Congratulations to Patrice Lawrence who has been named the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026–2028. The award-winning author takes over from Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who presented her with the bespoke silver Laureate medal at a ceremony at the Barbican Centre in London on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

Managed by BookTrust and sponsored by Waterstones, the Laureateship is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent. The 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.

Lawrence is one of the UK’s most celebrated children’s authors. Her debut novel Orangeboy (Hachette), published in 2016, won the YA Book Prize and the Waterstones Prize for Older Children’s Fiction and was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award. She has since published 16 books spanning picture books and young adult novels, including People Like Stars, Needle, Is That Your Mama? (Scholastic) and Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush (Nosy Crow). She was awarded an MBE for services to literature in 2021 and was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature two years later.

As the foremost representative of children’s literature, each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to the role. Lawrence launched her Laureateship with a speech championing shared stories as a tool for building stronger, safer and more inclusive communities. She spoke of the power of stories to ‘help children – particularly vulnerable children – feel seen, understood and, most importantly, valued’ and pledged to ‘champion the power of books to make us feel like we belong, and shared stories as a tool for bringing people together.’ She added:

‘My aim is to create a national conversation that champions the benefits of shared reading and sociable reading experiences. Alongside BookTrust, I’ll explore how books and reading together help communities connect and cohere, especially in times of fragmentation. I’ll work with children and adults with diverse experiences and from diverse backgrounds, children and adults who may feel undervalued in our society, to tell their stories. And I want to celebrate the unsung heroes who bring joy and nurture reading communities through their work.’

Diana Gerald, Co-CEO at BookTrust, said: ‘All our work and research at BookTrust shows that books can open conversations and deepen understanding for children, and that shared reading experiences create a sense of belonging and safety. When children, families and communities don’t see themselves reflected in books, they can struggle to find their place in the world.

In this National Year of Reading, the appointment of Patrice Lawrence as Children’s Laureate gives a much-needed voice to the vulnerable children pushed to the edge of our society. We’re looking forward to supporting her work with communities across the country to explore how sharing stories can strengthen wellbeing, build relationships and nurture meaningful community connection.’

Kate Edwards, Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Steering Group and Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026–2028 judging panel, said Lawrence’s ‘remarkable writing for children of all ages draws upon topics that are relevant to many young people’s everyday lives, creating a safe space for them to explore complex, sometimes difficult issues. In the challenging world we find ourselves, the connections that books and reading offer are more important than ever. The Steering Group is very much looking forward to working with Patrice on what we know will be an impactful Laureateship.’

As the 14th Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Lawrence follows in the footsteps of: Quentin Blake (1999–2001), Anne Fine (2001–2003), Michael Morpurgo (2003–2005), Jacqueline Wilson (2005–2007), Michael Rosen (2007–2009), Anthony Browne (2009–2011), Julia Donaldson (2011–2013), Malorie Blackman (2013–2015), Chris Riddell (2015–017), Lauren Child (2017–2019), Cressida Cowell (2019–2022), Joseph Coelho (2022–2024), and Frank Cottrell-Boyce (2024–2026).