2016–2017 Laureate: Leigh Hobbs
Leigh Hobbs is an acclaimed artist and author known and loved for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger.
Leigh’s Laureate Focus: It’s Your Story
Leigh focussed his Laureate program on supporting the valuable work that teacher librarians do in school libraries by inspiring children to read, and love stories.
“Libraries have played an enormous role in my life. Reading and exploring history and art is something I have been able to do because of libraries,” said Leigh.
Leigh’s book characters like Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig and especially Mr Chicken enjoyed travelling around Australia, and the world, with Leigh when he was Laureate.
“I am absolutely convinced that every single school not only needs a library and a teacher librarian, but the kids at every school deserve one. It was in the school library in Bairnsdale that I discovered the books which changed my life,” said Leigh.
About Leigh
Though he works across a wide range of mediums, Leigh is best know for the children’s books he has written and illustrated featuring his characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona The Pig, Mr Badger, The Freaks in 4F and Mr Chicken. A highly successful animated TV series, based on Leigh’s Old Tom series of books has been screened in Australia and Europe.
Here’s some videos on Vimeo about Leigh:
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
Jackie French 2014–2015
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.