Author and illustrator Chris Haughton has been named the eighth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland's Children’s Literature Laureate, at a special ceremony hosted by the Arts Council at The Ark cultural centre for children in Dublin, attended by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly.
Haughton, whose acclaimed picture books include A Bit Lost, Oh No, George!, Shh! We Have a Plan and Maybe..., will hold the title until 2029, succeeding outgoing Laureate Patricia Forde.
Now based in London, the Dublin-born author and illustrator has built an international reputation for his distinctive artwork and storytelling style, with his books translated into more than 30 languages and recognised with awards in countries around the world.
Speaking after his appointment, Haughton said he hoped to open a wider world of stories to young readers and showcase the many ways to tell a story, inspired by illustrated books from all around the globe.
"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be the eighth Laureate na nÓg," he said. "As a child I always loved drawing and reading and creating stories with my friends. That has never left me, and it has led me to become an illustrator. Now in this new role as Laureate, I hope to share that same love of creating stories to a new generation of children.
"I have been very lucky in that my books have allowed me to travel. I am always very inspired by the art and stories from different cultures and countries. Although the words are in different languages, the illustrations can be understood by everyone. They show us different ways of looking at the world and making sense of the world. I've always wished more of these inspiring books could be seen by children in Ireland."
Laureate na nÓg is an initiative of the Arts Council, administered by Children's Books Ireland with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The role celebrates outstanding achievement in children's literature while encouraging young people's engagement with books, illustration and storytelling.
"The Laureate na nÓg holds a special place in the cultural life of our country," said President Connolly. "Reading during childhood opens doors. Through books, children encounter new ideas, new emotions and new perspectives, finding, in a story, the language for something they had felt but could not yet name.
"Chris joins a distinguished lineage of writers and illustrators who have strengthened Ireland's reputation in children’s literature and I know that he will continue that vital work of inspiring young readers, supporting emerging writers and advocating for the central place of stories in every child’s life."
