Do you know of a school in need who might welcome a visit from the Bookbag team? Then please share this with them!

Applications are invited from interested primary schools in Dublin for the Bookbag Project 2018.

Bookbag is a children’s book gifting initiative established by picturebook maker and creator of the Henry Hugglemonster series, Niamh Sharkey, during her term as Laureate na nÓg (2012–2014) and is delivered in partnership with Brown Bag Films and Children’s Books Ireland.

Aimed at schools in areas of disadvantage, which may not have the necessary resources to fund author or illustrator visits or books for a school library, the Bookbag project builds a buzz around reading and encourages a whole-school reading culture, which should be sustainable beyond the duration of the project. Bookbag ensures that every child in the school has access to at least one book in their home. The books gifted are chosen carefully: they are visually striking, entertaining, funny and engaging; the type of book that we hope will draw in a child who does not already think of themselves as a reader.

As part of Bookbag:

- Every child in the school receives a Bookbag containing a free book to take home and keep;

- A whole-school launch event is held, where students of all ages and their parents/grandparents/carers engage in a large-scale Monster Doodle, exploring creativity through
illustration with animators from Brown Bag Films;

- Every class in the school gets a visit from an author or illustrator;

- Materials (such as the Children’s Books Ireland Inis Reading Guide) are provided for teachers to guide their future book choices;

- The school receives an annual membership to Children’s Books Ireland;

- The Children’s Books Ireland team works with the chosen school to assess their specific needs, and any remaining budget is used to address these needs and build a sustainable reading culture within the school.

If you would like to enter your school please download and fill out the 2018 Application Form.

Closing date for applications has been extended to Monday, October 22nd, so spread the word!

Follow the Bookbag Ireland Facebook page for more updates and news.