The titles competing for this year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards have been revealed. I’m delighted to have been asked to act as this year’s ‘Young’ judge.
The shortlisted titles are:
Hope against Hope written by Sheena Wilkinson
Míp written by MáireZepf and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly
Savage Her Reply written by Deirdre Sullivan and illustrated by Karen Vaughan
The Boldness of Betty written by Anna Carey
The Falling in Love Montage written by Ciara Smyth
The Haunted Lake written and illustrated by P.J. Lynch
The Monsters of Rookhaven written by Pádraig Kenny illustrated by Edward Bettison
Why the Moon Travels written by Oein DeBhairduin illustrated by Leanne McDonagh
Joining the panel for this year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards was an incredible process which I enjoyed from start to finish.
Reading my way through the treasure trove of Irish books was by far my highlight of 2020.
Each judge contributed so much to the panel, and the insights and perspectives put forward taught me so much, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it all.
I cannot imagine doing anything differently, the whole process was fun, transparent and insightful. I was made feel so welcome by everyone, and it was clear that, as a young person, my thoughts were valuable to the group.
Hearing the voice of someone immersed in children’s books is so important in the process. And whilst we all enjoyed the process we certainly worked hard!’
