An Post and Children’s Books launch #ImagineNation campaign today

Very exciting.

Keeping the kids entertained during quarantine can be a challenge and I know I'm not the only parent that is slowly running out of ideas. If your kids like getting involved in anything creative or crafty then you should definitely look into An Post's new campaign. An Post, in partnership with Children’s Books, Ireland today launch the #ImagineNation campaign The campaign will bring together leading Irish children’s authors and illustrators to create a free 24-page #ImagineNation playbook available for children from all over Ireland to enjoy. Overflowing with activities for children in drawing, writing and mindfulness exercises from leading creatives including Oliver Jeffers, Chris Haughton, Sarah Crossan, Don Conroy, Niall Breslin, Niamh Sharkey and many more, the book will be accessible to all children to download as well as being delivered free by An Post to thousands of houses around the country. I think this is an absolutely fantastic new campaign and just what young children need right now. The current lockdown can be scary and stressful for adults but even more so for young children who do not fully understand what is going on. A scheme like this will really help to take their minds off things and help them focus on something positive. Debbie Byrne, Managing Director, An Post Retail says;

‘An Post has a long history in fostering creativity and literacy skills through our schools programme, our involvement with Adult Literacy and NALA and the An Post Irish Book Awards. With parents taking a much needed break from home schooling over the Easter, An Post is delighted to help families make good use of staying home together. We very much look forward to seeing the fun, creativity and memories that #ImagineNation will generate’.

Children from all over the country are encouraged to get creative using the ImagineNation playbook downloadable at www.anpost.com/ImagineNation and https://childrensbooksireland.ie/resources/imaginenation/ They can also post their creations on social media using the #ImagineNation hashtag and tag An Post and Children’s Books Ireland. 90,000 copies of the playbook for six to ten-year-olds will be distributed to homes in the coming days and also to family hubs and centres of Direct Provision.