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Alex Wharton’s journey from a Welsh mining town to becoming the Children’s Laureate in Wales showcases the transformative power of reading and language on young lives. Growing up in the post-industrial mining town of Pontypool, Wharton immersed himself in the world of comics, general knowledge books, and rap music. He cites artists like Outkast, Lauryn Hill, and Talib Kweli as early influences on his love for language.
As the current Children’s Laureate for Wales, Wharton brings his poetry to libraries, schools, and events across the UK. His engaging stories for both children and adults draw inspiration from the rhythmic words he encountered in rap music as a teenager. He emphasizes the importance of language in connecting people and offering comfort through literature.
Wharton believes that reading is a key indicator of a child’s success and encourages parents to read aloud to their children in engaging ways. Despite research showing that many parents do not find reading aloud to be enjoyable, Wharton stresses the importance of fostering a positive relationship with reading from an early age. By instilling a love of language in children, Wharton believes they are more likely to continue reading into their teenage years and adult lives.
In his work as a writer of children’s poetry, such as in his book “Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees,” Wharton aims to cater to a diverse audience, including librarians, teachers, parents, and children. He views poetry as both a form of self-expression and a tool for building connections and expanding vocabulary. Through his interactions with children, Wharton witnesses the transformative power of language and literature, as he ignites their imaginations and demonstrates the endless possibilities that come from engaging with words
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