A new reading guide from Children’s Books Ireland celebrating picture books and illustration is now available in every branch library in Waterford.
'Picture This' features over 230 recommended reads for children and young people aged 0–18, which have been reviewed by experts in children’s literature.
The guide aims to break down barriers to children’s reading, making books of all kinds accessible to children across Waterford, including those who may have reading difficulties or whose first language may not be English or Irish.
Each review is accompanied by a ‘Read also’ recommendation, bringing the total of books included to over 450.
'Picture This' focuses on books with strong visual narratives, including wordless or silent books, graphic novels and comics, picture books for all ages and graphic diary-style texts.
One of the campaign's hopes is to highlight books, series and texts to encourage reluctant readers or those with language barriers to engage with reading.
Commenting on the launch of it Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said:
“Pictures are important. They are rich and expressive and joyful and complex. As a child, they’re our first dip into the world of storytelling – but they’re not something to be left behind once a child is comfortable reading text. Pictures on the page aren’t just a stepping stone, they’re a journey in themselves.
Irish Language Books
Testament to the increased visibility of excellent books for children as Gaeilge, the guide, whose Irish name ‘Amharc! Breathnaigh! Féach!’, translates to ‘Look! Look! Look!’, features 29 Irish language books.
These include new releases, such as An Slipéar Gloine by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn and Paddy Donnelly, and family favourites such as Geansaí Otto by Sadhbh Devlin and Tarsila Krüse.
All books from Irish authors, illustrators, publishers or those written in the Irish language are highlighted in the guide with a shamrock.
For more Waterford news and sport, click here.
