CBF 2025 Schools programme

Monaghan County Libraries

Welcome Monaghan County Libraries are delighted to welcome you to this year’s Children’s Book Festival – a celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of reading.

Throughout the festival, we’ll bring books to life with a wonderful mix of in-person author visits and interactive online events. From inspiring talks with writers and illustrators to fun, creative sessions designed to spark young imaginations, there is something here for every child and teacher to enjoy.

The Children’s Book Festival is all about sharing the magic of books, encouraging a love of reading, and opening doors to new worlds and adventures. Whether you join us in your local library or tune in online, we hope you’ll be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the power of stories to connect us all.

On behalf of Monaghan County Libraries, we invite you to explore the festival programme and make the most of the events on offer.

We look forward to welcoming you!

How to book

All bookings and queries must go through our dedicated email address cbf@monaghancoco.ie

Wednesday 1 October

Eve McDonnell Wishprint Workshops Age range 8 - 12 Carrickmacross Library 10am, 11:30am & 1pm In Eve McDonnell’s latest book, The Last Boy, Brewster – a small, unwanted ‘climbing boy’ – is sold to a cruel Master Sweep, his brother’s sooty thumbprint sealing the deal. When a terrifying storm of stars fills the sky, Brewster casts his wish upon each star to be the last climbing boy, ever. Let’s explore Brewster’s harrowing Victorian world (would you fit through a chimney? Let’s try! [volunteer roleplay and audience sing Sweep-O song as they demonstrate climbing through chimney-sized prop], let’s hear about Brewster’s incredible legacy and his motivations for wishing for a better life for all climbing boys. Wishes exist in hope-filled hearts, they create ambition and dreams of better things, they bring smiles and delicious anticipation! Wish for dogs that talk and sunshine every day, or a big change to our world and no homework for a month too! Let’s make our mark by creating our own unique WISHPRINT – our giant wish-filled fingerprint poem.

Thursday 2 October

Ellen Ryan Mythology & Magic with Monsters and Gods Age range 9 - 12 Monaghan Branch library 10am, 11:30am & 1pm

Join us for an inspiring and empowering session with journalist and bestselling author Ellen Ryan, whose books bring ancient Irish myths to life for a new generation.

In Girls Who Slay Monsters, Ellen reimagines the forgotten goddesses of Ireland—fierce, magical, and diverse heroines who challenge stereotypes and inspire courage. Her followup, Gods Don’t Cry, flips the script on traditional heroism, spotlighting ancient Irish gods who embrace vulnerability, empathy, and emotional strength.

Ellen’s visit will include: Readings from her books Insights into her research Which God are you Quiz Q&A with the audience

Friday 3 October

Holly Webb Animal Stories Age range 6 - 10 Time: 11:30

Join bestselling children’s author Holly Webb for a special online event celebrating her much-loved Animal Stories series. With over 50 titles featuring brave puppies, curious kittens, and unforgettable animal adventures, Holly’s books have captured the hearts of young readers around the world.

In this interactive session, Holly will share the real-life inspirations behind her animal characters, read from one of her favourite stories and answer questions from the audience. Perfect for animal lovers aged 6–10, this event promises to be a cosy, creative, and inspiring experience.

Don’t miss the chance to meet the author who’s made tails wag and whiskers twitch in bookshelves everywhere!

Tuesday 7 October

Serena Molloy The tree that sang to me Age range 9 - 12 Castleblayney Library 10am, 11:30am & 1pm We are delighted to welcome Serena to Monaghan libraries for the first time. Serena’s novels are a celebration of neurodiversity, empathy and the power to change.

When Kai’s big sister Jen leaves the family home, Kai knows it’s all his fault. His secret burns, but he tells no one, just keeps pulling at tufts of his hair. But in the broad branches of a wasteland sycamore tree, Kai feels safe and free from his worries. Up there he feels he can be whoever he wants to be. And when a girl called Sky starts climbing Kai’s tree, a friendship blossoms … a friendship with the power to heal.

A dyslexia-friendly, beautifully illustrated verse story of friendship, family and self-discovery, perfect for readers aged 9+

Wednesday 8 October

Guy Bass Animal Stories Age range 6 - 10 Time: 11:30am

The inimitable Guy Bass is the award-winning author of a huge variety of series for KS2 pupils. Titles include the SKELETON KEYS books, DINKIN DINS, STITCH HEAD, SPYNOSAUR and ATOMIC. Guy’s virtual sessions will be sure to demonstrate how much fun books and reading can be for all students – even if they are not keen readers.

Guy’s online event is a fast-paced combination of stand-up (well, sit down), stories and silliness. His performance explores his childhood aspirations and inspirations and includes poetry, writing tips, on-screen pictures and artwork and animated readings from his books.

Thursday 9 October

Mary Murphy Let’s be Earthlings Age range 9 - 12

School visit Join acclaimed author and illustrator Mary Murphy for a heartwarming and imaginative journey through her latest picture book, Let’s Be Earthlings. This uplifting story follows a playful alien who arrives on Earth—“the Universe’s favourite planet”—and uses a transformer machine to explore life as a bee, a bat, a panda, and even a person!

Through these whimsical transformations, the alien discovers what makes Earth so special: homes, love, play, dreams—and the joy of connection. But something’s missing… their best friend. Could they come to Earth too?

Join us for a joyful celebration of connection, curiosity, and caring for our planet.

Friday 10 October

John Devolle Big science for little minds Age range 4-7

School visit John Devolle has written and illustrated a series of books exploring the big science around germs, atoms, planets, brains and humans.

John aim is to spark an early interest in science in kids by getting them to wonder about these amazing things going on all around - and inside - them. He combine simple text with bold playful illustrations to entice them in to the subject.

Join John as he takes us through some of his books followed by a group collage activity.

Wednesday 15 October

Matt Oldfield Ultimate Football Heroes: From playground to pitch Age range 8 - 12 Time: 11:30am Get ready to be inspired! Join bestselling children’s author Matt Oldfield, co-creator of the hugely popular Ultimate Football Heroes series, for an exciting interactive schools’ webinar.

Matt’s books bring the biggest football stars to life – from Messi and Ronaldo to Kane and Mbappé – showing their journeys from ordinary kids with a dream to international superstars. In this special event, Matt will share the stories behind the heroes, explore what makes them so inspiring, and give pupils a behind-thescenes look at how he writes his books.

Through fun storytelling, football facts, and an engaging Q&A, Matt will encourage children to dream big, work hard, and discover the power of reading for pleasure.

Perfect for football fans, budding writers, and anyone who loves a good story!

Thursday 16th October

Sadhbh Rosenstock Teach Teídí Age range 4-7

Clones Library 10am, 11:30am & 1pm Is breá le Teidí a bheith ag spraoi, ag léamh agus ag canadh. Beidh Sadhbh Rosenstock ag léamh a leabhair nua do pháistí agus ag canadh amhrán leis na leanaí ón leabhar Teach Teidí. Tabhair an teidí is ansa leat agus beidh spórt is spraoi againn!

Dírithe ar pháistí ó aois 4-7.

Storytime and songs with Sadhbh Rosenstock Teidí loves to play, to read and to sing songs. Sadhbh Rosenstock author and composer of Teach Teidí - will read from her new Irishlanguage books for children and sing songs based on the books.

Bring along your teddy bear!

Bilingual event for children aged 4-7.

Friday 17 October

Ashwin Chacko Wild City: Story reading & draw along Age range 7-9

School visit Ashwin Chacko is an Indian illustrator, designer, and storyteller based in Dublin. He specialises in creating joyful, vibrant illustrations that celebrate positivity, creativity, and community. Through his books, talks, and workshops, Ashwin inspires young people to embrace their imagination and express their unique voices.

He is the author-illustrator of several picture books and graphic works, including Wild City (O’Brien Press), which brings the hidden wildlife of Dublin to life in playful and unexpected ways. His work often explores themes of belonging, diversity, and hope, with a mission to spread what he calls “Positivity through Creativity.”

Meet Lilly and Tim not your average neighbourhood kids. They have a secret with a snap, clap, zap they can turn the boring amazing!

Join Ashwin as he reads this fun interactive Children’s book and then facilitates a draw along.

Tuesday 21 October

Sheena Wilkinson From past to page Age range 10-12 Monaghan Library 10am, 11:30am & 1pm

Join award-winning author Sheena Wilkinson for an inspiring session that brings reading, writing, and history to life. Known for her powerful and engaging stories, Sheena will share her journey as a writer, explore the themes behind her books, and encourage pupils to discover the joy of storytelling.

Sheena Wilkinson is one of Ireland’s most respected writers for young people. Her novels, including Taking Flight, Grounded, Street Song, and her historical fiction titles Star by Star, Hope against Hope, and Till the Cows Come Home, have won multiple awards and critical acclaim. Sheena’s work often explores identity, resilience, and social justice, weaving together compelling characters with real historical events.

Wednesday 22 October

Steve Cole Reading Rocks Age range 7-9 Time: 11:30am Get ready for laughter, music, and stories galore! Join Steve Cole, one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors, for a fun-filled online event designed especially for ages 7–9. Steve is the author of the Astrosaurs series, Cows in Action, and many other hilarious, actionpacked adventures that have captured the imaginations of young readers everywhere.

In this energetic and interactive session, Steve will mix storytelling with songs, humour, and plenty of surprises. His infectious enthusiasm for books and reading will have children giggling, clapping along, and—most importantly—feeling excited about stories.

Perfect for inspiring a love of reading, Steve’s events show that books aren’t just for school—they’re for fun, friendship, and adventure too!

The Rossmore Giants Gigantic Stories The Drumlin Giants of Rossmore Park each have a story , and all of these stories will soon be published in a book but in the mean time, Paul Bond, one of the creative thinkers behind the giants is making himself available for a number of school visits.

If you are interested in hosting Paul to hear the stories relating to each of the giants please get in touch.

The Giants can't draw very well , as no one makes Sharpies and crayons big enough for them. So they are asking for your help.

Keep an eye out for a gigantic art competition coming soon.....

Thursday 23 October

The Big Book Quiz 2025 Fastest finger first

Work together as a class team Thursday 23rd October @ 11:30am

The big book quiz is back for 2025!

Think you know your books? Put your reading knowledge to the test in The Big Book Quiz – the fast, fun, online challenge where every second counts! With points awarded for fastest finger first, it’s all about quick thinking, teamwork, and a love of stories.

Whole classrooms can play together as one big team, competing against others in their school—or even taking on classes from across the county! Packed with excitement, friendly rivalry, and plenty of bookish fun, this is the ultimate way to celebrate reading and show off your literary superpowers.

Register for the quiz link by emailing cbf@monaghancoco.ie

Contact us 047 74702 cbf@monaghancoco.ie www.monaghan.ie/library Monaghan County Libraries, 98 Ave., Clones