Our Laureates

The Australian Children’s Laureate is the national ambassador for reading and Australian children’s literature.

The Laureate’s role is to promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians.

The Laureate takes a leading role in the Australian Children’s Literature space, championing important issues affecting the entire industry, including educators, librarians, booksellers and publishers. The formation of strong international links with other Laureates is also giving visibility to the work being done in Australia at international literary forums.

The Australian Children’s Laureate initiative has been developed by the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation (ACLF) following the successful implementation of this idea in the UK.

Where it all started

Much-loved children’s authors Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor were Australia’s first Children’s Laureates, jointly holding the role throughout 2012 and 2013. They were appointed together to start off the first Laureate program because of their shared creative spirit.

Since this first Laureate term, a total of nine Laureates have been appointed, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people and adults through in person and online events.

Meet the Laureate

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

Through creative programs, and nationwide family celebrations, Andy is leading kids and families on wild imaginative adventures reminding them of the true pleasure of reading.

Meet Andy

Our Past Laureates

Celebrating the incredible creators who have championed the power of stories and inspired young readers across Australia.

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

“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

“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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

Meet Alison

Read about the work of our Laureates

Our ACLF Biennial Reports are an exciting record of the work undertaken by each of our Laureates during their two-year term. The report also highlights important work behind the scenes by the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation

Read the reports here

About The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation

The ACLF is a not-for-profit organisation that runs the Australian Children’s Laureate program. We work with authors, illustrators, educators, and partners to champion literacy, creativity, and access to stories for all young Australians.

Visit the Kids Hub

Looking for some more exciting content from your Australian Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths, including fun writing and drawing activities to share and explore?

Head to our Kids Hub now