News story

Gruffalo author becomes seventh Children’s Laureate

Julia Donaldson takes on the role for the next two years.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The author behind children’s favourites such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and What the Ladybird Heard was today announced as the new Children’s Laureate.

Julia Donaldson, who was the most borrowed children’s author from UK libraries last year, takes the reins from Anthony Browne.

Over the next two years, Ms Donaldson plans to champion signed stories for deaf children and bring her passion for spoken word, rhyme, song and drama to the fore.

Speaking at a special event in London to announce the new laureate, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey paid tribute to outgoing laureate Mr Browne and stressed the importance of reading as part of children’s education.

“The Children’s Laureate is a really important post and the seriousness with which each laureate takes the appointment is wonderful to behold,” Mr Vaizey added.

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Published 7 June 2011