David Walliams will be presented with the ‘International Recognition Award’ at this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards ceremony, which takes place in Dublin on 28th November 2017.
The best-selling author, will receive the accolade in recognition of his significant contribution to children’s literature in the past decade.
David joins a roll-call of previous recipients of the ‘International Recognition Award’, which include Jilly Cooper, Jeffrey Archer and Bill Bryson.
“This is delightful news,” David said. “I am so pleased that my friends in Ireland have given me this huge honour. I love writing books for children and will continue doing so for as long as people want to read them.”
David Walliams is a global phenomenon in the world of publishing, and his books have revolutionised reading for children, with global sales exceeding 20 million copies and his books translated into 53 languages.
With two Irish number-one bestselling titles already under his belt this year (Blob and World’s Worst Children 2), Walliams is on track for continued chart-busting success as HarperCollins release his 10th novel, Bad Dad (out 2nd November), illustrated by the amazing Tony Ross.
This year, the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards show, presented by Keelin Shanley, will be televised on RTÉ One during the primetime slot of 9:30pm the evening after the event – Wednesday 29th November.
The shortlist of nominations for the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2017 will be announced on 2nd November at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
This year, Bord Gáis Energy have also announced their departure as title sponsor of the Irish Book Awards after an eight-year partnership. Their sponsorship will end after this year’s event.
However, Bord Gáis Energy will remain involved in the initiative by retaining sponsorship of the Bord Gáis Energy Sports Book of the Year category.
Larry Mac Hale, current Chairman of the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards, said, “We’re delighted to be welcoming David Walliams to the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards this November and we’re thrilled that the awards highlights show will now be televised on RTÉ One at the primetime showing of 9.30pm on Wednesday 29th November.
“I would also like to thank Bord Gáis Energy for their support of the Irish Book Awards over the past eight years. BGE has helped fan the flame of literature far and wide, helping to create the wonderful event we have today.
“We thank all of those at BGE for their support and dedication and we are delighted that they are continuing their involvement through sponsorship of the Sports Book of the Year category. We now look to a new partner to continue our development and reach as many readers as possible.”
