Artist visits like this are a fantastic opportunity for pupils to meet a successful writer or illustrator and gain an insight into their creative process. Research shows that the earlier the reading experience begins with children the better the prospects for future educational and quality of life benefits. The fact that reading is also enjoyable, inspirational, memorable, life-enhancing and, in many cases, life-changing, is an added and wonderful bonus. The Arts Council is pleased to support BookTrust NI in promoting the value of reading to young people across Northern Ireland - Damian Smyth, Head of Literature and Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Now in it’s seventh year, BookTrust NI have brought Chris Riddell, Julia Donaldson, Nick Sharratt, Lauren Child, Dan Freedman, Sarah Crossan, Juno Dawson, Alex T Smith, Steven Lenton, Nadia Shireen, James Mayhew, Joseph Coelho, Ed Vere and many more to schools across Northern Ireland in recent tours.
ACNI Stories Tour 2020/2021
This year will look a little different... Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the tour will be going virtual! We are asking schools to submit an application to be part of the tour. Books will be delivered to schools in advance of the virtual visit, and you will have access to exclusive videos and resources from the author. Following a live Q&A session, the pupils will be given the opportunity to enter a competition set by the author and a chance to win additional books!
Take a look below at the visits that are currently open for applications, and we look forward to virtually visiting you very soon!
Previous tours
Malachi McGibbon, Chris Riddell & Eoin Colfer
Alex T Smith
Dan Freedman
Ed Vere, Ceara School
Ed Vere, Dromore Central PS
Marta Altes 2019
Paul Howard
PJ Lynch
Sarah Crossan
Steven Lenton, Whiteabbey PS
Chitra Soundar is an internationally published author of over 40 books for children. She is also an oral storyteller and writer of many things. Chitra writes picture books and fiction for young readers. Her stories are inspired by folktales from India, Hindu mythology and her travels around the world. The book she will be focusing on is Sona Sharma – Very Best Big Sister and her virtual visit is aimed at pupils in Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2.
