Children's Laureate of Ireland- Siobhán Parkinson Visit

The Children’s Laureate of Ireland, Siobhán Parkinson, claimed that we must wrest children’s literature for art and not let it serve solely as a tool in the classroom or as some kind of cultural artefact.  She spoke to the Masters students in Children’s Literature in St  Patrick’s College on Thursday, November 18th about the art of children’s fiction.  Her polemic, she said, resulted from the lack of critical attention to the power of the imagination and the artfulness of children’s literature.  A popular perception that children’s literature is written solely for literacy purposes persists.  In fact, and as noted by some critics of children’s literature, a tension between pedagogy and art resides in children’s literature.  We must be careful, she warned, to pay attention, to give ‘careful scrutiny’ to the art of children’s literature and to safeguard its celebration of imagination and wonder.

Siobhán Parkinson writes fiction in English and Irish for children, young people and adults.  She has acted as editor for various publications and now serves as commissioning editor and publisher with the new imprint in children’s books, Little Island Press. In March 2010 the Arts Council awarded the honour of laureateship to Parkinson.  

Last Updated: Thursday November 25 2010