Lauren Child named as Waterstones’ new children's laureate

Lauren Child, author of the popular children’s books Charlie and Lola, has been named as Waterstones’ new children’s laureate in a ceremony in Hull.

The role of the Waterstones Children's Laureate is awarded every two years to celebrate and recognise the important contribution children's literature makes to cultural life.

The position of Children’s Laureate originated from Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and Michael Morpurgo.

Child will be the tenth Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and takes over the post from illustrator Chris Riddell.

Child said she wants to use the position to inspire children to be creative, saying that she hopes to spark "random acts of imagination" among pupils. She also plans to build links between the worlds of literature and other arts, including television, during her two-year term.

“In an increasingly fast-paced world, children need the freedom to dream and imagine; to enjoy reading, drawing and telling their own stories without value judgement or restraint,” she said.