Chris Haughton announced as Ireland’s eighth Laureate na nÓg

Celebrated illustrator and author Chris Haughton announced as the eighth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland's Children's Literature Laureate today (Monday 11th May) at a special event in The Ark. 

The ceremony was attended by the President of Ireland Catherine Connolly; alongside the Arts Council Interim Director, Moling Ryan, Chair of the Arts Council Maura McGrath and a host of excited attendees fron the sector. A multi-award-winning children’s illustrator and author from Dublin, Haughton will hold the title from now until 2029, taking up the position from the outgoing Laureate, Patricia Forde.

By honouring an artist of exceptional talent and commitment, Laureate na nÓg champions and celebrates literature for children and young people, inspiring generations of writers, illustrators and readers. It is an initiative of the Arts Council, administered by Children’s Books Ireland with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Chris Haughton is an acclaimed Irish illustrator and author based in London. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have won awards in more than a dozen countries.

Haughton’s goal as Laureate na nÓg is 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.

Speaking at the event, President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, said: 'The Laureate na nÓg holds a special place in the cultural life of our country. 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.

May I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Chris Haughton as he commences his tenure as the eighth Laureate na nÓg. 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. May I also thank the Arts Council for their steadfast support of children’s literature and in ensuring that the children of Ireland continue to find companionship and courage in books.'

Moling Ryan, Interim Director of the Arts Council commented: 'On behalf of the Arts Council, I warmly congratulate Chris Haughton on his appointment as Laureate na nÓg. We look forward to supporting this programme as it inspires children and young people across Ireland to engage with reading and creativity.'

Speaking as the new Laureate na nÓg, Chris Haughton said: 'I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be the eighth Laureate na nÓg. 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.'