AN INITIATIVE to encourage families to enjoy reading together will run in public libraries for a month.
Bord Gáis ReadTogether will hold free events in Dublin and Cork with readings from well-known children’s authors along with tips on how to make reading an enjoyable experience for families.
Laureate na nÓg Niamh Sharkey, mother of three and author of The Hugglemonsters, said children were never too young to start reading. “I make picture books and encourage giving them to children from the word go. Even if they’re very young it can create a really nice bond.”
The author, who is working on a Happy Hugglemonsters animated series for Disney Junior, said reading is vital for the development of a child.
Participants, including author Gerry Boland, illustrator Áine McGuinness and Don Conroy, will read from their work and talk about the importance of making books an inclusive experience within the family setting.
According to a survey of 4,700 parents by Bord Gáis Energy Book Club, the most frequent books read were nursery rhymes, followed by funny stories, adventure, fantasy and science fiction.
Author Sarah Webb said, “It’s important to start sharing stories at a young age . . . so that leap from reading into learning in school is easier.”