On Friday 2 June on The Hive stage at Hay Festival, Literature Wales announced that poet Alex Wharton has been selected as the next Children’s Laureate Wales, taking the baton from the current post-holder, Connor Allen, in September.
The Children’s Laureate Wales is a national role run by Literature Wales which aims to spark imagination and inspire the children of Wales through literature. Founded in 2019, it is awarded every two years to a talented and visionary Wales-based writer who is passionate about ensuring more children and young people discover the joy and well-being benefits of engaging with literature.
About Alex Wharton
Alex Wharton is an award-winning writer and performer of poetry for children and adults. His first book of poetry for children, Daydreams and Jellybeans, was shortlisted for several awards, and he has two books in the pipeline with Firefly Press. He has appeared in festivals such as Hay Festival and Edinburgh International book Festival.
As Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex will invite children and young people to explore the magic and playfulness of language, learning how this artistic and creative expression can enhance how we live, feel, imagine, create, and communicate; making them feel understood and inspired by the joy and freedom of writing. He is also interested in combining poetry with other artistic disciplines; collaborate with and share the work of other Welsh writers; and illuminate the wonders of our natural world.
Alex Wharton, Children’s Laureate Wales 2023-2025 said: “To be awarded the role of a laureate is an incredibly special and honorary tradition. I am here to share the deep and wonderful power of poetry with the children and young people of Wales. It’s a special language, the art of words. And it is there for us to use. To enrich our lives and the way that we explore our emotions, experiences, our earthly and spiritual connections and imagination.”
Literature Wales has also announced that poet and playwright Nia Morais is to be the next Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate) for 2023-25. The news was revealed on Thursday 1 June at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery. Both poets will start in their two-year roles in September.
These announcements are the culmination of a recruitment process led by Literature Wales for both roles. Writers were welcomed to apply, and a shortlist was interviewed and delivered trial workshops for schoolchildren, who fed in their opinions to the selection panels.
The selection panel for Children’s Laureate Wales included former Children’s Laureate Wales, Eloise Williams and writer, teacher and researcher, Darren Chetty, alongside two Literature Wales staff members. Trial workshops were held with Year 6 pupils from Tonyrefail Community School, and the children themselves shared their own thoughts on the workshop and the poet.
Claire Furlong, Executive Director of Literature Wales said: “Being introduced to creative writing and reading early in life can instil a life-long passion for literature. The Children’s Laureate Wales and Bardd Plant Cymru projects introduce children and young people to exciting, talented, and inspiring writers at the top of their game. Alex and Nia both have a clear vision for their tenure, and we look forward to seeing them make these roles their own. Not only are they fantastic role-models, they also gift children the tools to express themselves creatively and immerse themselves in the joyfulness words can provide.”
Former Children’s Laureate Wales, and Selection Panel Member, Eloise Williams said: “Being the inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales was an enormous honour and I’m delighted that Alex Wharton will now be taking up the role, following the excellent work of Connor Allen. The young people of Wales deserve to be recognised and celebrated, and I know that Alex will raise their voices, enabling them to be an integral part of the literature of Wales.”
Selection Panel Member, Darren Chetty, said: “Alex Wharton is hugely talented as a wordsmith, an educator and an advocate for children’s creativity. He has something to say – and a willingness to listen. I can’t wait to see what he comes with up with as Children Laureate Wales!”