Let’s Go. Let’s Create.

Andy Griffiths, illustrator Bill Hope and the official Laureate logo for 2026 and 2027

Hi, I’m Andy Griffiths, your Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027.

I love reading because books can take you anywhere and anything can happen. I also love writing because just like reading – it’s an adventure!

That’s why I’ve written this book and had my friend Bill Hope (pictured above) add brilliant illustrations to help inspire you create your own adventures with words, pictures and ideas.

So, what are you waiting for?

LET’S GO!

Get the book!

Download your LET'S GO! Activities

Let’s read, let’s write, let’s draw, LET’S GO!
Download the activities by clicking on the image.
Download your Laureate Bookmark!

Download your Laureate Bookmark!

Celebrate the Laureate with this special Bookmark. Print, cut out, and use on your next reading adventure!
Download here
Download your Laureate Bookmark!

Share your creations!

You’ve let your imagination run wild, now share your adventures with words and pictures with your Laureate Andy Griffiths and see them displayed in our Kids Hub!

Head to the Kids Creation Gallery

How to Draw a Laureate Magpie

The Magpie is the special symbol of our Laureates.

Have a go at drawing your very own Laureate Magpie using the special guide created by illustrator Andrew Joyner and share them with us.

Check out the guide

Meet the Laureate

Our 2026–2027 Laureate, Andy Griffiths, champions the power of
reading as an adventure that all children and families can enjoy.

Andy shares his Laureate mission and why he’s determined to take kids and families on wild imaginative adventures and remind everyone that reading is an adventure!

Meet Andy
Our past Laureates

Our past Laureates

Learn about our past Laureates and explore their treasure trove of fun activities for you to explore!

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
Morris Gleitzman
2018–2019

Morris Gleitzman
2018–2019

"Young people need stories more than ever. Stories to delight, stories to beguile, stories to inspire, stories to move deeply."
Meet Morris
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