Books Make Things Better reading guide 2020
Published in 2020, the Books Make Things Better reading guide highlights books by Irish authors, illustrators and publishers for children and young people aged
0–18. This guide was produced in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic as a support to Irish artists, publishers, libraries and bookshops in an effort to encourage the public to read, buy and share new titles by Irish creatives.
"The creative community behind Ireland's children's literature has shown great generosity in sharing their work online, reading stories, providing activities and inviting families to draw with them. Now is the time for us to support them ..."
Towards the end of an extraordinarily difficult year for the Irish literature sector we produced Books Make Things Better as part of a wider campaign to give visibility to authors and illustrators who had lost the opportunity to publicise their new books through bookshop launches and events. The guide featured 123 Irish artists, 13 Irish publishers and the cover showcases original cover artwork by Northern Irish illustrator Oliver Jeffers. The campaign raised awareness of Irish-published children's books, drove footfall to Irish bookshops and helped to create a sense of community and belonging by encouraging families to share a book at bedtime.
