2022–2023 Laureate: Gabrielle Wang
Gabrielle Wang is an author and illustrator born in Melbourne of Chinese heritage. Her maternal great grandfather came to Victoria during the Gold Rush and her father from Shanghai. Her stories are a blend of Chinese and Western culture with a touch of fantasy. She has published more than 20 books, including the acclaimed Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards.
Gabrielle’s Laureate Focus: Imagine a Story
Gabrielle shared her message about the importance of imagination with over 40,000 young people and adults, in person and online, during her term as Laureate. Her mission was to encourage young people to use their imaginations and recognise the value of stories from many different perspectives.
“I believe books have great power when put in the hands of the right child at the right time. Especially children facing challenges. I hope by sharing stories that are a celebration of all our differences, children may find a feeling of self-acceptance from a young age,” said Gabrielle.
The easing of the COVID pandemic allowed a return to in-person events. Gabrielle inspired children with her stories and taught them to draw a Qilin, a creature out of Chinese mythology. The program also maintained a strong digital focus, allowing Gabrielle to reach many children in regional and remote communities around Australia. A return to international travel allowed Gabrielle to represent Australia at the International Laureate Summit at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
About Gabrielle
As well as the widely popular Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon, Gabrielle’s other books include The Silken Thread, A Ghost in My Suitcase, Ting Ting the Ghosthunter, The Garden of Empress Cassia, The Pearl of Tiger Bay, The Lion Drummer and The Wishbird.
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
Ursula Dubosarsky 2020–2021
Morris Gleitzman 2018–2019
Leigh Hobbs 2016–2017
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.