Former Waterstones Children's Laureates

Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children’s novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal and he was the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2024–26.

Joseph Coelho is an award-winning performance poet, playwright and children’s author. His books include the critically acclaimed Luna Loves… series, If All The World Were, and the CLiPPA-shortlisted collection of poems, Overheard in a Tower Block.

Cressida Cowell is a multi-award-winning author and illustrator of several adventure fantasy books and a passionate advocate for all children to experience the magic of storytelling.

Lauren Child is a multi-award-winning, bestselling writer and artist whose books are known and loved the world over. She is the creator of characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola.

Chris Riddell is a prolific writer and illustrator whose work is known for his distinctive line drawings with their clever caricature, fascinating detail and often enchanting fantasy elements.

Malorie Blackman is acknowledged as one of today’s most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers, who effortlessly addresses social, ethical and racial issues in her books.

Julia Donaldson is the UK’s most treasured writer, creating over a hundred books and plays for children and teenagers, in which her love of song and rhyme shines through.

Anthony Browne is an internationally acclaimed author and illustrator of children’s books. He blends near-photographic realism with fantastical, surreal touches and ingenious visual puns.

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world, renowned for his work as a poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter.

Jacqueline’s sensitive understanding of modern children, the way they live and the problems they encounter, together with her sense of humour, have made her an extremely popular author who continues to make it on to the bestsellers’ lists.

Sir Michael Morpurgo is an award-winning writer who believes in ​‘literature over literacy’ and has written scores of imaginative and suspenseful books for children.

Anne Fine writes for both children and adults and her interest in politics and social issues comes across in many of her books.

Best known for his collaborations with some of the leading writers in children’s books, Quentin Blake has an unmistakable drawing style and has done much to champion the art and joy of illustration.