2018–2019 Laureate: Morris Gleitzman

Morris Gleitzman is a bestselling Australian children’s author whose books explore serious and sometimes confronting subjects in funny and unexpected ways.

Morris’ Laureate Focus: Stories Make Us

Morris spoke to more than 55,000 young people when he was Laureate and encouraged them to read stories so they could be ready to face the world with great hope and optimism.

“Young people need stories more than ever. Stories to delight, stories to beguile, stories to inspire, stories to move deeply,” said Morris. 

His stories are often about serious topics but somehow he always manages to make them funny, and make you think about the world in a different way after reading them.

“I aim to be not just a Laureate, but also an ambassador. An emissary from the place where young imaginations draw strength from stories and grow and engage and become our best hope for the future,” said Morris.

About Morris

Morris’s books have been published in 20 countries and include Tweet, Two Weeks With The Queen, Grace, Doubting Thomas, Bumface, Give Peas A Chance, Extra Time, Loyal Creatures, Snot Chocolate and the series Once, Then, Now, After, Soon and Maybe. Morris was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Medal in 2019.

Find out more about Morris!

Meet More Past Laureates

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

Sally Rippin 2024–2025

"Sharing stories is how we develop empathy and begin to understand someone who might have a different life experience to ours. I believe we need these connections now more than ever.”
Meet Sally
Gabrielle Wang
 2022–2023

Gabrielle Wang
 2022–2023

“Your imagination is your most treasured possession. Keep it alive and healthy, nourish it every day and it can only grow stronger.”
Meet Gabrielle
Ursula Dubosarsky 
2020–2021

Ursula Dubosarsky 
2020–2021

“I hope that more children and adults think about the library as a place that is as much a vital part of a child’s life as the park or the local pool.”
Meet Ursula
Leigh Hobbs 2016–2017

Leigh Hobbs 2016–2017

"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."
Meet Leigh
Jackie French 2014–2015

Jackie French 2014–2015

"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."
Meet Jackie
Boori Monty Pryor 2012–2013

Boori Monty Pryor 2012–2013

"We need curious children and to have curious children we need children who are not only able to read but children who WANT to read."
Meet Boori
Alison Lester 2012–2013

Alison Lester 2012–2013

"Reading is essential to keep exploring and to remain curious. We all need to see our own lives reflected in books."
Meet Alison
About the ACLF

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.

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We work with creators and industry partners to champion literacy, creativity, and access to stories for all young Australians.
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