Michael Rosen
Waterstones Children's Laureate from 2007 to 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 he used to become an 'ambassador of fun'.
Books
Bilal’s Brilliant Bee
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9
One night, just before Bilal's latest test at school, Bumble the brilliant bee appears. He can answer any question at all! Typical of Michael Rosen, this book is funny, sly and gloriously accompanied by Tony Ross' bold illustrations.
Carrying the Elephant: A Memoir of Love and Loss
Author: Michael Rosen
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+
Michael Rosen tells the story of his life in beautifully written short episodes, which give the reader a vivid glimpse into the author's personal life.
Even More Nonsense
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Clare Mackie
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+
Following the success of their first Book of Nonsense, Michael Rosen and Clare Mackie have joined forces once again to create this spectacular collection of humorous poems.
Even My Ears Are Smiling
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Babette Cole
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 8+
Colourful and brimming with personality, Rosen’s style and is wonderfully matched with Babette Cole’s distinctive drawings
Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly & Gravy
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+
Funny poems are a great way to share a quick read with a child. Michael Rosen breaks down barriers with his poems for children, creating an infectious informality and irreverence that brilliantly captures the funny moments of everyday life. Quentin Blake's illustrations perfectly complement and bring to life Michael Rosen's poems.
The book also includes a…
Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+
Two former Children’s Laureates join forces for this brilliantly entertaining poetry collection for children
Something's Drastic
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Tim Archbold
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+
A diverse selection of fun and lively poems for children
The Bus is for Us!
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Gillian Tyler
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 7
With bold, easy to read rhyming text and beautiful pictures to fire the imagination, this book, exploring all manner of transport and adventure, is one to be treasured and shared.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+
Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (book and CD)
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
A great audio-visual pack which comprises a book and a CD. With fun actions and repetitive rhyming text, this awardwinning classic is particularly good for sharing with several children together, but guaranteed to be loved by any child.