School Library Association Award Shortlist 2012

The School Library Association in the UK announced the 2012 Awards shortlist today.
And what a list it is!

Under 7s

1      A Stork in a Baobab Tree by Catherine House, illustrated by Polly Alakjja, published by Janetta Otter-Barry Books (Frances Lincoln)

2      A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino, published by Walker Books ISBN 9781406337792

3      Dolphin Baby by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Brita Granström, published by Walker Books ISBN 9781406321197

4      Who Has What by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott, published by Walker Books ISBN 9781406336771

 7-12

1      Beatrice's Dream by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Wendy Stone, published by Frances Lincoln ISBN 9781847800190

2      Can we Save the Tiger by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White, published by Walker Books ISBN 9781406319095

3      Nature Adventures by Mick Manning and Brita Granström, published by Janetta Otter-Barry Books (Frances Lincoln)

4      North by Nick Dowson, illustrated by Patrick Benson, published by Walker Books ISBN 9781844287758

 12-16

1      Afghanistan from War to Peace: Our World Divided by Philip Steele, published by Wayland ISBN 9780750265737

2      Charles Dickens: A Lifetime of Storytelling by Catherine Wells-Cole, illustrated by Ian Andrew, Caroline Anstey and Diz Wallis, published by Templar ISBN 9781848771178

3      Star: from birth to black hole by Alan Dyer, published by Templar ISBN 9781848771994

4      Terezin – A Story of the Holocaust by Ruth Thomson, published by Franklin Watts ISBN 9780749695996

Childrens Books Ireland Conference 2012

The Childrens Books Ireland Conference opened on Saturday with former Laureate Siobhan Parkinson in conversation with the newly appointed Laureate na n-Og Niamh Sharkey.  Niamh gave the audience an insight into how she began her career in illustration and some of the ideas and projects she will tackle over the next two years. Keep watching http://www.childrenslaureate.ie/

Kew Books fights back!

Niamh Sharkey appointed Laureate na n-Og

After the ceremony, Niamh said;
 'It is a great honor to be chosen as the next Laureate na nOg. I am a picture book maker so my focus as Laureate will certainly be visual as well as literary. I am going to get to do even more of what I love most – promoting quality children’s literature and encouraging children to read, write and draw. I have lots of ideas that I hope will inspire creativity in children of all ages. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get started!’

Walker Books Picturebook publisher Deirdre McDermot says;
 “Walker Books are so pleased and honoured that Niamh Sharkey has been appointed the second Laureate na nÓg. We have worked with Niamh since 2004 and have made five picture books with her, the most recent On the Road with Mavis and Marge winning the 2010 Irish Book Award. During her tenure, Siobhán Parkinson has done a tremendous job of establishing the role of Laureate na nÓg and promoting Irish children’s literature abroad. I know that during Niamh’s laureateship she will be also be the perfect ambassador for Irish children’s books and will particularly bring attention to Irish picture book makers worldwide. We couldn’t be more delighted!”

Click on Niamh's blog here for more updates and photos.

Niamh Sharkey Appointed Childrens Laureate (Laureate na n-Og)

We are over the moon to report that Niamh Sharkey has been appointed Laureate n n-Og.
Niamh was unveiled as the new Laureate by President Michael D Higgins at a ceremony in Dublin yesterday morning.

---

The Irish Times
9 May 2012