Chris Riddell becomes BookTrust ambassador

Published on: 26 September 2017

Chris Riddell has joined BookTrust as an ambassador and vowed to help "transform lives by getting children and families reading".

Chris, a former Waterstones Children's Laureate and a political cartoonist for The Observer, will work closely with us to champion the benefits of reading for pleasure.

The five-year role will see Chris attending events, visiting looked-after children who are members of our Letterbox Club, and even taking part in Bookstart Rhymetime sessions.

He will also create written pieces and produce some of his trademark illustrations to encourage a love of reading in families, as well as continuing his work as an author, illustrator and advocate for libraries.

Manifesto

Chris has already vowed to be a "bridge between creators of beautiful books and children whose lives can be changed by a love of reading" in an illustrated manifesto for his time as BookTrust ambassador.

Meanwhile, BookTrust's CEO Diana Gerald said she is "delighted" to be working with Chris, adding:

'His books and illustrations are loved by children of all ages. We are so looking forward to working with him because of his commitment, passion and incredible energy to do whatever it takes to help us achieve our mission to get all children reading.

'Thank you, Chris, for coming on board. We are so excited about what we can achieve together.'

Chris was Children's Laureate from 2015-2017 before handing over to Lauren Child earlier this year. His award-winning books for children include the Ottoline and Goth Girl series; the latest instalment of the latter, Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony, was released earlier this month.

Chris has supported BookTrust for some time and donated the proceeds of his recent release Travels With My Sketchbook to the charity.

Read the full press release