Children's Laureate chat!

Last month, Ireland named its first ever Children’s Laureate – that’s an expert from the world of children’s books who’s specially chosen to champion great reading and writing. Award-winning author Siobhán Parkinson won the role. And even though she’s currently finishing three new books, she found time to call NG Kids from her Dublin home for a chat!

NG Kids Hi Siobhán, and congratulations! Why do you think reading is so important for children?
Siobhán What’s special about books is that when you read, you and the author are co-creating the world of the book in your head. It’s a very creative activity, and it helps children learn about the world, and develop their imaginations.

NGK What are your plans as the first Children’s Laureate?
Siobhán I want every child in the country to have access to a cheerful, comfortable library, where they can find books that will take them to wonderful imaginary places. Not all children are lucky enough to know that pleasure and excitement.

NGK Was reading precious to you as a child?
Siobhán So much! My parents used to say I was a difficult child to punish, because if they wanted to send me to my room, I’d be delighted because I’d be surrounded by my books!


NGK How do you stay in touch with childrens’ interests today?
Siobhán A huge part of what I do is meeting children, in talks to schools, or, my favourite, writing workshops. I prefer helping kids out with their own ideas to standing and talking at them!

NGK When did you first start writing your own stories?
Siobhán I remember rewriting the story of Snow White when I was about seven. Then when I was about 11, I wrote a story and kept it in the coal shed. I had this idea that writing was something you kept secret!

NGK Do you have any advice for readers who would like to be a writer like you?
Siobhán Writing doesn’t have to mean sitting in a darkened room cinjuring up magical tales. If you can tell a story from your own life to a friend in an entertaining way, or put it in an email, that’s writing too. Also, writing is a lot like football, or singing. A lot of people can do it, but to do it really well, you have to practise, practise, practise! My advice is to write every day.

Read more at siobhanparkinson.com!