Australian Children's Laureate facts for kids

The Australian Children's Laureate is a special job given to an Australian children's author or illustrator. Their main goal is to encourage kids to read and love stories. This role lasts for two years.

The program 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 role. This idea was inspired by similar programs in other countries, like the Children's Laureate in the UK and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in the US. These roles also last for two years.

What is the Laureate Program?

The Australian Children's Laureate Foundation (ACLF) runs this important program. It is a group that works to support and manage the Laureate role. The program itself was first thought of in 2008 by a group called the Australian Children's Literature Alliance. This group included authors, publishers, librarians, and teachers.

The ACLF says the Laureate's job is to "promote the amazing power of reading, creativity, and stories." They want to help young Australians discover how much fun and how important reading can be. The Laureate also acts as a special ambassador for Australian children's books, both in Australia and around the world.

To help them do their job, the Laureates receive support. This support helps them travel to every state and territory in Australia at least once during their two years. Each Laureate also gets to work on their own special project during their time in the role.

Meet the Australian Children's Laureates

Here is a list of the talented authors and illustrators who have held the title of Australian Children's Laureate: