Laureate Luncheon

Last week the new Children's Laureate Siobhán Parkinson invited us illustrators and authors to Airfied for a yummy lunch.

In case you have not heard Siobhán is the first Laureate na nÓg an exciting new project recognising the role and importance of literature for children. Siobhán is passionate about books has always been an champion of the cause of children’s literature. She has lots of ideas going forward for the new two years especially concerning the role of libraries in our schools.

What better way to spend an afternoon, discussing books with fellow authors Marie Louise Fitzpatrick, Michael Emberely, Oisin McGann, Sarah Webb, Jane Mitchell, Marita Conlon-McKenna Aubrey Flegg and hosted by the fantastic Mags Walsh of CBI.

News2Day

I really had a brilliant day in Airfield House yesterday will all the regional winners of the First Ever Sightsavers Junior Painter of the Year Awards.
It was brilliant to see all the artists in person and to see the fantastic paintings framed and hung in Airfield House, Dundrum. There was a real energy and excitement at the exhibition. The artworks are colourful, vibrant and imaginative. I am thrilled for all the 2010 Junior Painters who came from all over Ireland. Congratulations!!!!

There's coverage on The Den on News2Day from last night and plenty of photos today in The Times and The Indo.

The exhibition is now open everyday until the 20th February. Go along!

Junior Painter of the Year awards winners, 2009

The Sightsavers Junior painter of the Year 12 regional winners have been chosen. Over 2,400 children from around the country sent in entries of the ‘Sight I Would Most Like To See.’

As you can imagine it was incredibly difficult to choose the final twelve out of the 2,400 entries. I loved seeing all the different styles and themes that you explored. Each regional winner received a selection of my books from Walker Books, along with a €100 Easons Voucher.

Do come along to come along to see the final winning paintings. They will be displayed at an exhibition in Airfield House, Dundrum opening on the 10th February 2010. The Overall Category Winners will be announced the day before. The 4 National Category Winners will also receive a €250 Eason’s voucher which I hope they will spend on art supplies and books of course!