Killarney author Olivia Hope, author of 'Be Wild Little One' is among a group of Internationally celebrated authors and illustrators behind a new initiative to champion children’s books written by those living and working in Ireland.

This week in O’Mahony’s Bookshop, Tralee Olivia organised a meet up with fellow Kerry writers Emma Larkin, Anna McQuinn and Katie O’Donoghue to highlight the range of Irish titles available to young readers.

Olivia said: "as a nation we are incredibly supportive of Irish adult fiction, and our bestselling lists reflect this, however it is very rare for an Irish children’s book author or illustrator to feature in the equivalent children’s best seller list, which are usually UK and US domain."

Children’s author and Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde added: “Ireland now has a wonderful canon of literature for children in both English and Irish. We owe it to our young people to promote that work and to make sure that they are aware of books that are written and illustrated here. We all need to see ourselves and our culture in the books that we read, and our writers and illustrators need our support to continue making that work.”

Children’s Books Ireland CEO, Elaina Ryan said: “There’s much deserved celebration of the four Irish authors longlisted for the Booker Prize at the moment but what went by with little fanfare earlier this year, was the longlisting or shortlisting of two Irish authors and illustrators and an Irish publisher for the prestigious Yoto Carnegie Medals which recognises work created for children and young people. Ireland’s literary excellence is as obvious in our books for young readers as it is in those for adults, and they are equally worthy of our praise and support.”

For more details visit www.discoverIrishkidsbooks.ie