Nursery World - Gruffalo author is the new children's laureate

Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, has been appointed the seventh Children's Laureate.

Ms Donaldson, who has written over 120 books and plays, including children’s picture books The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man, was presented with the award by Baroness Floella Benjamin, chair of the Children’s Laureate 2011-2013.

She takes over as the new children’s laureate from illustrator Anthony Browne for a two-year term.

Ms Donaldson says that she wants to use her new role to explore the possibility of a regular book or story slot on radio or television, to promote stories for deaf children and support libraries, many of which have been affected by government spending cuts.

‘As someone with minor hearing difficulties myself, I am very interested in promoting signed stories for deaf children, and of course I want to add my voice as Children’s Laureate to the libraries campaign. So drama, music, stories for deaf children, libraries, plus building on the great work of my six predecessors as laureate: these will be my "big things", and they are all linked to the ‘biggest thing of all’ – the pleasure and richness to be gained from reading.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included