Irene Barber wins Children's Book Award

26 May 2010

On May 15th, Irene Barber was honoured with the 2010 Children’s Books Ireland Award. The award was presented by Jane O'Hanlon and Valerie Coghlan at a special reception during CBI’s Annual Conference. The CBI Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the world of children’s books. Each year, CBI members make nominations for the award, and the final decision is made by the board of CBI. Previous recipients of the award have included Eilís Dillon, Celia Keenan, Robert Dunbar, Clodagh Corcoran, Valerie Coghlan, Liz Morris, Pat Donlon, Rena Dardis, Tony Hickey, Carolyn Swift and Rosemary Hetherington.

Irene is an inspiring member of the children's book community in Ireland, an outstanding advocate and member of iBbY Ireland, a founder member of Children's Books Ireland and past-president, section editor of Bookfest, and a hugely respected teacher and educational consultant. A former member of the committee of the School Library Association Republic of Ireland Branch, she is responsible for the library in her school and is a determined advocate for every child’s right to access to a school library.

Irene has contributed to many publications including IbBY's Changing Faces - Changing Places and Cross Currents; Children's Books Ireland publications The Big Guide to Irish Children's Books, The Big Guide 2: Irish Children's Books and has written All About Hurling (O’Brien Press).