31 May, 2006 - Bisto Book of the Year Awards 2006
Access to good children's literature enriches children's lives - Minister Hanafin
Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today presented the prizes at the Bisto Book of the Year Awards at a ceremony in the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre in Dublin. Affectionately known as the Bistos, the prestigious awards are the only annual Children's Book Awards in Ireland and are recognised internationally. The Bistos are in their 16th year and have been sponsored since their inception by RHM Ireland. Children's Books Ireland (CBI), the national organisation for children's books, administers the awards.
The aim of the Bisto Book of the Year Awards is to recognise excellence and promote high standards in children's literature by Irish authors, illustrators and publishers. The awards are open to any children's book by an author and/or illustrator born or resident in Ireland, and written in Irish or English and published between 1st January and 31st December each year. There are a total of five awards - the overall Bisto Book of the Year award, the Eilís Dillon Award and three Bisto Honour Awards.
Minister Hanafin said 'having access to good children's literature enriches children's lives in ways that are critically important. Quality children's books develop a child's language and thinking skills.'
Highlighting the role that parents play in the education of their children Minister Hanafin said 'you cannot underestimate the value of books in the home. Many parents read to and with their children encouraging their interest in books and I applaud you for this. Reading is a gift for life.'
Recalling Ireland's great heritage of storytelling in Ireland, Minister Hanafin congratulated the authors and illustrators who had books submitted for the awards and wished them well for the future. The Minister also congratulated Children's Books Ireland (CBI) on their continuing work in the promotion of children's literature in this country and thanked Bisto/RHM for their sponsorship of the awards since 1990 and Dr. Declan Kiberd, chairperson of the judging panel.
ENDS