Tots To Teens: Tips for the young reader and writer

“It’s not about having the best grammar or spelling,” says Kennedy. “It’s about encouraging self-expression, using your imagination and maybe even winning something for your school.”

The competition winners will receive €500 for their school library and all of the shortlisted children’s books for this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards. Kennedy will also visit the winners’ schools and read from her latest book.

To enter, children have to write a story no longer than 500 words inspired by the image of a boy gazing into a pair of binoculars (below). 

• The closing date for entries is November 24 and further details are available at specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards.

Mind those chompers

MOST children are greedily anticipating the bags of sweets they will get to eat this Halloween. However, their parents worry about the impact the sugary treats will have on their teeth.

Clinical director of dentalcareireland.ie, Dr Jen Collins, has tips to help keep children’s teeth healthy and strong.

• Save treats for after meals. The extra saliva in the mouth at this time rinses away cavity-causing acids.
• Avoid hard or chewy sweets. They stay in the mouth for a long time and cling to teeth, elevating the risk of cavities. 
• Sour sweets are another no-no, as they contain acids that attack tooth enamel. Chocolate is a better choice because it doesn’t stick to teeth.
• Make sure children brush and floss their teeth. Collins advises brushing for two minutes and flossing to eliminate particles toothbrushes can’t reach. Rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash adds even more protection.

Discussing war

With the Middle East conflict dominating news headlines, many children are being exposed to images of violence and war. 

This can cause anxiety and confusion, which is why the children’s charity Barnardos has issued advice to help parents ease their children’s concerns.

If your child mentions the war, talk calmly to them about it. Ask them what they have heard and how it makes them feel. 

Answer their questions using language they will understand and a level of information that’s appropriate to their age.

If they aren’t talking about it, leave them be. It’s best if they remain unaware of what’s happening.

You can enhance their feelings of safety and security by limiting their exposure to the news and trying not to discuss world affairs within their earshot. 

If they do overhear, reassure them that these are faraway dangers, not ones they have to worry about happening locally and remind them that you are there to take care of them.

Children with previous experience with trauma or those who have relatives in the affected areas may be particularly vulnerable to this news of war, requiring extra support and attention.

Poignant poem 

What does the concept of warmth mean to you? This thought-provoking question was posed by author Neil Gaiman on ‘X’ and from the diverse array of responses he received, he crafted a poignant poem, brought to life by a team of illustrators.

The proceeds from this project are dedicated to UNHCR, providing vital aid to those who have been displaced. 

What You Need To Be Warm, €15, serves as a strong reminder of the overlooked significance of warmth, a comfort we often take for granted until it’s unexpectedly taken from us — a reality which sadly is far too common for many.

The illustrations, interweaved with the poem, are strikingly powerful.