We are thrilled that well-loved children’s writer, and Reading Australia author, Morris Gleitzman will be the new Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018–19. He will dedicate the next two years to advocating for the importance of ‘stories and everything stories can offer.’
He is the author of the award-winning novel, Once (2005), which has Reading Australia resources for primary teachers. In addition, we recently announced our list of 20 new resources being developed throughout 2018, which includes Gleitzman’s wonderful novel, Loyal Creatures (2014).
Each Children’s Laureate has a theme that guides their two-year term; Gleitzman’s theme is ‘Stories Create Our Future’. He explains ‘Young people need stories more than ever. Stories to delight, stories to beguile, stories to inspire, stories to move deeply. And through these experiences, stories that equip young readers to embrace an often dark and uncertain world with optimism, resolve and creativity.’
Gleitzman is the fifth Australian Children’s Laureate; his predecessor is illustrator Leigh Hobbs.
The Australian Children’s Laureate Association is partly supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
