2012–2013 Laureate: Alison Lester
Much-loved children’s authors Alison Lester AM and Boori Monty Pryor were Australia’s first Children’s Laureates. They were appointed together to start off the first Laureate program because of their shared creative spirit.
Alison Lester is one of the most highly acclaimed, awarded and respected author illustrators of children’s books in Australia.
Alison’s Laureate Focus: This is My Place
Alison knows that young readers are our future thinkers and as Laureate she inspired children, their families and friends to read.
“Reading is essential…to keep exploring and to remain curious… we all need to see our own lives reflected in books,” said Alison.
As a writer, and illustrator, Alison encouraged young Australians to create books about their special place using their own stories and drawings.
“All the books I create have a connection with the community where they were made, and this is the important thing. We all need to see our own lives reflected in books,” said Alison.
About Alison
In a career spanning over 30 years, Alison has created over 30 books, including some of the most iconic in contemporary Australian publishing including: Imagine; Magic Beach; Thing; Noni the Pony; Clive Eats Alligators; Kissed by the Moon and Are We There Yet? Her collaborations with Indigenous children and communities over many years have inspired both the children she has worked with, her peers and the book industry generally and resulted in picture books published and celebrated across the country.
Meet More Past Laureates
Celebrating the incredible creators who have championed the power of stories and inspired young readers across Australia.
Sally Rippin 2024–2025
Gabrielle Wang 2022–2023
Ursula Dubosarsky 2020–2021
Morris Gleitzman 2018–2019
Leigh Hobbs 2016–2017
Jackie French 2014–2015
Boori Monty Pryor 2012–2013
About the ACLF
ACLF is a not-for-profit organisation that runs the Children’s Laureate program and works to enrich the lives of young Australians through the power of story.
Contact Us
Whether you’d like to support our programs, invite the Laureate to your event, or learn more about us, we’d love to connect.
Contact: ACLF Administration
PO Box 504, Forestville, NSW 2087
Program & Partnership Enquiries
Are you interested in partnering with the ACLF on a Laureate event? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact: Kristin Darell, Program Director
Sponsorship Enquiries
The ACLF can only continue its work through the generosity of our funding partners. If you would like to support our work or find out more, we’d love to hear from you.