Great news bookworms! The nomination process for Ireland’s next children’s laureate is now open for applicants. An initiative of The Arts Council, Laureate na nÓg is a special, honorary title that’s given to a children’s author or illustrator for a two year period – the next laureate will be following in the footsteps of Siobhán Parkinson and Niamh Sharkey. “Through this appointment and the Arts Council's wider strategy for children's literature, we are working to broaden and enrich young people's imaginative worlds and to highlight the importance of Irish children’s literature, writers and illustrators in our society” said Sarah Bannan, Head of Literature at the Arts Council. Current laureate, Niamh Sharkey Past and current Laureates have been ambassadors for Ireland in a variety of counties including the US, Sweden, Austria and Belgium. “Ireland’s first two Laureates have been real champions for children’s literature and illustration, for reading and drawing, and for the importance of books in every child’s life” said Elaina Ryan, Director of Children’s Books Ireland. This year, for the first time, people of all ages will be given the opportunity to decided which author or illustrator should be in the running to be crowned laureate. Nomination forms are available from the children’s laureate website here and will be closing on February 15^th 2014.