Over 40,000 books will be delivered to children who need them most in hospitals, care settings and Direct Provision Centres across the country by An Post for World Book Day, which will take place this Thursday, 5thMarch.
Through its ‘Make Better Happen’ campaign, An Post – the official delivery partner for World Book Day in Ireland – is joining forces with Children’s Books Ireland to champion the joy of reading and give children and young people across the country who may not have access to books the chance to choose and own a title they will love and enjoy.
Additionally, as part of World Book Day, which is celebrating its 27th anniversary, all primary and post-primary schools across the Republic of Ireland will receive a World Book Day Token that each child can use to redeem one of 15 selected books for children of all ages and reading abilities. Alternatively, the tokens can be used to receive €1.50 off any full-price book or audiobook priced over €3.99 at participating bookshops and retailers.
IRISH BOOKS
In total, 15 books are available for selection, including one book in Irish, supported by Foras na Gaeilge called ‘Rita agus an tEachtrán’, written by Máire Zepf, illustrated by Mr Ando aka Andrew Whitson and published by An tSnáthaid Mhór. A wide selection of books will also be made available in braille, large print and audio formats, with support from ChildVision and Vision Ireland.
A number of books by Irish authors and illustrators also feature in the World Book Day lineup including: The Doomsday Club: Shape-Shifters – Kevin Moran; Milly McCarthy and the St. Patrick’s Day Pandemonium – Leona Forde, illustrated by Karen Harte; Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest – Sheena Dempsey; The Big Bang – Rose Ayling-Ellis in collaboration with Katie Blackburn, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly; Chaos at the Chocolate Factory – Sibéal Pounder, illustrated by Emily Jones.
Participating booksellers include Eason, Dubray, Tesco, Waterstones and a number of independent local booksellers. Families are encouraged to visit participating booksellers to redeem their token and join in the celebration of reading, imagination and storytelling.
Tokens are valid until Sunday, 15th March and are also available through various magazines, McDonalds Happy Meal boxes and community partnerships.
All that’s left is to get reading!
