Frank has pledged to dedicate his two-year tenure to starting a national conversation about the role books and reading can play in transforming children’s lives, building on the compelling evidence showing that reading for pleasure improves life-chances, as well as highlighting the ‘crisis point’ facing the millions of children now living in poverty.
This campaign – which is called Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future – also includes plans for a national summit bringing together expert voices in the political, education, literacy and early years sectors.
His books include Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, Runaway Robot, Noah’s Gold and The Wonder Brothers.
He has enjoyed a long-time collaboration with award-winning illustrator Steven Lenton. His books have been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children’s Fiction Award, The Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award. Frank is also a highly successful screenwriter.
He has written for the hit TV series Dr Who and his script for Michael Morpurgo’s Kensuke’s Kingdom won a British Animation Award. Along with Danny Boyle, he devised the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.
Frank has been the judge for the 500 Words competition and the BBC's One Show As You Write It competition. Frank is a lifelong champion of children’s books. In 2023 he launched a successful podcast with Nadia Shireen, The Island of Brilliant!, celebrating writing and illustration for children of all ages.
In this section
About the Waterstones Children's Laureate
Everything you need to know about the laureateship and the current children's author in the role, Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
More about Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal.
Resources for schools
Find lesson plans, a Q&A, book reviews and more to help you celebrate Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce in your school.
Reading Rights campaign corner
Join Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce on his Reading Rights campaign around the UK to get children reading.
Former Laureates
Take a look at our League of Laureates: eleven star authors and illustrators who have previously held the role.
Our supporters
Find out about everyone who supports the Waterstones Children's Laureate and makes the role possible.
Celebrating 20 years of the Waterstones Children's Laureate
In 2019, we reached a milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureate. Here's what we did to celebrate!
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