Author and performance poet Joseph Coelho is the new children's laureate

Through the role, Coelho has vowed to ensure every child sees themselves in books and believes their voice should be heard.

At the presentation of the silver Laureate medal by outgoing Laureate Cressida Cowell, during a ceremony held at The Unicorn Theatre in London today (4 July), Coelho revealed that his two year tenure will celebrate the power of poetry, showcase new authors and illustrators to diversify bookshelves and inspire bookmakers of the future. He also aims to champion public libraries.

‘It is a dream come true to be appointed as Waterstones Children’s Laureate, beyond anything my younger self could have imagined, and that’s not good enough,’ he said. ‘During my tenure I will endeavour to ensure every child can see themselves in books and as writers of books, as storytellers, as poets with voices to be heard. So that we can create the future that we need, one where we all read, write and dream the infinite stories of ourselves and each other.’    

Coelho, whose work includes the Luna Loves picture books, Fairy Tales Gone Bad and verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree along with poetry collections for all ages, said that he wants to use his new role to highlight and celebrate the power of poetry. He performed a new poem written to mark the occasion, entitled ‘The Power of a Poem’.

He said, ‘Poetry is powerful, it is the medium we turn to at weddings, funerals and new births because it goes beyond mere words, poetry translates the soul.’

The title of Children’s Laureate is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of their talent with the aim of celebrating creativity and storytelling and promoting the vital importance of reading and children’s literature. It is managed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, and sponsored by Waterstones. The previous 11 laureates include Michael Rosen, Anthony Browne, Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman.

During his Laureateship, Coelho aims to focus on three major projects:

• ‘Bookmaker Like You’ will showcase new talent within the industry and spotlight their work, so that children are introduced to a range of creatives that reflect everyone in our diverse society.
• ‘Poetry Prompts’ will celebrate the power of poetry in all its forms, breaking down the fear often associated with reading and writing to show why poems are for everyone, and the joy that writing, reading and performing poetry can bring.
• Champion local libraries to highlight the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people. Speaking at the ceremony, Coelho referred to libraries as ‘miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow’.

He added, ‘Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive - I wish to champion the services of these essential launchpads of learning.

‘I’m trying to connect with and heal my younger self - a self-unable to imagine a future writing and publishing books. Through this work, through the young people and families I am lucky enough to interact with, I’m trying to reach down through time and tell little Joe “You can write, you can be a writer, your voice is valid your words are waiting to be heard.” Because I know that when the youth of today hear that message, he’ll hear it too.’

'Joseph is an extraordinary advocate for making poetry accessible to all.'

Diana Gerald, CEO at BookTrust, said, ‘Joseph is an extraordinary advocate for making poetry accessible to all, celebrating creativity and storytelling and inspiring younger generations to find their voice, pick-up a pen, join a library and read a book. I have no doubt that the Laureate platform will help amplify his ability to reach even more young people, and show how books and reading can broaden horizons.’

Florentyna Martin, head of children’s at Waterstones, commented that Coelho’s term will ‘undoubtedly be one for the history books’.

She added, ‘His passion for stories and poetry brings a hefty dose of sunshine to readers, inspiring all those who experience his work. It is exciting to think what the next two years will bring and our booksellers are eager to support his Laureate ambitions from the off.’