Waterstones Children's Laureate
The Waterstones Children’s Laureate is the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.
Our Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Patrice Lawrence, photographed by David Bebber
This 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. Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure.
Our current Laureate: Patrice Lawrence MBE
Patrice Lawrence is an award-winning writer. Her debut YA novel, Orangeboy (Hachette), won the Bookseller YA Book Prize and the Waterstones Prize for Older Children’s Fiction and was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award.
Her subsequent novels have been much acclaimed and frequent visitors to prize lists including the Jhalak Children’s and Young Adult Prize and the YA Book Prize. Needle (Barrington Stoke) was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and winner of the 2023 Little Rebels Award. Her most
recent book, People Like Stars (Scholastic) was shortlisted for the Nero Book Awards.
Patrice writes for children of all ages and her work often centres on the experiences of young people today, encompassing inclusivity, representing diverse family structures and spanning various genres. In 2021 Patrice
was awarded an MBE for Services to Literature and in 2023 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Patrice was born in Brighton, raised in an Italian-Trinidadian family in mid-Sussex, and now lives on the South Coast.
Patrice Lawrence shares her plans for her laureateship
“I believe that we, as humans, are changed by stories. They connect us to different worlds, and they connect us to each other. People who feel this connection – who feel heard and believe in each other’s humanity – are
the foundation of stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
“I have written for children and young people of all ages, and I know that stories help children – particularly vulnerable children – feel seen, understood and, most importantly, valued. Stories help readers explore unfamiliar subjects safely with space to pause and reflect on complex emotions. And, just as importantly, reading helps us understand each other’s stories.
“During my tenure as Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I will champion the power of books to make us feel like we belong, and shared stories as a tool for bringing people together. We are living in a divided world where many people feel isolated, we need this now, more than ever.”
More from Patrice Lawrence
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Patrice Lawrence recommends eight books that might help children going through changing circumstances
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Patrice Lawrence recommends brilliant picture books to share with children experiencing challenging circumstances
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Patrice Lawrence recommends her favourite reads that make you laugh, as well as shed light on a tough topic.
Books by Patrice Lawrence
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Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush
by Patrice Lawrence, illustrated by Camilla Sucre
2022 5 to 9 years
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Everything you need to know about the Laureate.
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Over 25 years of incredible authors and illustrators, all inspiring children around the UK, have held the title of the Children’s Laureate. Take a look at who has previously been in the role.
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In 2019, we reached a milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children’s Laureateship in the UK.