Once Upon a Time at Children’s Health Ireland: Hooked on Stories
Wednesday 17th September
17 Meán Fómhair 2025
Gach suíomh CHI
News
On Wednesday 17th September, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) made a splash by transforming into an underwater world of imagination, where little readers cast their lines and hooked the magic of books.
From morning until lunchtime, families in CHI at Crumlin coloured shoals of bright fish, hooked surprise books with fishing rods, and discovered a treasure trove of under-the-sea themed stories donated by Children’s Books Ireland.
At the heart of the celebration was author Eve McDonnell, whose storytelling washed wonder over babies and their families, sparking joy and imagination.
Meanwhile, in CHI at Temple Street, favourite fairytales stepped off the page as Goldilocks, The Three Little Pigs, and The Gingerbread Man filled the wards with charm. To everyone’s delight, Little Red Riding Hood travelled between both CHI at Crumlin and CHI at Temple Street, her basket brimming with books to share.
Parents were welcomed to an information stall to learn about the many benefits of reading to babies in hospital, reminding grown-ups that even the smallest listeners can find comfort and connection in a story. There was also book-themed sensory play, where tiny hands explored textures and sounds inspired by beloved tales.
This hook-a-book day was made possible through the collaboration of the Arts in Health Team at CHI and national charity and arts organisation, Children’s Books Ireland.
Dr Claire Crowe, Paediatric Clinical Psychologist with Children's Health Ireland, said:
“A baby’s heartrate slows down when they hear their parent’s voice. These tiny little people know their people, and that’s the sound they most want to hear. I always suggest reading to babies, as stories offer a lovely way to communicate with little ones. There are long-term gains too. Research shows that reading improves language and builds attention, which promotes and stimulates brain development. At CHI, the neonatal teams are caring for these babies right now and safeguarding them into the future.”
Fiona Smith, CHI Arts in Health Curator, at Children’s Health Ireland, said:
““Our goal is to bring creativity and comfort into the hospital environment, and what better way than through stories! Books can transport children beyond the hospital walls, offering joy, distraction, and imagination on even the hardest days. It is always wonderful to see families come together to celebrate the simple magic of reading.”
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said:
“At Children’s Books Ireland, we believe every child has the right to experience the life-changing benefits of reading. In partnership with CHI, we have gifted a range of books by brilliant Irish born and Irish-based authors and illustrators that we hope will bring young readers a sense of comfort and a feeling of joy, with every turn of the page. Bringing the books to life through the help of the hospital staff provided so much fun and happiness on the ward and served as a reminder of how powerful a story can really be.
And so, the day ended happily ever after, filled with laughter, learning, and the timeless magic of stories.
CHI Hook a Book - Fiona O'Reilly with Mum Sarah , from Co. Meath
Koa Dundon with parents Katie and Niall from Co Meath
CHI Hook a Book - Eoghan Geraghty and Dad Damien from Carlow
CHI Hook a Book - Brogan Harris with Dad Leroy and Mum LisaMarie
CHI Staff at the event