Fallen Star Stories

The Literacy Association of Ireland have announced their shortlist of books for the upcoming LAI Children's Book Awards. There are 4 categories in this particular award; 0-4, 5-8, 9-11 and Young Adult. These books are currently being reread and considered. The winners in each category will be announced on  October 5th at the LAI annual conference. In the 0-4 category, the nominees are: A Dublin Fairytale by Nicola Colton; published by the O'Brien Press. How To Get Rid of a Polar Bear by Rachael Darby; published by Choice Publishing. Elifint Óg Agus an Folcadán by Tatyana Feeney; published by An Gúm, In the 5-8 category, we have 3 title in Irish language for young readers: An Pota Folamh, published by An Gúm Óró na Círcíni by Gabriel Rosenstock, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald; published by An Gúm (and also nominated for the CBI Book of the Year Awards this year). Ná Gabh Ar Scoil by Maire Zepf, illustrated by Tarsila Kruse; published by Futa Fata The 9-11 category

On the 16th of July, Shirley Hughes, one of the best known and most loved childrens' author/illustrators celebrated her 90th birthday. Shirley Hughes has given us an exceptional and accurate into the childs' view of the world throughout her long and celebrated career. Her first book, Lucy and Tom's Day was published in 1960. Her Alfie and Annie Rose stories are not simply charming; they are an insightful look into the culture of children, as Alfie and his little sister Annie Rose navigate the world with their own particular view and Alfie proves himself to be quite a problem-solver and keen observer of life around him. And they are joyous! Dogger (1977) won the Kate Greenaway Medal and became her first book to be published world wide, proving an international appeal. The awards she has been given for her work make for incredible reading, and include, in 2015, BookTrusts' inaugural lifetime achievement award. A keen observer of childhood interaction herself, Hu

The Galway International Arts Festival will soon be upon us offering two weeks of music, art, theatre, street performances...you name it, it will be happening in Galway. There will be something for everyone! But there is one production that I am particularly excited about. Branar Téatar do Pháistí will be presenting (a World Premier, thank you very much!) How To Catch A Star , based on the beloved picture book by Oliver Jeffers. Branar is a locally based theatre production company for children. In their own words, "We strive for a simple, elegant form of theatre for young people, that achieves intricacy through the creative use of few means. A style that stimulates the ability to imagine and challenge, while opening a dialogue with our audiences and providing a catalyst for education." http://branar.ie/ Their production of How To Catch A Star combines puppetry with an original musical score to bring Oliver Jeffers first picture book (originally published in 2004)