The Waterstones Children’s Laureate is the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent. This prestigious role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children’s literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories. Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children’s novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal and he is the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2024-26.
Frank has pledged to dedicate his two-year tenure to starting a national conversation about the role books and reading can play in transforming children’s lives, building on the compelling evidence showing that reading for pleasure improves life-chances, as well as highlighting the ‘crisis point’ facing the millions of children now living in poverty.
This campaign – which is called Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future – also includes plans for a national summit bringing together expert voices in the political, education, literacy and early years sectors.
To find out more about Frank Cottrell-Boyce, please watch the video below:
