Paul Howard and Gordon D’Arcy feature in Children’s Book Festival programme in Offaly libraries

Former rugby international features in local book festival

As part of the Children’s Book Festival (CBF) programme, Offaly Libraries is delighted to welcome former rugby international Gordon D'Arcy and No. 1 bestselling author Paul Howard who will present an interactive digital event for sports-mad kids and their families.

The event will be based around the third children's book from their Gordon’s Game series, 'Gordon's Game: Lions Roar'. This series of illustrated stories is inspired by Gordon’s real-life rugby-playing years. In their most recent book, young Gordon has a brand-new opportunity - the chance to play for the famous British and Irish Lions as they tour South Africa.

Jam-packed with hilarious live readings, jokes and a Q&A with Gordon and Paul, children from 8+ are sure to have fun. Gordon will even sign a rugby ball on-screen which we will raffle off later!

This event will take place over Zoom on Saturday, October 16 at 3pm and booking is essential. Children must be supervised by an adult during this event. For event booking details and our full CBF Programme, go to www.offaly.ie/libraries

The programme also contains details of another must-see Zoom event - Niall de Búrca’s World Tales. Grab your seat and hang on tight! More dangerous than The Pied Piper, story-teller Niall’s tales will take you on a rollercoaster ride of the imagination. Join him for an incredible range of stories from all over the world. Using his voice with a craftsman’s skill, Niall shares great tales with tremendous energy, judgement and superb timing.

This is a family event for age 6 and upwards. It will take place over Zoom on Wednesday, October 27 at 6.30pm and booking is essential. Children must be supervised by an adult during this event. For event booking details and our full CBF Programme, go to www.offaly.ie/libraries

Offaly Libraries is celebrating CBF with a whole array of events and activities, part-funded by Creative Ireland. The festival aims to encourage children to enjoy the experience of reading and support their reading development.