Caoilfhionn Carlin (11) from Gaelscoil na Daróige in Derry, was named the 2026 Reading Hero at the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards this week.
Caoilfhionn was nominated by her teacher, Fíachra Ó Donghaile. Here, she tells us about the big win, fave books and why kids should read!
First of all, she tells us what it was like when her name was called out?!
"I was shocked, flabbergasted and bursting with joy when I heard about the award. Personally, I think children are too distracted by technology instead of being lost in a good book. I feel it is almost a personal challenge to share my love of books with others. Books transport me to other worlds where I experience other places and people."
Why should kids pick up a book?
Sometimes you can find hidden gems in a book, reading can help to improve schoolwork and confidence. I like to discuss the books I'm reading with my friends and family.
Can you remember your first book?
Yes! My Secret Kingdom: Enchanted Palace by Rosie Banks was the first book I read on my own, but my mum has always read to me since I was a baby.
What is your all-time favourite?
Ooh, this is hard...I would have to say Warrior Cats: The Darkest Hour or A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter. I actually have more than one favourite I also think Roald Dahl's Matilda is a classic. I also enjoyed his Going Solo book too.
How do you become a Reading Hero?
You need to have a passion for books and reading, sometimes overcoming reading challenges. Reading provides a comfort for me and I enjoy blocking out the now and escaping into the author's world.
at the 2026 KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards. Photo: Julien Behal
Mr Ó Donghaile says: "Inspired by Junior Juries, Caoilfhionn has now also volunteered as a pupil librarian in the school citing her ability to recommend suitable books for younger children as a valuable trait. She is engaging with a range of initiatives through the Libraries for Primaries campaign and is an ever present at our Junior Juries reading club. Caoilfhionn loves discussing the books in the junior juries programme and can demonstrate great eloquence when advocating for a particular book."
As part of the Award, she has received a personal trophy, £200 book voucher as well as winning a collection of books worth £1,000 for her school library at Gaelscoil na Daróige in Derry.
The Reading Hero Award is an annual accolade that runs as part of the KPMG CBI Awards, you can find more information about it here on the CBI website.
Applications to find a new hero won't open until February 2027 – so watch this space!
Don't forget to check out the KIDS Book Club with thanks to our friends at Children's Books Ireland for more great reading recommendations and extracts.
