A Donegal writer has been selected to present her debut book to international peers at this year’s Children’s Books Ireland International Conference.
Isla McGuckin, from Portsalon, will attend the event in the Light House Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin, next month.
Her debut book ‘April’s Garden’, published by Graffeg this year, is a picture book illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. The story focuses on April, who has been housed in temporary accommodation with her mother, and is a book aimed at helping children dealing with big life changes. Born and raised in urban Yorkshire, Isla is now based in rural Donegal, and is a mother of two daughters.
The New Voices slot spotlights debut authors and illustrators nominated by both Irish and international publishers, creating books across a range of genres for young readers of all ages. Each nominee will present their debut work to the conference audience for five minutes.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Risk and Reward’. For our New Voices, presenting their debut work to fellow authors, illustrators, publishers and book lovers may seem a daunting brief, but the reward will absolutely outweigh the risk.”
With support from the Arts Council of Ireland, the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference will be live-streamed on YouTube and financial support will be available to delegates to assist in travel, accommodation and childcare costs. Children’s Books Ireland has also made a limited number of free in-person and digital tickets available for unwaged persons who wish to attend in-person and online.
For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/childrens-books-ireland-conference-2023-risk-and-reward-tickets-668767530687?aff=PR
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