An Post to donate and deliver over 40,000 books to children in hospitals, care settings and Direct Provision Centres for World Book Day THIS Thursday, 5th March – in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland

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  • Aim of the initiative is to give every child and young person the opportunity to choose and own a book they’ll love

 

  • All primary and secondary schools in Ireland will have the chance to select one of 15 specially selected titles for every age and reading level at their local participating bookshops and retailers

 

  • Parents, guardians and families are encouraged to look out for their World Book Day tokens and visit participating retailers to redeem them for a World Book Day title before Sunday, 15th March

 

  • Irish authors and illustrators including Leona Forde, Karen Harte, Áine Ní Ghlinn, Andrew Whitson aka Mr Ando, Kevin Moran, Sheena Dempsey, Paddy Donnelly and Sibéal Pounder feature in the World Book Day selection, as well as Irish language book and a range of books in braille, large print and audio formats

 

 

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, 5th March.

 

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.

 

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 (The O’Brien Press – Irish Published)
  • Milly McCarthy and the St. Patrick’s Day Pandemonium – Leona Forde, illustrated by Karen Harte (Gill Books – Irish Published)
  • Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest – Sheena Dempsey (Bloomsbury)
  • The Big Bang – Rose Ayling-Ellis in collaboration with Katie Blackburn, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly (DK)
  • Chaos at the Chocolate Factory – Sibéal Pounder, illustrated by Emily Jones (Puffin)

 

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.

 

Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of An Post Retail, says:

“For a child going through illness or instability, a book can offer a moment of comfort and escape, a chance to step away from waiting rooms, worry and recovery and into a world of imagination. That’s why we’re proud to support World Book Day in Ireland as the official delivery partner. Alongside our partners and charities nationwide, we’re delivering book tokens to schools and donating and delivering over 40,000 books to children in hospital, in Direct Provision and in temporary accommodation, helping to ensure every child can experience the joy of getting lost in a story, no matter their circumstances this World Book Day.”

 

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, says:

“World Book Day is an opportunity for every child to celebrate reading, and by working with An Post to gift 40,000 books to children all over Ireland, we will ensure that the event is truly inclusive. This year’s book selection has comics, picturebooks, old favourites and new friends to discover – and a remarkable number of Irish authors and illustrators whose brilliant work will delight readers. This World Book Day, our hope is that all children find a book to love, and that – however you choose to celebrate it – that families, teachers and communities can carve out the time to get lost in a great read together.”

 

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