The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, launched three new children's books published by An Gúm at an event in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney during Oireachtas na Samhna this evening. 

The books launched were: 

• Julian an Mhaighdean Mhara, by Jessica Love, translated by Gillian Nic Ionmhain and Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh; 

• Siobhán Ceanndána agus Dánta Eile, by Gabriel Rosenstock, illustrated by Joe McLaren; 

• Thuas Staighre, Thíos Staighre, by Claire M. Dunne, illustrated by Anita Foley. 

Speaking at the launch, the Minister referred to the importance of books and reading for a children’s development. The Minister spoke about how books can open doors in a child’s mind and give them the opportunity to escape to new and different places. Speaking about the poetry collection Siobhán Cheanndána and Dánta Eile by Gabriel Rosenstock, who sadly passed away earlier this year, the Minister spoke about the importance of poetry and how poetry can be used to explore and discuss deep emotions with young children. Gabriel's daughter, Saffron, read a poem from the collection entitled Do m'Iníon. 

Claire Dunne, author of the picture book Thuas Staighre, Thíos Staighre was also present at the event. She read an excerpt from the book and talked about the importance of reading books aloud to children.  

Ends 

Further Information: 

Photos: 
Further photos available on request.  

Information about the books launched: 

Julian an Mhaighdean Mhara  
https://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/angum/book/julian-an-mhaighdean-mhara/  
Siobhán Ceanndána agus Dánta EIle 
https://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/angum/book/siobhan-cheanndana-agus-danta-eile/  

Thuas Staighre, Thíos Staighre 
https://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/angum/book/thuas-staighre-thios-staighre/   

Enquiries : 
Anna Davitt, Clárbhainisteoir: Cumarsáid, Margaíocht & Feasacht, Foras na Gaeilge   
Teil: 00 353 87 293 7686 Ríomhphost: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie