Australian Children's Laureate facts for kids

The Australian Children's Laureate is a special job given to an Australian author or illustrator who writes books for kids. Their main goal is to show children how amazing reading can be. This role lasts for two years. It started in 2011, with the first Laureates serving from 2012 to 2013. The very first Laureates were Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor, who shared the job. This idea came from similar programs in other countries, like the Children's Laureate in the UK (started in 1999) and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in the US (started in 2008). These roles also last for two years.

What is the Australian Children's Laureate?

The Australian Children's Laureate Foundation (ACLF) is a group that runs this important program. It's a not-for-profit organisation, meaning it doesn't aim to make money. The program itself was started in 2008 by the Australian Children's Literature Alliance. This alliance includes many people who love books, like authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, and teachers.

Why is the Laureate important?

The ACLF says the Laureate's job is to "promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians." This means they want to show how reading and stories can change young people's lives for the better. The Laureate also acts as a national and international ambassador for Australian children's books.

What does a Laureate do?

Laureates receive money to help them do their job. They travel to every state and territory in Australia at least once during their two-year term. Each Laureate also works on their own special project during their time in the role. This project helps them share their love of reading and stories with children across the country.

Past and Present Australian Children's Laureates

Here is a list of the amazing authors and illustrators who have been Australian Children's Laureates:

See also

• Children's Laureate
• Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador