For many people in Ireland Robert Dunbar is the voice of children’s books having being a regular contributor on radio and in print. Robert has pioneered the study of children’s literature as an academic discipline. Today, Trinity are recognising Robert’s enormous contribution with an Honorary Doctorate. A very worthy accolade for a career dedicated to children’s books.
(rumours that CBI staff will be in Trinity Front Square wearing fake beards to celebrate are completely without foundation).
Here’s what Trinity have to say about Robert
Born in Co. Antrim and a graduate of QUB, Mr Dunbar for decades has been the doyen of children’s literature in Ireland. He has been a key figure for the establishment of children’s literature as an academic subject in Ireland and beyond. He has been the public face and voice of the study of children’s literature on television, radio and in the newspapers. Founding member of the Children’s Literature Association of Ireland and its President for two years. Most of his teaching career was with one of TCD’s associated colleges, the Church of Ireland College of Education, where he taught for over 25 years; he also lectured for many years on TCD’s Bachelor in Education programme.
[...] lit for more years than I can count. The award is undoubtedly deserved – and as the VHC has already said – “A very worthy accolade for a career dedicated to children’s [...]