Joseph Coelho
Joseph Coelho is an award-winning children's author, performance poet and playwright based in London. He is also the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-2024. His debut poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was the 2015 winner of the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award. His second book, Overheard in a Tower Block, was shortlisted for the 2018 CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award and is longlisted for the 2019 UKLA Book Awards. Joseph features in the BBC Teach 'Understanding Poetry' online series.
His work has poetry and performance at its heart, drawing on over 16 years' experience running dynamic creative literacy sessions in schools. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise.
You can check out his full catalogue here.
Books
Creeping Beauty
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Freya Hartas
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+
Can Eshe and the queen stop Creeping Beauty from taking over all of Mythica with her vines and thorns? Original, fun and deliciously magical.
Luna Loves Books
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5
Luna loves books and dresses as her favourite book character – but then her costume rips! What will she do? A delightful board book showing the joy of imaginative play and of stories.
Luna Loves Christmas
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers
Publisher: Andersen
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+
Luna and her family are doing something a little different this year for Christmas – they’re volunteering. First, Luna helps Mum deliver food bank packages to neighbours and then she and Dad bake cookies for the big community Christmas dinner. A truly magical book and a real celebration of community and family.
My Beautiful Voice
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4-8
When a child who never speaks gets a new teacher, she is blown away by her colourful personality. A gentle story that pays homage to the people that sometimes come into our lives to guide us through difficult times, and the power of a fantastic teacher.
Our Tower
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Richard Johnson
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4-5
Three children find the magic in their tower block – showing that nature and adventure is for everyone. A beautifully illustrated, lyrically told story.
Wedi'i ysgrifennu mewn sigl odledig telynegol, mae hwn yn ddathliad o bawb sy'n byw mewn blociau o fflatiau ac ar stadau.
Overheard in a Tower Block
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+
Recounting the childhood of a child living in a city tower block, many of these poems are sad or angry and bristle with an edginess that young teens may find refreshing when compared to other poetry aimed at them.
Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+
Joseph Coelho has written the brilliant poems in this book to help children spread happiness.
Thank You
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Sam Usher
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
A touching, colourful picture book about gratitude and how a small ‘Thank you!’ can grow and grow and brighten up the world.
The Boy Lost in the Maze
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 12+
Theo’s search for his father intertwines with the journey of Theseus towards his father. Each boy works out what it is to be a man. A powerful verse novel with stunning illustrations.
Werewolf Club Rules
Author: Joseph Coelho
Illustrator: John O'Leary
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8
Coelho follows in a noble tradition headed by Agard, Ahlberg, McGough and Rosen, who turn everyday life into memorable poetic miniatures.