Patricia Forde Champions Children’s Literature as Laureate na nÓg

Patricia Forde has taken on the role of Laureate na nÓg, a prestigious ambassadorial position for children’s literature in Ireland, since May 2023. This honour highlights the significance of children’s authors and illustrators, emphasising that children’s literature is not merely a stepping stone to adult writing but a vital part of cultural education. Forde, a celebrated author herself, believes that stories for young readers play a crucial role in shaping their understanding of the world and their ability to dream of a better future.

Forde has observed a worrying trend regarding reading habits among young people. Recent studies from Children’s Books Ireland reveal a decline in book ownership and pleasure reading among youth, with 24 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 18 in Ireland reportedly not engaging in recreational reading. As she notes, in a world saturated with technology, these statistics are alarming yet expected.

In response to this reading crisis, Forde has initiated several projects to engage young readers directly. Her flagship project, the Whole Wild World bus tour, commenced in April 2024. This two-week cultural roadshow spanned 1,400 km, reaching numerous schools, libraries, and cultural venues across Ireland, from Malin Head to Mizen Head. The tour featured 36 artists who conducted workshops and provided inspiration to young audiences. Throughout the journey, they connected with 3,000 children, distributed 2,000 new books, and hosted events in both English and Irish.

The bus tour also included a week-long visit to Northern Ireland, where Forde met 2,400 children and collaborated with local artists such as Máire Zepf and Clive McFarland. Highlights included performances for 350 children at the Guildhall in Derry and a special morning with just ten students at St Mary’s School on Rathlin Island.

Forde’s overarching theme as Laureate na nÓg is “Making It Up As We Go Along.” To embody this theme, she published a guide titled Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories, aimed at children aged eight to twelve. Released by Little Island in October, this book serves as a practical resource for aspiring young writers, filled with advice on character creation and plot structure. It features contributions from renowned authors such as Derek Landy and Siobhán Parkinson, encouraging creativity and self-expression.

Forde strongly believes that every child should have access to books and the joy of storytelling, regardless of their circumstances. She highlights the need for libraries in every school, stocked with modern and inclusive literature that reflects the diversity of the student population.

As Forde reflects on her journey, she expresses concern over the competition that books face from technology and social media. Many teenagers now spend up to five hours a day on their phones, while children are exposed to screens from a very young age. Forde insists that books are just as engaging and thought-provoking as digital content.

In her concluding thoughts, Forde emphasizes the essential role that children’s literature plays in developing future adults. Stories not only foster imagination but also cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of identity. She urges adults to be role models by reading to children, taking them to literary events, and promoting a culture of reading within families and communities.

As she nears the end of her term as Laureate na nÓg, Forde hopes that the next generation will continue to explore the world of stories, ensuring that the legacy of literature endures. In her view, a world without books would be a significant loss, one that would hinder the potential of countless children yet to experience the transformative power of storytelling.