'Extraordinary' Coelho named new Waterstones Children's Laureate

Performance poet, playwright and children’s author Joseph Coelho has been named the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, vowing to celebrate the power of poetry alongside showcasing new authors and illustrators.

The announcement was made in a ceremony on 4th July at London’s Unicorn Theatre, during which Coelho received the silver laureate medal from his predecessor Cressida Cowell. He will hold the role until 2024.

Regarded as one of the foremost representatives of children’s literature, the title is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent. The role is managed by the BookTrust reading charity and sponsored by Waterstones.

Coelho’s books include the Luna Loves picture books (Andersen Press), middle-grade series Fairy Tales Gone Bad (Walker Books), YA verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree (Otter Barry Books), as well as poetry collections including Overheard in a Tower Block (Otter Barry Books) and Poems Aloud (Wide Eyed Editions).

During a speech at the ceremony, Coelho performed "The Power of a Poem", a new work written to mark the occasion. He said his intentions for the role include celebrating the power of poetry, showcasing new authors and illustrators to diversify bookshelves, and championing public libraries and the role they play in communities. 

“It is a dream come true to be appointed as Waterstones Children’s Laureate, beyond anything my younger self could have imagined, and that’s not good enough," he said. "During my tenure I will endeavour to ensure every child can see themselves in books and as writers of books, as storytellers, as poets with voices to be heard. So that we can create the future that we need, one where we all read, write and dream the infinite stories of ourselves and each other."

Coelho will focus on three initiatives to deliver his plans for the role. The Bookmaker Like You project will showcase new talent within the industry and spotlight their work, to introduce children to a range of creatives, while Poetry Prompts will aim to remove the fear associated with reading and writing poems. To celebrate the role libraries play in their local communities, he will be completing a "Library Marathon", aiming to join a library in every local authority in the UK, and encourage people to register with their local service.

Kate Edwards, chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate steering group and judging panel, said: "Nominations for this prestigious role are invited from hundreds of literature, literacy and education organisations across the UK, and we are thrilled to welcome Joseph to the ‘league of laureates’. His dynamic performance, passionate advocacy and engaging writing – which inspires children of all ages – cemented our choice for the next Waterstones Children’s Laureate, to champion the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime rich in books and stories." 

"The steering group is looking forward to working with Joseph over the next two years to reach even more children and communities, following on from the wonderful work of the outgoing Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell," she added. "On behalf of the judges, I extend Joseph our warmest congratulations.”

Coelho will deliver the creative keynote at the Children’s Media Conference on 6th July in his inaugural appearance as the new Children’s Laureate. 

Chief executive at BookTrust Diana Gerald commented: "Joseph is an extraordinary advocate for making poetry accessible to all, celebrating creativity and storytelling and inspiring younger generations to find their voice, pick-up a pen, join a library and read a book. I have no doubt that the laureate platform will help amplify his ability to reach even more young people, and show how books and reading can broaden horizons.”

Florentyna Martin, head of children’s books at Waterstones, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joseph Coelho to the post of Waterstones Children’s Laureate. His passion for stories and poetry brings a hefty dose of sunshine to readers, inspiring all those who experience his work. It is exciting to think what the next two years will bring and our booksellers are eager to support his laureate ambitions from the off; Joseph’s term will undoubtedly be one for the history books.”