Mayo author wins national award for children’s book
Anne Printer takes Best Junior Children’s Book Award for her second book, Higgle the Holly Tree
Mayo author Anne Printer has received national recognition after winning the Best Junior Children’s Book Award at the 2026 Carousel Aware Prize for Independent Authors (CAP Awards).
Her second book, Higgle the Holly Tree, was announced as the category winner at a special awards ceremony held in Chapters Bookstore, Dublin, on Friday, October 9.
The CAP Awards celebrate excellence in independent publishing across a range of categories, including fiction, non-fiction, anthologies, children’s books for younger and older readers, and book cover design.
The award marks a significant achievement for Anne, whose imaginative storytelling and love of nature continue to inspire young readers.
Anne is also among the authors featured in the Children’s Books of Mayo project, which celebrates the county’s talented children’s writers and illustrators.
The initiative aims to promote local talent, encourage a love of reading among young people and showcase the strength of Mayo’s creative community.
Families, teachers and young readers can discover Anne’s work and explore books by other Mayo-based children’s authors and illustrators through the Children’s Books of Mayo Map, available from libraries throughout the county.
The map provides an accessible way to discover the wealth of children’s literature being created by local writers and artists.
Anne’s success highlights the literary talent thriving in Mayo and the important role local authors play in sparking young imaginations and inspiring the next generation of readers.