Two Galway based authors have been shortlisted for the 2024 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.
Patricia Forde and Serena Molloy were included in the shortlist for the 34th annual awards, announced this week by RTÉ broadcaster Rick O’Shea at a special event in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.
Patricia Forde’s novel, The Girl Who Fell to Earth, is a science fiction thriller set in contemporary Dublin. Published by Little Island book, the story explores the concerns of our time through the eyes of a new visitor to earth.
Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde writes for all ages, from picture books to books for young teenagers. She was previously a primary school teacher and the former artistic director of Galway Arts Festival.
Galway based Serena Molloy has also been shortlisted for Wider Than the Sea. Her debut novel is centred on a spirited young girl who struggles at school and finds solace through an unlikely friendship with a dolphin named Sunny.
This book also features dyslexic-friendly blank verse with illustrations by George Ermos. Serena is an English teacher, and her novels are a celebration of neurodiversity, empathy and the power to change.
The shortlisted titles, which include five début writers and three current or former Laureates na nÓg (Children’s Laureates) will compete for six awards at the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards ceremony on 22 May in partnership with the International Literature Festival Dublin.
These include the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Award, as well as honours for fiction, illustration and the Junior Juries’ Award which will be decided by young readers across the island of Ireland.
Children’s Books Ireland is inviting schoolchildren from across Ireland to join their nationwide judging panel of young readers.
Participating school groups, library groups and book clubs are invited to select suitable titles from the shortlist and collectively vote for their favourite book.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said that the awards are unique in that they are dedicated to celebrating books created for children, and that it has been the biggest year they’ve had yet.
“We need readers of all ages to get involved to crown their winner of the KPMG Junior Juries Award,” said Elaina.
“This is a great way for schools, libraries and book clubs to get stuck into reading, exploring the shortlist with our free Junior Jury print and digital resource packs.
“There will even be a chance for some groups to win sets of the shortlisted books, attend the Awards ceremony in May or even welcome one of the shortlisted authors or illustrators along for a visit! It’s a brilliant programme and there’s still time to register on our website.”
The 2024 Awards mark the fifth year of KPMG’s sponsorship. Johnny Hanna, Partner in Charge KPMG Belfast said that it is a great source of pride to support the awards.
“Ireland has such a wealth of great writing and illustration talent for readers of all ages. This year’s Junior Jurors will have their work cut out for them but what an enjoyable task it will be!” he said.
