Laureate na nÓg facts for kids

The Laureate na nÓg is a special award in Ireland. It is given every two years to a very talented writer or artist who creates books for children. The Arts Council of Ireland started this award in 2010.

The main idea behind the award is to get young people excited about great children's books. It also shows how important children's stories are to Ireland's culture and imagination. Siobhán Parkinson was the very first person to receive this honor. As of 2020, Áine Ní Ghlinn holds the title of Laureate na nÓg.

The Story of the Laureate na nÓg

The first Laureate na nÓg was Siobhán Parkinson. She is known as one of Ireland's best children's writers. Her award was announced on May 10, 2010. The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, shared the exciting news. This happened at an event in Dublin at the Irish Arts Council. President McAleese gave Parkinson a special silver Laureate na nÓg medal.

Siobhán Parkinson had a big goal. She wanted every child in Ireland to have a great library. She imagined libraries that were bright, warm, and comfortable. These places would help kids find books that open their minds. Books could take them to amazing imaginary worlds. One of her first actions was to ask the Government of Ireland for more money. She wanted them to bring back funding for school libraries. This funding had been cut before.

Who Has Held the Title?

Many talented writers and illustrators have been chosen for this important role. Here is a list of the people who have been Laureate na nÓg:

See also

• Children's Laureate