Children's Book Festival Report 2006
Children's Book Festival 2006
Author Visits:
Children's Book Festival kicked off in style this year, with Author visits by renowned authors Malachy Doyle, John Quinn and David Donohue, and storyteller extraordinaire, Niall De Burca. All branches had at least two sessions, which were run in conjunction with the local schools. These were a huge success, as always.Below is a picture of well known author Malachy Doyle, with students from the Gael Scoil, who met him in Loughboy library.
Above is a photo of Niall De Burca, who fascinated children from Urlingford National School with his storytelling abilities.
Autumn Harvest Craft:
Did you ever see a chestnut snake or a thistle hedgehog, spiders' webs made from sticks and wool, and necklaces from the woods? Smadar O'Connor's "Autumn harvest crafts" challenged the children aged 5-10 years to create wonderful, interesting creatures from natural products of the countryside. It was a quiet relaxing workshop, the children "beavered" away for the full two hours. Participants not only left the library with beautiful creatures, but also with an more creative approach to using natural materials.
What's The Story?
Caroline Sloane visited libraries with her "What's The Story? Read all About it!" workshop for 8-12 year olds. Caroline drew on the imagination of the children with her boxes of suggestions for story themes. Through brainstorming and some collaboration, the participants produced wonderful personalized stories from winning the lotto to dreams and desert Islands. The children then did their own illustrations and finally designed a cover for their books, which they proudly went home with. Below are budding writers and illustrators who took part in the workshop in John's Quay library.
Animal Character Ceramics:
The children who like painting also enjoyed a creative workshop in the library during the Festival. Creative Ceramics brought some of their pottery which is unpainted and unglazed, and showed the children how to paint a piece. All the pieces painted by the children were taken away to be glazed and fired professionally, and are then returned to the libraries for collection a few days later. A lovely memento for parents to keep!
Story at night-time:
Robert Little from Barnstorm Theatre treated the youngest children to a storytime feast in Callan, Thomastown, Loughboy, John's Quay and Graiguenamanagh libraries. As an actor he is well used to telling tales and acting them out. The children were delighted with his antics and sound effects. The children put in a big effort, coming dressed for bed with their teddies and pillows.
This activity is designed to cater for the very young children, who otherwise would not enjoy a Halloween treat as they are so young. Pictured below is Robert Little of Barnstorm Theatre Group who read beautiful stories to children in Callan Library.
Rhyme and Rap:
Glen Boyne's introduction to rhyme and rap went down a treat amongst an intimate group of future rappers. A Novel idea aimed at teenagers, Glen introduced the participants to creative writing, by working out simple, short raps. He then demonstrated some basic performance techniques, aimed at improving confidence in performing. This as a very enjoyable interactive workshop with performance opportunities for all participants.
Bound Books With Jean:
Participants in this workshop in Callan Library created a beautiful spiral-bound booklet, made with recycled materials, paper and cardboard.
Fancy Dress Competition:
On Tuesday 31st October Castlecomer Library held a Fancy Dress competition. Almost 60 children attended. Prizes were awarded to 3 age groups, under 6, under 8 and under 10.