Author Patrice Lawrence will be the new Children's Laureate
- Published
Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence has been named the new Children's Laureate for 2026-2028.
The best-selling author will take on the role of being one of the most important representatives of children's literature.
The title is awarded every two years to a well known writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent, and is managed by the UK's largest children's reading charity BookTrust, alongside book shop chain, Waterstones.
Previous Children's Laureates include Sir Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Dame Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007), Dame Julia Donaldson (2011-2013) and Joseph Coelho (2022-2024).
Who is Patrice Lawrence?
The award-winning writer has written novels for children of all ages.
Many of her books are about the experiences of young people today, exploring themes of inclusivity and representing diverse family structures.
Have you read any of her books? Her titles for 7-11 year olds include 'She's Toad Attack!' and 'Granny Ting Ting', while for 9-12s there's 'The Elemental Detectives Series', an historical fantasy series set in an alternate 18th century London.
She's also won awards for her stories for older children, and was made an MBE for services to literature in 2021.
What is the Children's Laureate?
Patrice was presented with the silver Laureate medal by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, at a ceremony on Tuesday 7 July at the Barbican Centre in London.
Frank has been the Children's Laureate for the last two years, after taking the position in 2024.
The job of the Children's Laureate is to encourage reading and children's literature as well as celebrate creativity and storytelling, so what does the new Laureate hope to do in the role?
Patrice has said her aim is "to create a national conversation that champions the benefits of shared reading and sociable reading experiences" and "explore how books and reading together help communities connect and cohere, especially in times of fragmentation".
She has also said that she wants to "work with children and adults with diverse experiences and from diverse backgrounds, children and adults who may feel undervalued in our society, to tell their stories".
She added: "I want to celebrate the unsung heroes who bring joy and nurture reading communities through their work."
Diana Gerald, co-chief executive at BookTrust, said: "All our work and research at BookTrust shows that books can open conversations and deepen understanding for children, and that shared reading experiences create a sense of belonging and safety.
"In this National Year of Reading, the appointment of Patrice Lawrence as Children's Laureate gives a much-needed voice to the vulnerable children pushed to the edge of our society."
