Photographs from the official Laureate Launch

We thought you like to see some of these charming photographs from the Australian Children's Laureate Launch at Carclew Youth Arts in Adelaide.

An Australian magpie was chosen as the symbol for the Children's Laureates and illustrator Ann James designed the logo.  In the photographs below you can see Alison and Boori accepting their own magpies as inspiration for the 2 years ahead.

The statues were individually carved by West Australian artist Andre Van Niekerk and painted by his wife Cathy Van Niekerk. They have a lovely website showcasing many other interesting bird carvings if you would like to see more. The Laureate's magpies were purchased from the Australian Woodwork Gallery in the Hunter Valley - which is definitely worth a visit!

Alison and Boori accepting their magpies at the presentation

Alison signing copies of her book "Running with the Horses"

Boori signing copies of his book "Shake a Leg"

Boori telling the story of "Shake a Leg" at the launch

Congratulations to Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor - the first Australian Children's Laureates!

We are thrilled that 2012 will see the beginning of the first Australian Children's Laureates 2-year projects.


The inaugural Children’s Laureate role for 2012 to 2013 is shared by two eminent and much-loved children’s authors, Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor. 


The fun-packed launch was held in mid-December 2011 at Carclew Youth Arts in Adelaide. 


The first part of the launch included a keynote speech by Noni Hazlehurst, followed by the official announcement of the Laureates by Hon. Grace Portolesi, Minister for Education and Child Development. Afterwards the crowd moved outside to the lawn for a special welcome dance by the children of the Kaurna Plains Primary School, and special story readings by Alison and Boori.


The establishment of an Australian Children’s Laureate to promote the importance of reading is based on the successful implementation of this idea in the UK and US.


The Children’s Laureate will be an Australian author and/or illustrator of children’s and/or youth literature who is making a significant contribution to the children’s literature canon of this country. The Laureate will be appointed on a biennial basis and will promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians, while acting as a national and international ambassador for Australian children’s literature.  (Taken from The Australian Children's Laureate website).

If you would like to find out more about Alison and Boori's individual projects and how to get involved, please visit the website and "like" the Australian Children's Laureate page on facebook!