Laureate na nÓg facts for kids
Laureate na nÓg is a special award in Ireland given to a talented writer or illustrator of children's books. This award is given out every three years. It was created in 2010 by the Arts Council of Ireland. The award aims 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.
The first person to receive this honor was Siobhán Parkinson. As of 2025, the current Laureate na nÓg is Patricia Forde. You can learn more about the Laureate na nÓg at childrenslaureate.ie.
Contents
History of the Laureate na nÓg Award
How the Laureate na nÓg Began
The Laureate na nÓg award started in 2010. It was created to celebrate children's literature in Ireland. The Arts Council of Ireland set up this important position.
The First Laureate: Siobhán Parkinson
Siobhán Parkinson was the very first Laureate na nÓg. She is known as one of Ireland's top children's writers. Her appointment was announced on May 10, 2010. The then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, shared the exciting news. This happened at an event in Dublin. President McAleese gave Siobhán Parkinson a special silver medal.
Goals of the First Laureate
Siobhán Parkinson had a big goal for her time as Laureate. She wanted every child in Ireland to have access to a good library. She imagined libraries that were bright, warm, and comfortable. These places would help children find books. Books, she believed, could open minds and lead to amazing imaginary worlds. One of her first actions was to ask the Government of Ireland to bring back funding for school libraries. This funding had been cut.
Who Has Been Laureate na nÓg?
List of Award Holders by Year
Many talented authors and illustrators have held this special position. Each Laureate works to promote reading and children's books across Ireland. Here is a list of the people who have been Laureate na nÓg:
| Years | Author |
|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Siobhán Parkinson |
| 2012–2014 | Niamh Sharkey |
| 2014–2016 | Eoin Colfer |
| 2016–2018 | P. J. Lynch |
| 2018–2020 | Sarah Crossan |
| 2020-2023 | Áine Ní Ghlinn |
| 2023-2026 | Patricia Forde |
Related Awards and Information
Other Children's Literary Awards
- Children's Laureate: This is a similar award given in the United Kingdom. It also celebrates children's literature.
