Laureate 2022-2023 Gabrielle Wang
'I have had the most wonderful time as the Australian Children’s Laureate and have met with around forty thousand people all over Australia. I wish you all the very best with your reading, drawing and writing. Remember, your imagination is your most treasured possession. Keep it alive and healthy, nourish it every day. It can only grow stronger.’
"Remember, your imagination is your most treasured possession."
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.
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"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."
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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.
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‘Thank you for taking this two-year journey with me. I have had the most wonderful time as the Australian Children’s Laureate and have met with around forty thousand people all over Australia. I wish you all the very best with your reading, drawing and writing. Keep your imagination alive and healthy, nourish it every day. It can only grow stronger.’
About Gabrielle
As well as the widely popular Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon, Gabrielle's other books include 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.
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