Lauren Child

Lauren Child is an English children’s author and illustrator best known for her book series the Charlie and Lola picture books, which were adapted into a BAFTA-winning children’s television show, and the Clarice Bean series, which has sold over 7 million copies and won legions of fans over the world who have grown up with Clarice. Child won the annual Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association for the first Charlie and Lola book; for the 50th anniversary of the Medal, a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation’s favourite. Child was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 New Year Honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to children’s literature. She was the 10th Children’s Laureate from 2017-2019, and is a former trustee of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and a UNESCO Artist for Peace. Her latest book in the Clarice Bean series is Smile, which is published by HarperCollins in March 2024.