Julia Donaldson named as new Children’s Laureate

Known for her best-selling picture books, Julia has written over one hundred stories and plays for young people, including award-winning gems such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and What the Ladybird Heard which won this year’s Royal Mail Award. She is also the author of many educational books in the Songbirds phonic reading scheme, and in 2010 she was the most borrowed children’s author from UK libraries.

The role of Children's Laureate is awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field. During her tenure as Laureate, Julia plans to champion issues close to her heart including drama, music and signed stories for deaf children. She has also vowed to play an active role in the campaign to stop public library closures.

Julia has appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on numerous occasions, where her dramatic music-filled shows never fail to delight the crowds of children who flock to Charlotte Square Gardens to see her. She is the first Scottish-based author to receive the Laureateship, and we are delighted to offer her our warmest congratulations and support.

Julia Donaldson biography

The Children’s Laureate website

Julia talking about the laureateship