Towers and Tales returns in-person to West Waterford this year.
The children's book festival takes place at Lismore Castle and other venues in the historic town on Saturday April 30th.
Organisers describe it as "an enchanting and inspirational celebration of books, stories and illustrations, designed to give young audiences unforgettable, creative and transformational experiences with books."
The festival features a line-up of Irish and international authors and illustrators, and there will be lots of free activities for children of all ages throughout the day.
Towers and Tales line ups
Among those taking part is illustrator, author and character designer Dapo Adeola who took the picture book world by storm with his debut, Look Up!, written by Nathan Bryon. The line up also includes Oein DeBhairduin, the award-winning author of Why the Moon Travels (illustrated by Leanne McDonagh). And former record-breaking athlete Olivia Hope, author of soon-to-be-published picture book Be Wild, Little One (illustrated by Daniel Egnéus).
Dungarvan native David King, author of picture book, A Hug For You, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard, will also attend the festival. The book is inspired by his son Adam, who will join him for the event. Adam has been the source of great joy and inspiration to children and adults all over Ireland with his now-famous virtual hug in 2020. There will be a "Hug Wall" in Lismore during the festival.
To complete the lineup, Towers and Tales will feature the work of Áine Ní Ghlinn, Laureate na nÓg, who has written 35 books; Nadia Shireen, award-winning author and illustrator of Barbara Throws a Wobbler and Welcome to Grimwood, and Sarah Webb, winner of two Irish Book Awards whose latest book is The Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street (illustrated by Rachel Corcoran).
Photograph: Patrick Browne
Exhibition of Waterford illustrator
There will be an exhibition of the work of Waterford-based illustrator, Shona Shirley McDonald. Shirley's latest title, Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí, written by Bridget Bhreathnach, won the Gradam Réics Carló, was selected as a World Book Day book, and is shortlisted for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.
The exhibition will be opened at The Vault Café on Friday 29th April and will remain in place for a period of two weeks following opening.
Festival Hub at Towers and Tales
The Festival Hub comprises a range of activities and workshops, including "Knock for a Story" on the front porch of the castle, a Book Clinic, The Inspiration Station with Lismore Castle Arts, and art workshops with Cork’s Glucksman Gallery.
There will also Book Swap with Waterford Library services and free library membership will be on offer all day.
Team up with schools via Waterford Libraries
Towers and Tales continues its partnership with Waterford City and County Library Services. As part of this, authors and illustrators will go into schools, libraries and venues across the county on Friday, April 29th.
In addition, Bookbag, a children’s book-gifting initiative, will place books into the hands of as many primary school children as possible. This project is a joint initiative of Brown Bag Films and Children’s Books Ireland. As part of this, one lucky school will receive a free library of books. For more information contact [email protected]
The Towers and Tales Festival is supported by The Arts Council, Waterford City & County Council and Visit Waterford.
You'll find more details here.
Photographs: Patrick Browne
