2014–2015 Laureate: Jackie French
Jackie French AM is one of the most prolific and respected Australian writers of books for children and adults with picture books, novels, fiction and non-fiction. She is dyslexic and an active patron of literacy programs, and passionate advocate for equal opportunity in education.
Jackie’s Laureate Focus: Share a Story
Jackie encouraged everyone she met as Laureate to enjoy a story together.
“There are a million ways to share a story. To have a child read to you while you cook dinner; to read to the dog when it has to go to the vet; to join a storytelling session at your library,” Jackie said.
Jackie also believes there is a ‘Magic Book’ for every child – a book that excites each person to go on to read more books. Maybe even one about a naughty wombat!
“Being a Laureate is, at heart, about inspiration, enticing kids into reading programs or to hunt books more widely, luring teachers to study literacy techniques that have proven results; tempting parents to read to their kids,” Jackie said.
About Jackie
A great number of Jackie’s books have been awarded in Australia and overseas, including her well-known Diary of a Wombat (illustrated by Bruce Whatley). Her passion and success in the world of Children’s literature has also seen her honoured as Senior Australian of the Year in 2015 and as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2016.
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
Boori Monty Pryor 2012–2013
Alison Lester 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.