07 Feb New Australian Children’s Laureate igniting a passion for reading
The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation (ACLF) proudly announces Sally Rippin as the 8th Australian Children’s Laureate, recognizing her outstanding contributions to children’s literature.
As Australia’s highest-selling female author, Sally has penned over 100 captivating books, including the beloved Billie B Brown series, captivating audiences worldwide with her heartfelt stories.
Sally’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in promoting literacy and creativity among Australian children. In her role as Children’s Laureate, she is committed to championing the transformative power of reading and writing. Sally will engage with educators, policymakers, librarians, parents, and, most importantly, children themselves, advocating for literacy as a fundamental right for all.
The official inauguration of Sally Rippin as the new Laureate will be celebrated at The Wheeler Centre on February 20th, inviting audiences to join in the festivities via livestream. Sally expresses her excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey and connect with children nationwide to foster a love for reading.”
During her two-year tenure, Sally’s mission, ‘All kids can be readers,’ will drive her efforts. She aims to raise awareness of learning difficulties and promote effective literacy practices, ensuring that every child has essential literacy skills by the end of primary school.
Sally’s advocacy extends beyond recognition of reading challenges; she shines a light on issues such as neurodiversity, disability, mental health, access to books, and language barriers. She emphasizes the collective responsibility of adults in nurturing young readers and exploring alternative learning pathways for those facing obstacles.
Collaboration stands at the core of Sally’s vision, emphasizing the importance of unity in the literary community. Through her outreach efforts, she aims to foster a culture where creators support one another and where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the transformative power of literature.
Sally Rippin’s journey from Darwin to becoming a literary luminary is a testament to the universality of storytelling. As she takes on the mantle of Children’s Laureate, she invites us all to join her in igniting a passion for reading that transcends boundaries and transforms lives.
Read with Sally Rippin her book The Spotty Holiday!
An event to honour Sally’s appointment as the new Laureate will be held a:
The Wheeler Centre on Tuesday 20 February at 11:00am AEDT and livestreamed online via The Wheeler Centre website. Find more information and register for the livestream here.
Main Image:
Sally Rippin has published more than 100 books, which have sold more than 10 million copies. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
