Pupils from Carniny Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School in Ballymena received a visit from Irish Children’s Laureate Patricia Forde and a group of authors and illustrators. The event formed part of the Whole Wild World North tour at Carniny Primary School.

Dave Rudden joined Forde as pupils shared their story ideas during the sessions. Primary 4 classes at Carniny Primary took part in an illustration workshop led by author and illustrator Paul Howard.

The tour aims to connect young readers across Ireland with children’s writers and artists. It follows the original Whole Wild World Bus Tour, which started in April 2024 and travelled from Donegal to Cork, stopping at schools, libraries and bookshops.

Forde, who holds the Laureate na nÓg title from 2023 to 2026, seeks to link Irish children with the nation’s writers and illustrators. She wants to foster new stories and bring creators to young audiences who seldom encounter them.

The Ballymena visit prompted storytelling, reading, writing and artwork activities in various classes. It occurred ahead of World Book Day on 5 March 2026.