Williamstown’s Andy Griffiths is one of Australia’s popular children’s authors with his books such as the Treehouse series and the BUM trilogy selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.
Given his obvious connection with young readers, it’s no surprise that Griffiths has been chosen to represent them by being named the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027.
Taking over from the outgoing Sally Rippen, and following in the footsteps of previous laureates such as Morris Gleitzman, Jackie French and Leigh Hobbs, Griffiths will act as a national ambassador for Australian children’s literature and reading.
Reacting to his appointment on Tuesday 10 February, Griffiths said he was honoured to have been chosen for the role.
“My passion for connecting children to the power of books, reading and literacy has been the driving force for my work as a children’s author over the past three decades and the Laureateship is both an opportunity to extend that work and, at the same time, to be a proud representative and advocate for the vibrant community of equally passionate Australian children’s book creators,” he said.
Appointed every two years, each Children’s Laureate has a particular mission for their term, with Griffith’s being: ‘Reading is an Adventure’.
“Reading has always been an adventure to me,” he said.
“As a child, books were like portals to other worlds that I might never otherwise have visited—or even imagined. As Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027, I’m looking forward to travelling to every state and territory to share some of my favourite ways to have adventures with words, pictures and ideas in the hope that I can encourage as many young people as possible to experience the horizon-expanding and life-enhancing joys of reading, writing, drawing and imaginative play.”
Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation chairman Bruce Ellis said the organisation was thrilled to have Griffith take on the role.
“Andy creates a world where Reading is an Adventure and we can’t wait to see what amazing adventures he has over the next two years,” Ellis said.
Griffith’s laureate program will be launched on 24 February, the same day his latest book, LET’S GO is released through Pan Macmillan.
Details: www.childrenslaureate.org.au
