Entertainment
21 September, 2025
Author on awards shortlist
CAIRNS-based children’s author and literacy advocate Lachlann Carter has been shortlisted for the prestigious Readings Children’s Book Prize with his latest work, ‘Big Trouble with Angry Chairs’.
The book, co-created with illustrator Doug Holgate, blends humour, mischief and a touch of the surreal, and has been praised for its ability to capture children’s imagination while reflecting on the challenges of growing up in an adult world.
Mr Carter said he was “super stoked” to be recognised on a national stage.
“Lots of awards in the children’s book world go to works with obvious themes,” he explained.
“I’m always excited when stories that are, first and foremost, about fun and enjoyment are celebrated. My books explore ideas of power and control for kids, but it all starts with something as silly as a fart. I think that’s important, to meet children in their world.”
The inspiration for Big Trouble with Angry Chairs came from a real-life moment with his son.
“One day, just as I was about to sit down with a coffee, my four-year-old jumped out from behind a chair and frightened me,” he said.
The first thought in my head was, ‘the chair’s trying to eat me.’ I scribbled it down in my notebook, forgot about it and years later it turned into this story.”
The children’s author has worked for nearly two decades in youth literacy and creativity programs, including co-founding Melbourne’s 100 Story Building, which has welcomed more than 50,000 children through its doors.
Now based in Cairns, he continues to bring young people into the creative process, often workshopping ideas for his books in classrooms.
“I should probably credit kids with royalties,” he laughed. “They’re a huge part of shaping these stories.”
Representing Cairns in a national literary prize is particularly meaningful, he said.
“Cairns is two and a half thousand kilometres away from the publishing hubs of Melbourne and Sydney. We don’t have the same infrastructure here, but we do have incredibly creative individuals. Hopefully, this spotlight shows that amazing work is coming from the Far North, too.”
Mr Carter’s third book in the series, ‘Big Trouble with Too Many Frogs’, is due out in February 2026. He is also developing two picture books for younger readers and a new creative program with youth in Cairns.
“Recognition is wonderful,” he said. “But the real reward is seeing kids light up when they connect with a story.”
