Children's Books Ireland

The United States isn't the only country to recognize the value of books and reading. Ireland, a small island country in Europe, has established the Children's Books Ireland organization.

CBI is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. Through their many activities and events they aim to engage young people with books, foster a greater understanding of the importance of books for young people and act as a core resource for those with an interest in books for children in Ireland. Children’s Books Ireland was founded in 1997 as a result of the merger of The Irish Children’s Book Trust (ICBT) and the Children’s Literature Association of Ireland (CLAI). Both of these orgnisations had developed during the late eighties and nineties, a time of significant progress in Ireland for publishing and writing for children. The new organisation, Children’s Books Ireland, was established. CBI has continued to grow and now has a combined Irish and international membership of approximately 1,700.
The first chapter of CBI’s story has taken place at a time of extraordinary change in Irish society. Shifting arts, education and socio-economic landscapes have formed a dramatic backdrop to our first fifteen years. Significant lifestyle changes, along with increased immigration and urbanisation, have changed how people interact with the arts and, importantly, how children interact with books. Likewise, arts policy and infrastructure development have contributed to a positive relationship between the public and the arts. As an innovative and active arts organisation, CBI will continue to ensure that children’s books and the children’s books community are valued, cherished and supported. We look forward to Children’s Books Ireland making its contribution to the future vibrancy of the arts in a multi-cultural Ireland.
For More information about CBI, search their website at www.childrensbooksireland.ie.

This week I will only meet with two classes. On Tuesday, Mrs. Jass's Kindergarten class will listen to "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!" and "Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog?"; both by Dr. Seuss. They will also receive Dr Seuss bookmarks from Mrs. Reiter. Mrs. Tangeman's 2nd grade class will watch the DVD, "Molly's Magic" based on the book by the same title written by Penelope Colville Paine and illustrated by Itoko Maeno.

Enjoy your Spring Break. See you next week!
Mrs. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian