Media Appearances
As seen in…
Here’s a few interviews and articles in which I talk about writing, reading, collaboration, childhood, music, comedy and everything else in between.
From the Victorian High Ability Program, Alfie interviews Andy about why he writes in first-person narration, how he makes books conversational, and tips for young readers who want to write their own stories.
There are growing concerns over the link between declining literacy rates and under-resourced school libraries. One of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors, Andy Griffiths, says “imagination is at stake,” as iPads replace books.
In the latest episode of their madcap cooking show, inFredible, Fred gets turned into Peanut Butter and chased by the Peanut Butter Beast! We are joined by Andy Griffiths, author of the hilarious You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast, illustrated by Bill Hope.
Come along with New York Times-bestselling author Andy Griffiths (The 13-Story Treehouse) on a brand-new adventure that plunks the reader right into the middle of all the wacky action and laughs with peanut butter monsters and its unique storytelling style!
In a very special episode of Sometimes Always, Andy joins Sarah to talk about the songs, artists, sounds and ideas that have kept his brain buzzing for decades. From Alice Cooper to Melbourne’s Tongue Dissolver, Andy takes us on a musical journey, talking about life, creativity and the importance of remaining silly.
Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope: Putting the Reader Inside the Story
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes back New York Times bestselling author Andy Griffiths and, for the very first time on the podcast, illustrator Bill Hope, to talk about their wildly fun, reader-inside-the-story series, You and Me.
ABC announces new series based on bestselling children’s books
The ABC, in partnership with Werner Film Productions, is excited to announce a new screen adaptation of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s bestselling children’s book series The Treehouse.
What is Andy Griffiths’ new mission? | A Current Affair
There would barely be a parent or grandparent who hasn’t read one of his books to the kids. Andy Griffiths is Australia’s rock star children’s author – and he has a new gig.
Launch of the new Australian Children’s Laureate
Watch the official launch of the 2026–2027 Children’s Laureate, Andy Griffiths! Andy Griffiths champions the power of reading as an adventure that all children and families can enjoy. He is joined by illustrator Bill Hope, his collaborator on a new series, including You & Me and the Land of Lost Things and You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast.
Andy Griffiths reads ‘the worst story’ he’s ever written
Treehouse series author Andy Griffiths wins the Laureate
After playing in a band and being a high school teacher, Andy Griffiths dropped everything to become a children’s author. His international success is a testament to his punk-rock writing philosophy.
Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths on getting kids excited to read
Beloved children’s author Andy Griffiths has been thrilling young Australians with stories of psychotic bums and architecturally improbable treehouses for decades. Now he’s been named as the Australian’s Children Laureate for 2026-27, and he spoke with Dom Knight about where his own love of books began and how to get kids hooked on reading.
Andy Griffiths: ‘Life is a joyously unhinged, absurd wonderland of possibility’
Named as Australia’s children’s laureate for 2026-27, the beloved author opens up about the best thing a fan has ever sent him – and his first tattoo
Andy Griffiths talks writing, literacy and what it takes to be an author
Legendary children’s writer and alumnus Andy Griffiths talks about his life and career journey from teacher and punk rocker to one of the most recognised children’s authors in the world.
Australian author Andy Griffiths announced as next Children’s Laureate
For almost three decades, Andy Griffiths has been creating worlds of wonder and side-splitting fun for children.
Andy Griffiths named ambassador for Aussie children’s literature
Much-loved children’s book author Andy Griffiths has been named as the 2026-2027 Australian Children’s Laureate.
Andy Griffiths’ plan to make your kids love reading
Beloved children’s author steps into Laureate role with a focus on the “horizon-expanding and life-enhancing joys” of reading.
Andy Griffiths’ plan to make your kids love reading
The tattooed author behind The Day My Bum Went Psycho has been named Australia’s new Children’s Laureate, promising to get reluctant readers hooked on books.
‘Imagine six impossible things before breakfast’: Star writer’s plan to inspire young readers
As the Children’s Laureate, the best-selling author is on a mission to encourage families to read together.
Andy Griffiths – Interview with 2 Kid Interviews (Abigail & Charlotte)
Get ready for laughs, surprises, and very important questions as Abigail and Charlotte sit down with legendary author Andy Griffiths, the brilliant and bonkers mind behind the Treehouse series, Just! books, and so many stories kids can’t stop reading. In this interview, Andy talks about: Is too silly even possible; Writing books that make kids laugh out loud; Advice for young writers; Thoughts on Book Bans; A great preview and insight to his second You and Me book; And a few unexpected moments you won’t see anywhere else (including a great Jeff Kinney story)
Andy Griffiths – Squiz Kids Q+A
Squiz Kids Q&A with Aussie kids author extraordinaire, Andy Griffiths. Andy Griffiths is back in the Q+A hot seat for the fourth time — this time to launch his brand new book, You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast.
From what inspired him to become a writer, to how he handles stress, whether his imagination ever goes quiet, and even which Treehouse feature he’d sneak into his own home — Squiz Kids have the hard questions covered. It’s fun, fast, and full of Andy’s trademark silliness.
Walk with… Andy Griffiths: ‘I think it’s a pity that reading is being lost through neglect’
The multimillion copy-selling children’s author on his freewheeling childhood, the joy of being unproductive and life after the Treehouse series.
‘Pull the right lever and kids laugh like drains’: Andy Griffiths on his comedic formula
The acclaimed children’s author on surviving as a punk rocker, becoming sex-literate and why kids find bodily functions so hilarious.
The 13-Storey Treehouse has been awarded the Diamond Book prize in the Netherlands
The first book in the Treehouse series (De waanzinnige boomhut) has sold more than 200,000 copies in the Netherlands, and has been awarded the Diamond Book prize. The prize has been around since 2012, but has only been awarded to a children’s book four times before. “When I started I was happy if one child would want to read my book. This is more than I could have imagined.” – Andy Griffiths
2025 Deakin University Alumni Excellence Award recipient
From a high-school teacher fostering a love of reading to a celebrated children’s author, Andy has enjoyed a 27-year career with bestsellers like The JUST! and Treehouse series. With 19 million copies sold in 35 countries, his books are New York Times bestsellers, winning awards like the UK’s Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award. Andy received the 2015 Dromkeen Medal and is a lifetime ambassador for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which provides culturally relevant resources to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In Conversation: Andy Griffiths and Jeff Kinney
April 2nd 2024 marks the release of the 13th and final book in the Treehouse series written by Australian author Andy Griffiths, and illustrated by Terry Denton. Launched in the U.S. in 2013 with The 13-Story Treehouse, the series introduces boys Andy and Terry, who are trying to write a book but get caught up in the many distractions in their multi-tiered treehouse. The series has gone on to sell more than 13.5 million copies combined in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Friend and fellow author Jeff Kinney, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, spoke with Griffiths about bidding farewell to the Treehouse.
Andy Griffiths launches ILF Great Book Swap with fun bag of tricks
Best-selling children’s author and Indigenous Literacy Foundation Lifetime Ambassador Andy Griffiths launched the ILF’s annual Great Book Swap with local First Nations students at the Australian Museum in Sydney on Tuesday 4 March, 2025.
The secret to helping kids WANT to read
This conversation peels back the curtain on what makes kids actually want to read – not what we think they should read, but what gets them genuinely excited to turn the page. Speaking with Osher Günsberg, Andy brings insights into creative writing, childhood development, and the publishing industry. It’s a conversation about imagination, creativity, and why sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is let them eat a little dirt.
How Andy Griffiths Dads – Bum jokes, imagination and loving what is
Andy Griffiths is responsible for igniting a love of reading in millions of kids. It’s a complex alchemy, but bum jokes have played a large part in it. Comedian and radio host Hamish Blake speaks to Andy to see what he might have gleaned from his unique vantage point as a kids author, and of course from his own dadding journey. He also passes on some wonderful wisdom and also shares perhaps one of the best ideas for the gathering and preserving family lore.
Andy Griffiths
Andy Griffiths joins the podcast to talk about his storied career. Starting off as a punk rock vocalist in Melbourne, before becoming a school teacher in the bush – and then pivoting into the nation’s first punk rock figure in children’s literature.
Songs and Stories with Andy Griffiths
Robbie Buck sitting in front of a crowded record shelf, with a table with orchids in a vase on it to the left of frame.
Program:’Songs and Stories’ with Andy Griffiths
Presented by: Brian Nankervis
From Just Tricking to the latest in the Treehouse series, Andy Griffiths has been making us laugh for many years.
On Songs and Stories, Australia’s favourite children’s author tells Brian Nankevis about the songs he loves and a comedian known for comb overs and shaving mishaps.
Easy, actionable tips for keeping kids entertained at home
Authors Andy Griffiths and Gabbie Stroud know a thing or two about keeping children entertained. Griffiths’ Treehouse series has sold over 10 million copies around the world and Stroud is a former teacher who writes parenting books and young adult fiction.
For many parents the prospect of having kids at home for months is looming large, but Griffiths and Stroud have activity suggestions to keep children happy and engaged – from the old school to the digital. – Kerrie O’Brien
Andy, Terry & Jill share the books they love
Hi, my name is Andy. I write books about an ever-expanding treehouse with my friends Terry and Jill. (I write the words, Terry draws the pictures and Jill does the editing.) If you’re like most of our readers you’re probably wondering what books we read when WE were growing up (given that we weren’t able to read Treehouse books because we hadn’t got around to writing them).
The Guardian
Andy Griffiths on ending the Treehouse books
To start with the question millions of children want answered: no, Andy Griffiths does not live in a treehouse. His very nice home in Williamstown, Victoria – firmly on the ground – does not contain a mud-wrestling arena or anti-gravity chamber, but it does have a very sleek front room with big art and huge windows looking out over the ocean. Griffiths – softly spoken, angular from years of running, tattooed from years in punk music – walks me through his back yard, to a little granny flat on stilts (almost a treehouse).
