Bestselling author Andy Griffiths has been appointed the 2026–2027 Australian Children’s Laureate, becoming the ninth writer to take on the national ambassador role for reading and children’s literature.
The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation (ACLF) announced Australian author Andy Griffiths as the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026–2027.
Mr Griffiths was officially introduced as the ninth Australian Children’s Laureate during an online announcement on 10 February 2026. He was set to launch his Laureate program at a ceremony at the State Library of NSW on 24 February, attended by children and invited guests, and streamed nationally.
One of Australia’s most popular and bestselling writers for young readers, Mr Griffiths had written 43 books and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. His titles included the internationally bestselling Treehouse series, illustrated by Terry Denton, as well as the Just! series, the BUM trilogy and the YOU & ME series, illustrated by Bill Hope.
Across his career, Mr Griffiths had received more than 100 children’s choice awards, multiple Australian Book Industry awards and the Dromkeen Medal in 2015 for his contribution to Australian children’s literature.
Speaking about the appointment, Mr Griffiths said he was honoured to take on 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,” he said.
“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.”
The Children’s Laureate serves as a national ambassador for reading and Australian children’s literature, promoting the importance of reading, imagination and storytelling. Appointed every two years, the Laureate works with children, families, educators, librarians, booksellers, publishers and government representatives across metropolitan and regional communities.
Each Laureate develops a mission for their term. Mr Griffiths’ theme for 2026–2027 is 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.”
The ACLF, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2008, launched the Laureateship in 2012. Previous Laureates included Gabrielle Wang, Alison Lester, Jackie French, Leigh Hobbs, Morris Gleitzman, Boori Monty Pryor, Ursula Dubosarsky and outgoing Laureate Sally Rippin.
ACLF chair Mr Bruce Ellis said the board was thrilled with the appointment.
“Andy is one of Australia’s most loved children’s authors with an amazing catalogue enjoyed by children for years,” he said. “We are excited to see him bring his excitement and unique style to show young people how reading can be for pure pleasure.”
Mr Griffiths’ new book, LET’S GO, a writing and drawing title, was scheduled for release on 24 February 2026 through Pan Macmillan to coincide with the start of his Laureate term.
