Children’s Books Ireland presents Conceal and Reveal:

Truth and Lies in Children’s Books Children’s Books Ireland Conference 2015 Saturday 12th–Sunday 13th September, Light House Cinema, Smithfield Having established itself as the most significant event for adults interested in children’s books in the country, the 25th Children’s Books Ireland annual conference once again promises a packed two-day programme of discussion and debate. This weekend-long celebration of the very best in children’s books at home and internationally sees a whole array of speakers invited to discuss the numerous and innovative ways in which books and reading can be part of young people’s lives. This year’s line-up showcases both famous names and new talents, featuring authors and illustrators from Ireland, the UK, France and the USA. ‘Conceal and Reveal: Truth and Lies in Children’s Books’ invites speakers to address the balance at the heart of books for children and young adults: when should we tell the unvarnished truth and when are we justified in telling a little white lie? Conference lineup: Mac Barnett Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author of over 18 books for children, including two Caldecott-Honor-winning collaborations with past CBI conference speaker Jon Klassen (Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn). Mac is a member of the advisory board for 826 Valencia, a creative writing centre for children and young people in San Francisco, networked with Dublin’s own Fighting Words. In Mac’s own words ‘My job is that I lie to children, but they’re honest lies’. Mixing it Up – Young Adult Panel With readers demanding more stories about diverse characters, young adult fiction has an important representative role to play. The Bookseller YA Book Prize winner Louise O’Neill (Only Ever Yours) and nominees James Dawson (Say Her Name) and Kim Hood (Finding a Voice) discuss the power of YA fiction in revealing many and diverse truths. Dr Pádraic Whyte of Trinity College Dublin will be the chairperson for this session. New Voices We welcome new voices to the CBI conference stage with authors Kieran Fanning, E.R. Murray, Nigel Quinlan, Maureen White, Nicola Colton, Geraldine Mills and more to be announced. Each author is invited to read from their work for 5 minutes only! Dedicated to Cracking Reading: Barrington Stoke Far more than just a publisher for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers, Barrington Stoke has proven itself an innovative company, working with the best authors and illustrators in the business. Managing Director Mairi Kidd joins us to talk about the art of concealing simple language while revealing an exciting imaginative world. William Grill Kate Greenaway medal winner for 2015 with his title Shackleton’s Journey, William Grill’s picturebook painstakingly recreates every detail of the explorer’s Antarctic voyage. He joins us to talk about the process of creating the book and representing a famous historical event in a truthful way. Breaking Through with Poetry Poetry as a form allows the writer to reveal truths while concealing the true disruptive power of their words. Spoken word poets Steven Camden AKA Polarbear and Aisling Fahey, the Young Poet Laureate for London, explore poetry and its relevance in the lives of young people. Producing Picturebooks How is a picturebook really made? What kind of decisions and sacrifices must be made to produce a beautiful, honest book that appeals to parents and young readers? Walker Books Picturebook Publisher Deirdre McDermott and picturebook creator Yasmeen Ismail discuss the creative process from their different perspectives. Annabel Pitcher Annabel Pitcher, author of My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Ketchup Clouds and Silence is Goldfish writes about opening up, revealing flaws and relieving guilt. She joins us to talk about the ‘dark truth’ inside us all, and accessing it via fiction. The Unvarnished Truth? Non-fiction Books for Children Non-fiction is experiencing a renaissance with engaging illustrations and innovative design setting the tone. Authors Jim Pipe and Nicola Davies and Publisher Rachel Williams of Wide Eyed Books and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books discuss creating children’s books without recourse to fiction. What are the challenges and rewards in recreating fact on the blank page? This session is chaired by Juliette Saumande, Reviews Editor of CBI’s Inis magazine. Barroux Renowned picturebook maker Barroux uses linocut, collage with antique paper and lead pencil to create a distinctive, open style, which reveals the truth of his words. Barroux says he believes that ‘life in books is more extraordinary, where dogs can fly and trees are blue’. This session is presented in association with iBbY. Children’s Books Ireland is the national children’s book organisation of Ireland. At Children’s Books Ireland our vision is an Ireland in which books are a part of every children’s life and where meaningful engagement with books is supported by passionate and informed adults in families, schools, libraries and communities all across the country. For further information, or to arrange an interview with available speakers, please contact: Aoife Murray, Programme and Events Manager 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1 Tel. 01 8727475 Email: aoife@childrensbooksireland.ie