Graiguecullen preschoolers celebrate World Book Day
Celebrating World Book Day at Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre, children from room 4
CHILDREN at Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre’s Preschool enjoyed a particularly special World Book Day celebration this year, thanks to a book-gifting initiative from An Post in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland. In total, the preschool received more than 200 free books, bringing excitement and joy to children aged two to four.
“We always celebrate World Book Day,” said preschool manager Diane Darcy, “but this was the first time we took part in the free book scheme. It went down so well with the children and parents alike. The books came with a lovely letter saying that ‘every child in Ireland deserves to get a book on World Book Day’.” To mark the occasion, preschoolers arrived dressed as their favourite characters, with everything from tigers and bumblebees to Spiderman and Super Mario.
“They love getting dressed up anyway,” said Ms Darcy, “but they especially love having a reason. Every year, you see some fabulous ideas and they loved getting their free books, too.” In an era when many children use tablets and smartphones from an early age, Ms Darcy was heartened to see how much they treasured a physical copy. “It’s the ownership – when it’s held in their hands and it’s theirs,” she said. “It’s definitely great to see them with a physical book.”
The preschool manager also praised An Post’s collaboration with Children’s Books Ireland, underscoring its positive impact on early literacy. “Doing it this way, it gives them a choice. It’s about using their own voice and their own independence to choose the book from the pile. It’s their preference – where their interests lie,” she noted. “And hopefully they’ll understand that reading is not just for learning in school, it’s for enjoyment, too.” This year, An Post and Children’s Books Ireland significantly expanded their efforts to ensure every child experienced the joy of reading. Over 42,000 free books were distributed nationwide to children not only in schools but also in hospitals, direct provision centres, homelessness services and Travelling communities, along with about 924,000 book tokens for use in schools.
