BOOKVILLE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
The Bookville Programme of events for schools is now over for 2022.
A huge thank you to all the authors, illustrators, library staff, teachers, children, Khans Books & the Kilkenny Book Centre, St Canice's Credit Union, CBS primary school, the Kilkenny Education Centre and everyone else who contributed to making Bookville the success it was. We look forward to welcoming you to Bookville once again next year.
Look out for our 2023 programme, to be launched this summer!
Meanwhile, here is a flavour of our 2022 Bookville programme...
A huge thank you to all the authors, illustrators, library staff, teachers, children, Khans Books & the Kilkenny Book Centre, St Canice's Credit Union, CBS primary school, the Kilkenny Education Centre and everyone else who contributed to making Bookville the success it was. We look forward to welcoming you to Bookville once again next year.
Look out for our 2023 programme, to be launched this summer!
Meanwhile, here is a flavour of our 2022 Bookville programme...
FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER
Story inspiration with HELENA DUGGAN
Come listen to Helena Duggan read from her new book The Light Thieves, take you through the ideas that lead to this new series and discuss if we humans can really outsmart nature!
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library. Phone 051 897200 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd - 6th class
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library. Phone 051 897200 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd - 6th class

Helena Duggan is a children's author, graphic designer and illustrator from Kilkenny, a medieval town in Ireland, the inspiration for A Place Called Perfect. She writes in a treehouse built by her husband Robbie and his brother in the bottom of their garden. She lives in a small house with Robbie, their daughters Jo and Bobbie and dog Tinker.
Magical storytelling with VICKY MCFARLAND
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Combining sensory, music, participation and story, Vicky immerses her audiences in the world of the story. Whether we travel into a forest or up to the stars, audiences are treated to a variety of touch, taste, smell, sights and sounds as the stories unfold. Drawing on myth, legend, folk and fairy tales Vicky's story sessions are a magical and fully accessible experience for all.
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am & 10.45am to 11.45am
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am & 10.45am to 11.45am
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Vicky McFarland is a writer, storyteller, audio stories producer, podcaster, scriptwriter and teacher of creative writing. The one thing that binds everything Vicky does is the stories at the heart of it. In 2017 she was awarded the National Literacy Trust's prize for re-imagined fairytales and was published in an anthology. Vicky is still working on her first full children's novel, has an array of audio collections and has recently branched into creating and telling sensory stories.
Comedy with OLAF FALAFEL
Join comedian, author and illustrator Olaf Falafel for an energetic and exciting event packed full of jokes and drawing as he reads from his current children’s books ‘Blobfish’ and ‘Trixie Pickle Art Avenger’. Warning this event may contain bum-faced snails!
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class
Olaf Falafel is surrealist comedian, children’s book author/illustrator and holder of the Funniest Joke of The Edinburgh Festival. As well as being a stand up comedian, Olaf is also the author and illustrator of several kids books and has also enjoyed online fame with his short viral videos. Olaf has been affectionately described as ‘an idiot’ and when he doesn’t have a microphone in his hand you’ll probably find him with a pencil and pad trying to draw something equally idiotic.
Life skills with LIZZY SHORTALL
This fun workshop will introduce children to the themes in Joy's Playground children's book, such as mindfulness, gratitude and self-belief. Good coping skills for life. The characters demonstrate how to be in the moment by using mindful breathing and the five senses all while going on a fun adventure.
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Callan Library. Phone 056 7794183 or 056 7794183 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Callan Library. Phone 056 7794183 or 056 7794183 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class

Lizzy Shortall is a Mindfulness for Wellbeing trainer for children and adults and promotes learning resilience skills in way that are easy to use in everyday life.
Bookville Beat Bash with MUSIC GENERATION KILKENNY
Tom Duffy, Musician Educator with Music Generation Kilkenny will have young drummers moving, shaking, playing, and listening in our fun and accessible rhythm workshop. Each workshop is a full tilt, hands on session where young beat makers will learn about rhythm through games, rhymes, and easy instructions. Delivered in a fun, accessible and progressive way, everyone will come away with new percussion skills to entertain the whole household!
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 6th class
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 6th class
Music Generation is a national partnership programme whose mission is to create inspiring experiences for children and young people through music. Their aim is to make sure that everyone, whatever their background, gets access to music tuition.
Manage emotions with CLAIRE KEATING & SINÉAD DORE
During their workshops Claire and Sinéad will read one of their three children’s books which help manage big emotions, they will interact and engage with the children and use some of their ‘Mindful Me with Bea’ cards.
Date: Friday 7th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library. Phone 056 4440561 E-mail [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library. Phone 056 4440561 E-mail [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class

Claire Keating and Sinéad Dore are both primary school teachers. As mothers, teachers and mindfulness practitioners, they have always been very passionate about promoting mental health and children’s well-being – and so they created the ‘Breathe with Bea’ series.
Their aim was to design and create exciting books to help children identify, recognise and manage a variety of feelings and emotions , all while providing them with the tools to help self-regulate.
Their aim was to design and create exciting books to help children identify, recognise and manage a variety of feelings and emotions , all while providing them with the tools to help self-regulate.
MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER
Writing tips with SHANE HEGARTY
Stuck for a story idea? Or just looking for fantastic writing tips? In a fun, interactive session, Shane shows young readers how young writers can find ideas all around them.
Date: Monday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class

Shane Hegarty was born and raised in Skerries, Ireland, where he now lives with his wife and four children but no pets since an unfortunate incident with the family goldfish. He is a journalist as well as the author of the Darkmouth series.
Get creative with UNA WOODS
Make an amazing picture inspired by A Spooktacular Place To be. Úna will show you how to create a Spooktacular Autumnal mixed-media collage using simple shapes, bright colours and crazy patterns.
All materials provided.
All materials provided.
Date: Monday 10th October
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class

Úna Woods is an illustrator and writer from Ireland. Úna loves to create magical illustrations for young children using quirky and cute characters and animals. She works digitally combining simple shapes, patterns and bright colours.
Illustration with CLÍODHNA MURPHY
During her workshop, Clíodhna will share her books with you, show you how she created her book, ‘Berg the Narwhal’ and give you a chance to illustrate your own character for a picturebook!
Date: Monday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library. Phone 056 4440561 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library. Phone 056 4440561 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class

Clíodhna Murphy has just started out her adventure as a children's picture book author and illustrator. She is a Primary teacher from Kilkenny in Ireland and has a Research Masters degree in Irish. Clíodhna has travelled and taught in many different countries around the world with her fiancé, Tom.Clíodhna loves art, swimming and the Irish language.
TUESDAY 11TH OCTOBER
Journey with TOM MCLAUGHLIN
Tom’s session includes talking about his journey as an author, reading some of his best selling books and live illustrations demonstrations for buddying artists!
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Kilkenny City Library. Phone 056 7794174 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class

Tom McLaughlin is an author illustrator from Devon. He has been a political cartoonist, a animation designer for TV shows, as well as an occasional columnist. He started in the world of children’s publishing by illustrating other people’s books before turning his hand to writing. His books have been nominated for countless awards and have been translated into over 10 different languages. He lives in Exeter with his wife and children and can often be found staring out of a window with a cup of tea.
Cute cats & dogs with HOLLY WEBB
Come and find out about the real animals behind Holly Webb's Animal Stories series, from adventurous cats to runaway puppies!
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am, 11am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 1st class

Holly Webb is a British children's writer. She studied Classics at Newnham College at Cambridge University, Byzantine and Medieval Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art, and then worked as an editor until 2005. She lives outside Reading with her husband Jon and her three children, Ash, Robin and William.
Fun as Gaeilge with MUIREANN NÍ CHIOBHÁIN
Tar ag spraoi le Muireann Ní Chíobháin údar Scúnc agus Smúirín. Beidh bogadh, boladh agus siamsíocht sa cheardlann bríomhar seo.
Come have fun with Muireann Ní Chíobháin, author of Scúnc agus Smúirín. There will be movement, lots of sniffing and lots of fun in this lively workshop.
Come have fun with Muireann Ní Chíobháin, author of Scúnc agus Smúirín. There will be movement, lots of sniffing and lots of fun in this lively workshop.
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 10am to 10.45am & 11am to 11.45
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class
Time: 10am to 10.45am & 11am to 11.45
Venue: Loughboy Library. Phone 056 7794176 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - 2nd class

Muireann Ní Chíobháin is a children's author, screenwriter and performer. she believes that giving children access to culture and creativity helps them make sense of the world and of themselves. She has written children's books both as Gaeilge and in English.
Although a Cork City native, she spent much of her childhood in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Kerry where her father's family are from and she is proud to be an Irish speaker. Gaeilge agus fáilte anseo! When she’s not writing books, shows or cooking up ideas, you'll find her in the sea, doodling in her sketchbook or most likely running around after her young and very energetic son on the beaches of Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Although a Cork City native, she spent much of her childhood in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Kerry where her father's family are from and she is proud to be an Irish speaker. Gaeilge agus fáilte anseo! When she’s not writing books, shows or cooking up ideas, you'll find her in the sea, doodling in her sketchbook or most likely running around after her young and very energetic son on the beaches of Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Fun poetry with GABRIEL FITZMAURICE
Gabriel Fitzmaurice will read from his hilarious Really Rotten Rhymes, his best selling collection of deliciously disgusting rhymes that children and grown-ups, although they may pretend not to be amused, will love. Based in his experience as a teacher, a parent and a big kid himself Really Rotten Rhymes is an unforgettable collection for the young and young at heart.
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Callan Library. Phone 056 7794183 or 056 7794183 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Callan Library. Phone 056 7794183 or 056 7794183 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class

Gabriel Fitzmaurice was born in 1952 in the village of Moyvane, County Kerry, where he still lives. He is principal of the primary school in the village and is the author of more than 30 books, including collections of poetry in English and Irish. His books of verse for children have become classics.
Local history with DONAL CADOGAN & GEMMA ALOISI
Kilkenny has a long and rich history so who better to tell it to today’s children than those who saw it as it happened? Introducing 22 Kilkenny Cats whose owners helped shape who and where we are. This is a dip into the pages of We Are Kilkenny Cats! an illustrated guide to our inner Kilkennyness, with author Donal Cadogan, joined by illustrator Gemma Aloisi.
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Thomastown community hall. Phone 056 7794331 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
Venue: Thomastown community hall. Phone 056 7794331 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd - 4th class

Donal Cadogan is a true born Kilkenny cat with a passion for local history. He has produced two previous books on Kilkenny and also created the Historyman series on KCLR which rescues the stories of people from Kilkenny and Carlow from being forgotten. We are Kilkenny Cats!, illustrated by freelance artist Gemma Aloisi, is aimed at bringing an appreciation of the story of where we are from and who we are to young readers.

Gemma Aloisi is a visual artist who primarily works with paints and words. As a child, she spent most of her time drawing, reading books and making up stories, especially on rainy days when she felt lonely and needed an imaginary friend. She often still visits her inner worlds, where she finds inspiration for her writing, paintings and animated short films. She currently lives in Kilkenny, Ireland, where she has found a vibrant artistic community.
Visit Hamalot with FRANK SALMON
King Porker reads the The Legends of Hamalot in costume (of course!) introducing the children to all the characters of Hamalot. Children can handle the swords, shields and helmets belonging to the Pigs of Hamalot, draw their own pigs, write their own story, plus get their picture taken in front of Castle Hamalot.
Date: Tuesday 11th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Ferrybank Library. Phone 051 897200 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - Snr class
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Ferrybank Library. Phone 051 897200 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - Snr class

Frank Salmon is a published author, cartoonist, musician, vocalist, sound engineer and shop owner and lives in Kilkenny.
WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER
60 second story with NIAMH MORONEY
60 Jam Packed Seconds of Action!
Over the course of one hour, we will cook up a magical action packed story that spans SIXTY SECONDS! Can we squeeze all the principles of storytelling into one minute?
Who will be the hero of the story? What challenges will they face? And how in heaven's name will they overcome all their battles in UNDER 60 SECONDS!
Join this jam packed fun filled project lead by local writer Niamh Moroney, and take your hero one a fast paced journey to victory!
Over the course of one hour, we will cook up a magical action packed story that spans SIXTY SECONDS! Can we squeeze all the principles of storytelling into one minute?
Who will be the hero of the story? What challenges will they face? And how in heaven's name will they overcome all their battles in UNDER 60 SECONDS!
Join this jam packed fun filled project lead by local writer Niamh Moroney, and take your hero one a fast paced journey to victory!
Date: Wednesday 12th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd - 6th class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library. Phone 056 7794178 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd - 6th class
Niamh Moroney is a comedian and producer of live things; circus, comedy, theatre and dance. Niamh has worked all over the world from live art to circus, from community arts festivals, to international roving experimental productions.
Interactive reading with ELEANOR GEOGHEGAN
Popper Monster’s Magical lunch adventure. In this workshop, join author Eleanor Geoghegan for a live reading of this book. Learn the colours of the rainbow and meet a colourful array of friends and silly foods with every swish swash of Popper Monster’s magic stick. With interactive and sensory elements for children to participate in throughout.
Date: Wednesday 12th October
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: Thomastown community hall. Phone 056 7794331 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - Snr
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: Thomastown community hall. Phone 056 7794331 Email [email protected]
Age Group: Jnr - Snr

Eleanor Geoghegan is a primary school teacher living in Kilkenny City. The inspiration behind writing the book came from her two autistic children. Eleanor wanted to dedicate a moment in time to them while also providing a fun and engaging way for all children, including children with additional needs to learn first concepts and new ideas.
Creative writing with SINEAD MORIARTY
Sinead will talk about where her ideas come from. Why she wants to write for children and feels so passionately about promoting empathy and compassion through storytelling. The power of writing a good story and some simple exercises to get kids writing their own stories.
Date: Wednesday 12th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Urlingford library. Phone 056- 7794182 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 5th - 6th
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Urlingford library. Phone 056- 7794182 Email [email protected]
Age Group: 5th - 6th

Sinéad Moriarty was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinéad says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel. Sinéad has had many novels published and now lives in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three children and their little black cat, Minnie.