The Childrens Books Ireland spring seminar will be held at the Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick on Friday ("kids day") and Saturday ("adults day") April 6th and 7th. Kids day speakers include Aubrey Flegg, author of The Cinnamon Tree; Jamila Gavin, this year's Whitbread children's book of the year award winner for Coram Boy; and Colman O Raghallaigh, author of the Ruairi series of books.
Flegg, Gavin and O Raghallaigh will also speak on Saturday along with education officer of Poetry Ireland, Jane O'Hanlon.
Kids day concentrates on the practice of writing. The authors will talk about their experiences of writing and attempt to raise awareness of the issues in their books.
Adults day is aimed at parents, libraries and all those with an interest in children's literature. "It's about encouraging reading and learning how to broach certain subjects with children."
Friday is divided into three workshops from 10.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. It is aimed at children from nine to 12 years and costs £2 per child.
Saturday is a day-long event from 11 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. Prices are £15 for Children's Books Ireland members and Belltable Arts Centre Friends, £20 for non-members and £10 for students and the unwaged.
Bookings through the Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick. Telephone 061 319866.
