Risk and reward: Inspiring the next generation of children’s authors and illustrators in Kildare

'What rewards can be reaped when risk is in the mix?' — That’s the question that Children’s Books Ireland are asking of speakers at this year’s International Conference.

Running for over 25 years, the conference is an annual highlight for children’s authors, illustrators, publishers and booklovers from across the world.

This year, Children’s Books Ireland are calling on aspiring authors and illustrators from Kildare to take part.

Commenting ahead of the event, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: "Authors and illustrators are no strangers to risk, from the creative to the financial.

"Taking that first gamble on your work can be nothing short of terrifying, but the rewards — finding your voice, your community of peers and your own eager audience of young readers — are so affirming."

She continued: "Our great hope for this year’s conference is that by hearing about the leaps of faith that our international speakers have taken in their career, the next wave of authors and illustrators in Kildare and across Ireland will be inspired to take the next step on their own venture.

"Maybe they’ll find themselves on that same stage as one of our celebrated New Voices next year!"

The New Voices slot spotlights eleven 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. 

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International speakers at this year’s conference include:husband and wife team author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, and illustrator Tom de Freston, who have together published Julia and the Shark and Leila and the Blue Fox, among other solo titles; Shawn Harris, US illustrator of titles including The Eyes of the Impossible and The First Cat in Space ate Pizza;; Katherine Rundell, author of titles including Impossible Creatures and Rooftoppers; Ross Montgomery, author of titles including Spellstone and Sheep School; and Manjeet Mann, author of The Crossing and Run, Rebel.

Spotlighting the diversity of writers and illustrators in Ireland, CEO of Black and Irish, Leon Diop and its Managing Director, Briana Fitzsimons, will discuss a new collaborative project with Little Island Books, and Brazilian picturebook creator, Tarsila Krüse, who has lived in Ireland since 2007, will discuss her experience of learning and working in the Irish language for titles such as Púcaí Schmúcaí! and Ná Gabh ar Scoil!.

The conference will also hear from Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde and from Laura Ryan, Assistant Librarian in DCU’s Special Collections and Archives, who will present the partnership between DCU Library and Children’s Books Ireland, which sees hundreds of books transferred each year to the university’s care.

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.

In addition, 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.

The event will take place at the Light House Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin, on September 16 and 17.