Australia names inaugural Children’s Laureates

Much-loved children’s authors Boori Monty Pryor and Alison Lester have been named Australia’s first Children’s Laureates.  The Australian Children’s Laureate is an initiative of the Australian Children’s Literature Alliance as part of the 2012 National Year of Reading. 

As the Children’s Laureates for 2012 and 2013, Alison and Boori will act as national and international ambassadors for Australian children’s literature, visiting each state and territory to inspire young people to make reading and writing a part of their life.

Boori and illustrator Jan Ormerod won the 2011 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Children’s Fiction for their picture book Shake a Leg.  This is one of a number of books written by Boori whose talents extend beyond writing to film, television, modelling, sport and music. 

Alison is a multi-award-winning author and was shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Children’s Fiction for her book Running with the Horses.  Each year Alison travels to schools in remote communities using her books to help children and adults write about their lives.

For more information about the Children’s Laureates visit www.childrenslaureate.org.au.