Patricia Forde has been announced as the new Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s Children’s Laureate
Patricia Forde has been crowned the seventh Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s Children’s Literature Laureate. Forde follows outgoing Laureate Áine Ní Ghlinn, and will hold the title from now until 2026.
By honouring an artist of exceptional talent and commitment, Laureate na nÓg champions and celebrates literature for children and young people. An initiative of the Arts Council, it is administered by Children’s Books Ireland with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Forde writes in both English and Irish, and has published over twenty books—including her award-winning first novel The Wordsmith (Little Island Books).
Highest honour
Chair of the Arts Council Prof. Kevin Rafter said that the Laureate na nÓg is the highest honour that can be awarded to a children’s writer or illustrator in Ireland.
“I am delighted that a writer of the calibre of Patricia Forde is Ireland’s seventh Laureate. Her writing for children and young people is original and thought-provoking while her picture books for younger readers are captivating. I have no doubt that she will inspire a new generation of readers and writers in her role as Laureate over the next three years.”
Patricia Forde said she was honoured to be the seventh Laureate na nÓg and that she was looking forward to bringing books and reading to children and young people all over the country for the next three years.
“My theme, ‘Samhlaigh, Samhlaigh! Making It Up As We Go Along’ is all about creativity and using imagination to enrich our lives. Creativity has been important to me throughout my life, and I feel strongly that children need this life skill now more than ever. Books are the fuel of imagination, and every child should have access to wonderful stories and the very best of children’s literature.”
Patricia’s latest book, The Girl Who Fell to Earth, will be published by Little Island Books in June 2023.
