PJ Lynch named as new Children’s Laureate

President Michael D. Higgins announced Mr Lynch had been appointed in the role at a ceremony at the Arts Council offices.

PJ Lynch is from Belfast and now based in Dublin.

The 54-year-old graduated from the Brighton College of Art in 1984 and has since won numerous awards for his work, including the Kate Greenaway medal for distinguished illustration of a children’s book.

Among over 20 children’s stories he has illustrated are The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and his own book The Boy Who Fell Off The Mayflower. He is also collaborating with presenter Ryan Tubridy on a story called Patrick and the President about John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland, due to be published in 2017.

Mr Lynch is taking on the mantle from previous Children’s Laureate Eoin Colfer. The two-year role was established in 2010 to recognise the importance of literature for children.

Source: PJ Lynch named as new Children’s Laureate