Author and illustrator Chris Haughton announced as eighth Laureate na nÓg

Chris Haughton, author and illustrator of the picture books A Bit Lost, Oh No, George! and more, has been named the eighth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland's Children’s Literature Laureate.

His prize was presented at a special ceremony hosted by the Arts Council at The Ark cultural centre for children in Dublin, and announced by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly.

Haughton succeeds outgoing Laureate Patricia Forde, and will hold the title until 2029.

A London-based, Dublin-born author and illustrator, Haughton has published a number of acclaimed picture books over the course of his career, with his works having been translated into more than 30 languages and recognised with a wide array of awards.

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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 Laureate na nÓg holds a special place in the cultural life of our country," President Connolly said during the ceremony. "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,” she concluded, “supporting emerging writers and advocating for the central place of stories in every child’s life."

Accepting his appointment, Haughton added: "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,” he continued. “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."