize winner Tomas Tranströmer has died at age 83. The writer made a significant contribution as a poet in the post-World War II era and was known for his reclusive, mild mannered temperament. A psychologist working in Swedish State institutions, the poet wrote his poetry in his free time and shied away from engaging with the public or political debate. According to this article, Tranströmer’s poetry was treasured for its simplicity. It captured everyday experiences with a masterful use of metaphor and imagery. He received the Nobel at age 80 after years of speculation about whether he might win the prize.
Calling All Wicked Young Writers
The Wicked Young Writers Award, a competition for only the most wicked of young writers, is accepting submissions. The award was established by the long-running musical production, also called ‘Wicked’, five years ago to promote excellence in writing and to encourage young story-tellers to think differently about the way they write. The closing date for entries is April 17th.
Ban All Colouring Books
According to UKIP’s (UK Independence Party) spokesman Patrick O’Flynn, 16 and 17 year olds should be discouraged from voting as they have been over-exposed to or ‘brainwashed’ by EU-friendly colouring books. This comment was as a reaction to Liberal Democrats suggesting the voting age should be lowered to 16 and 17. I’ll certainly think twice the next time I’m buying a colouring book. As long as they don’t expect me to keep within the lines.
Children’s Literature Organisation Wins Prestigious Award
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, honouring the Swedish children’s writer and creator of the Pippi Longstocking series, has been awarded to the South African children’s literary organisation PRAESA.
The education group, committed to promoting reading amongst vulnerable children and young people, produces literature in South Africa’s various languages as well as activities such as reading clubs and projects incorporating story telling with singing, theatre and dance.
WORDS Ireland Mentoring Scheme
A great opportunity has come along for writers based in the Wicklow area who may be seeking a mentor. Children’s Books Ireland, the Irish Writers’ Centre and Poetry Ireland have produced a new scheme, open to all fiction writers who have been based in the area for more than two years. You can take a look at full details here.
Dreamlike Runts
The Runt literary magazine will host Night of the Runt at 7pm this evening in the Workman’s Club in Dublin to celebrate the launch of their seventh issue. The theme for this evening is based on dreams and exploring the darkest crevices of the subconscious. There will be readings from the zine and a sale of second hand books. See you all there!
Nobel Prize Winning discoveries are brought to Dubai
The Nobel Prize: Ideas Changing the World, a travelling museum which celebrates discoveries and inventions that changed the world, is now exhibiting in Dubai. Having already made pit stops in New Delhi, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the exhibition has found a temporary home at the Burj Khalifa Annex until April 30. This exhibition displays the great stories and ideas of Nobel Laureates and explores the achievements of those awarded in chemistry, literature, physics, medicine and peace.
