Andy Griffiths Embraces Role as Australia's Children's Laureate
Renowned children's author Andy Griffiths has been officially named as Australia's Children's Laureate for the 2026/2027 term, a prestigious honour that celebrates his decades-long contribution to literature for young readers. In a candid interview, Griffiths opens up about the transformative books that shaped his career, his unconventional writing process, and the personal quirks that fuel his creativity.
Early Influences and Literary Foundations
Griffiths traces his literary roots back to a German classic, Struwwelpeter (Straw Peter), from 1845, which his grandmother introduced to him at age four. This collection of cautionary tales, with its vivid illustrations and rhyming verses depicting grim consequences for disobedience, initially terrified but also amused him. "It was kind of terrifying, but it was so over the top it was quite funny to me," Griffiths recalls. This early exposure to blending horror with humour set the tone for his own writing, teaching him that dark themes in children's literature can be safely explored through comedic elements.
Another pivotal work was J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, which resonated deeply with Griffiths at sixteen. He praises the novel's lively voice and unreliable narrator, Holden Caulfield, for capturing the uncertainty and awkwardness of adolescence. "Holden is as real to me as anyone I know in actual life," he says, noting that this inspired his use of first-person, unreliable narrators in his own books, encouraging young readers to engage critically with the text.
Writing Philosophy and Practical Advice
With over 40 books to his name, Griffiths offers straightforward tips for overcoming writer's block: "Just start writing – anything." He advises beginning with a description of the block itself, as this often leads to unexpected connections and ideas. For aspiring young writers, he emphasises the importance of considering the reader, borrowing Kurt Vonnegut's advice to "pity the reader" and make the experience as engaging as possible. Griffiths dedicates a year to editing each book to ensure it provides pure entertainment without unnecessary complexity.
Fan Interactions and Personal Quirks
Griffiths frequently receives questions from readers asking to be included in his next book, a request that inspired his You and Me series, where the reader is a central character. Among the many gifts from fans, he cherishes a small sculpture award from Corey Doyle, a devoted reader who memorised all his works, labelling Griffiths the "silliest writer ever." This token highlights the deep connections he fosters with his audience.
Privately, Griffiths excels at collecting bizarre objects that blend disturbance with humour, often sourcing them from op shops or garage sales. "I'm secretly really good at collecting odd objects that would disturb most people," he admits, noting that these items sometimes influence his fiction. His playful nature extends to buying overly cutesy gifts for his wife and editor, Jill, to amuse her.
Tattoos as Literary Tributes
Griffiths's tattoos serve as permanent reminders of his literary inspirations. His first tattoo, a fish from Dr. Seuss's One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, symbolises the joy of nonsense and pure pleasure in writing, a lesson he embraced during a pivotal career shift in his thirties. Other tattoos feature characters from classics like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Magic Pudding, acting as motivators to strive for excellence. "Many of my tattoos are characters from literature that inspires me ... stuff that shows me where the pinnacle is," he explains.
Funeral Playlist and Whimsical Farewell
Looking ahead, Griffiths has curated a funeral playlist of about 60 songs, with JG Thirlwell's Wash It All Off holding special significance for its "insanely joyous, unhinged feeling." He channels this energy into his writing, viewing life as a "joyously unhinged, absurd wonderland of possibility." In a lighter vein, if a sandwich were named after him, it would contain a banana smoothie, his go-to afternoon snack that keeps him productive.
Griffiths's new book, LET'S GO: Stories to write, stories to draw, adventures to have, and fun galore, co-authored with Bill Hope, is set for release on 24 February, coinciding with the start of his Laureate term. This appointment underscores his enduring impact on children's literature, encouraging creativity and joy in young minds across Australia.
