Michael Rosen combines original Shakespearean text with his own words to create a very readable yet recognisable version of this well-known love story. A border down the side of each page contains act and scene references, as well as a glossary of difficult words.

The distinctive and stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Jane Ray are what make this version of the book really special. Each page is a burst of colour, with delicate borders and exquisite detail, transporting the reader into another world. This beautifully desinged book will really bring Shakespeare alive for a new generation of readers.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

After his retelling of Romeo and Juliet, Michael Rosen turns his attention to the consummate storyteller of 19th-century fiction, Charles Dickens.

Rosen's tone is informal, informative and inviting and the book is divided into five chapters dealing with Dickens on tour, his life, Dickensian London and, most importantly, his fiction.

Plot summaries are given for four of Dickens's best-loved novels: A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Great Expectations, with, particularly in the last, additional commentaries from Michael Rosen explaining character motivation and plot development.

Beautifully produced and peopled with Dickens's own creations, which have been lovingly recreated by Robert Ingpen, together with a timeline and an index to characters, this would make a wonderful gift for an older child and an ideal introduction to Dickens.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Michael Rosen's Sad Book, which deals with the death of the author's own son.

The main character is an adult - Michael Rosen himself. Quentin Blake's illustrations sensitively complement an account of grief that is both searingly personal and reassuringly universal.

Children's Laureate 1999-2001
Quentin Blake was born in 1932 and read English at Cambridge, before attending Chelsea Art College. He has won many major prizes for illustration, including the Kate Greenaway Medal (1980) and the Red House Children's Book Award (1981) for Mister Magnolia. He is also the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration and in 1990 was voted 'The Illustrator's Illustrator' by Observer Magazine. A tireless promoter of children's literature – and a long-time collaborator with roald Dahl –  Quentin Blake was awarded the OBE in 1988 and in 2005 he was awarded a CBE for services to Children's Literature. In the most recent New Year’s Honours list he has been knighted.

Quentin was the inaugural Children's Laureate (1999-2001), an experience he recorded in his book Laureate's Progress. During his time in the role, he celebrated children's books and children's book illustration with a range of projects and exhibitions, and conceived the idea for the House of Illustration, the world's first centre dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms.   

Visit Quentin's website

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

One totally wonderful day, Molly sets off for school. She's taking her grandma's crystal to show everyone.

The crystal is from far away, is very special and helps her go to sleep at night. Everyone crowds to see - until Russell rushes by with his green and pink water-spurting stegosaurus.

Suddenly, Molly is all alone and it has become a totally horrible day. However, Miss Plumberry soon notices the forlorn Molly and gathers everyone round to hear about the crystal. Wonderful Miss Plumberry!

Rosen's text understandingly captures the roller-coaster extremes of infant emotions. Lee's use of space and page layout heartbreakingly illustrate just how alone one child can be in the space of the school classroom and how wonderful one special teacher can be.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

A crafty cat with a cunning plan to get the cool shady barn all to himself on a hot day finds that life's not very interesting when you've shooed all your playmates away. Children's Laureate Michael Rosen has an amazingly eclectic output, and his picturebooks include some of the iconic visual texts of our time.

We have met Cat's farmyard friends before in Oww! and Snore!, but in the latest adventure, Rosen shows us that a cat in a barn can be as selfish as a dog in a manger but that true friends always make up.

Langley's lively, bright illustrations combine accuracy with humour, and underline Rosen's text admirably, leaving young readers in no doubt that it's good to have friends.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

The lonely bear from Rosen’s classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt plays on the beach in front of his cave, sings to himself, splashes in the sea, and one day sets off to follow the sounds of the city.

At each stage of his journey, sounds create refrains from Do-bee-doos to vroomity-vrooms. The text unfolds with insistent rhythm from these and other repetitions.

But even in the city it seems this bear is destined to be friendless, until some children lead him home – back through the city and its refrains to the moonlit sea and a contented sleep.

Lots of fun. Bold and bright and grittier than the original, and with Rosen reading with verve and sound-effects on a CD too.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

George has made a cardboard house with jolly red windows, flowers and an aerial.

George wants it all to himself. It isn't a house for girls, for small people or twins. It isn't for people wearing glasses, firemen or doctors.

But when George goes to the loo, his friends fill his house to bursting point. It now has no room for redheads like George, who kicks and screams, yells and sobs, and then has a good think.

He decides his house is for everyone, even if they are girls, twins, tunnel diggers, wayward pilots, redheads or wear glasses.

A simple tale about sharing and friendship, about realising that everyone is different and that, that makes life much more fun.

‘This is Our House' is available on Signed Stories, where you can enjoy the best of children’s books in sign, sound, text and animation… free fun for all the family!

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

From a rajah with big ears to an orphan with enormous feet, all sorts of hilarious characters live among the pages of this funny collection. Michael Rosen has selected crazy stories from all around the world by the finest classic and contemporary writers. Prepare to laugh until your sides ache!

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

A-One is a drum-beating toy soldier and a bit of a bully. He tells other toys to wind him up but calls each one useless.

He demands from them a hat, rucksack and scarf, puts them on and makes up rude songs about them. He marches off to play on his own.

The toys whisper and laugh among themselves about the things A-One has said. They remind him that he needs them to wind him up.

A-One realises they are right and gently gives back the things he has taken, wanting to be part of the gang.

A gentle and perceptive story about what happens if you are self-centred and unfriendly. Well-illustrated and ideal for classroom use.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

Rosen and Stewart's collaboration in this atmospheric graphic storybook has produced a tremendously reassuring text for the youngest readers.

Red Ted is lost on a train journey, and in the Lost Property office determines to find his owner. Taking pity on a long-lost toy crocodile, he sets off, and together they are fearful, ingenious, resourceful and loyal.

With the help of a cat they search for Ted’s young owner, who then also adopts the homeless crocodile.

Rosen addresses many childlike concerns: the fear of being lost, of being alone in a strange place, of frightening encounters, of being unloved and encourages his audience to believe in their own ability to face them, and to reach a safe and happy resolution.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

Joel Stewart was brought up in a commune in the wilds of Yorkshire. From an early age he was knocked sideways by stories, and invariably lay on the floor drawing pictures to recover. Later, in the year 2000, he graduated with a first class degree in Illustration from Falmouth College of Art. Ever since graduating (and slightly before) he has been writing and drawing for a living, and has recently moved into animation design and directing for television (while not forgetting books!). He also plays a variety of musical instruments and lives with them and some fish in London.

Joel was selected as one of Booktrust's Best New Illustrators in 2008.

Read an interview with Joel

Some poems are funny, some desperately sad. There are story poems and pondering poems: how great would Satnav trousers be!? Some, like 'Cosmo Caff', beg to be read aloud.

Sometimes the juxtaposition of poems will floor you: read 'Where Do We Come From' and 'Fly Racing' and find the history of a family.

But in Rosen's hands, small, scruffy words you don't even notice gain extra weight and meaning, and his poems give form and sensitively and exuberantly validate the everyday acts of simply wondering, idly thinking, and using language to do so.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

The endlessly entertaining former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen serves up a diverse selection of fun and lively poems for children in this collection illustrated by Tim Archbold.

Intended for use in the classroom, the collection brings together a variety of poems that are thought-provoking, unexpected and laugh-out-loud funny, as well as ideas and suggestions for guided reading.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

Two former Children’s Laureates join forces for this brilliantly entertaining poetry collection for children combining Michael Rosen’s lively poems with Quentin Blake’s distinctive illustrations.

Sometimes irreverent, often touching, and always very funny, the poems in this collection explore the day-to-day realities of family life, from washing up to Christmas dinner to the trials and tribulations of bathtime. Sure to delight and entertain young readers, this is a contemporary children’s classic.

Children's Laureate 1999-2001
Quentin Blake was born in 1932 and read English at Cambridge, before attending Chelsea Art College. He has won many major prizes for illustration, including the Kate Greenaway Medal (1980) and the Red House Children's Book Award (1981) for Mister Magnolia. He is also the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration and in 1990 was voted 'The Illustrator's Illustrator' by Observer Magazine. A tireless promoter of children's literature – and a long-time collaborator with roald Dahl –  Quentin Blake was awarded the OBE in 1988 and in 2005 he was awarded a CBE for services to Children's Literature. In the most recent New Year’s Honours list he has been knighted.

Quentin was the inaugural Children's Laureate (1999-2001), an experience he recorded in his book Laureate's Progress. During his time in the role, he celebrated children's books and children's book illustration with a range of projects and exhibitions, and conceived the idea for the House of Illustration, the world's first centre dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms.   

Visit Quentin's website

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

This new biography of Roald Dahl, written especially for children by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, has been much anticipated - it's been ten years in the making!

Michael says he is Roald Dahl's biggest fan, so much so that he founded a book prize in Roald’s name: the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Michael relays his own encounter with Roald years ago at a television studio in the opening chapter, and the influence it had on him, one of our most treasured children’s poets, is undeniable.

The book tells Roald’s life in three segments, covering his childhood that we know from Boy, complete with tales of Roald’s own tricks and plotting, through to his pilot days during the war and his adult life with family and his path into writing. To support the narrative, there are a family tree, photos and letters (complete with spelling mistakes) from the Roald Dahl Museum archive, some of which have never been published before. The book is illustrated by Quentin Blake, who illustrated Roald Dahl's books, giving it a distinctly Dahl-esque feel.

Michael’s voice is pitch-perfect for young readers - yes, it’s a fact book, and will be used in classrooms to support any Dahl reading, but Michael’s own ability to tell stories imaginatively yet truthfully, and to dip in and out of the reader’s consciousness, means that the narrative has an immersive, fictional quality. Adhering to Roald’s own motif, ‘It has to be funny’, Fantastic Mr Dahl certainly is funny and great fun to read.

Children's Laureate 1999-2001
Quentin Blake was born in 1932 and read English at Cambridge, before attending Chelsea Art College. He has won many major prizes for illustration, including the Kate Greenaway Medal (1980) and the Red House Children's Book Award (1981) for Mister Magnolia. He is also the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration and in 1990 was voted 'The Illustrator's Illustrator' by Observer Magazine. A tireless promoter of children's literature – and a long-time collaborator with roald Dahl –  Quentin Blake was awarded the OBE in 1988 and in 2005 he was awarded a CBE for services to Children's Literature. In the most recent New Year’s Honours list he has been knighted.

Quentin was the inaugural Children's Laureate (1999-2001), an experience he recorded in his book Laureate's Progress. During his time in the role, he celebrated children's books and children's book illustration with a range of projects and exhibitions, and conceived the idea for the House of Illustration, the world's first centre dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms.   

Visit Quentin's website

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.

When Bob the bear leaves Mr Ted’s Toy School, he knows that he needs to be the perfect bear in order to be loved by his new owners. When he arrives in his new home, however, he finds that all his efforts to draw attention are lost in the rush and tumble of everyday life, and so he has to devise a very original, and definitely captivating, way of being noticed.

This surreal picture book about a rather unusual bear has a simple and funny text from former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen. Tony Ross's illustrations add a great deal to the story, showing us laid-back toys and a chaotic household of eccentric individudals. Children will enjoy spotting the differences in Bob's many 'reincarnations'.

Tony Ross is one of the best-known creators of picture books. He trained at the Liverpool School of Art before working as a cartoonist, a graphic designer, at an advertising agency and as a University lecturer. His most popular books include his interpretations of fairy tales, the Dr Xargle books and the much-loved Little Princess series, which has been turned into a highly successful animated television series. Tony Ross has also illustrated many children’s fiction titles and in his extremely prolific career he has illustrated more than 1200 books.

Children's Laureate 2007-2009

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures not only in the children's book world but also the British arts scene. His first book of children's poems was published in 1974, and he has gone on to write numerous award winning children's poetry books, picture books and non-fiction, such as Quick, Let's Get Out of Here and We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Alongside this he performs, teaches, lectures, presents Word of Mouth on Radio 4 and reviews books for the Guardian. In 2007, Michael was appointed the fifth Children's Laureate - a role which he says will be used to be an 'ambassador of fun'.