Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate: 2022-24

Joseph Coelho has written the brilliant poems in this book to help children spread happiness. 

Coelho follows in a noble tradition headed by Agard, Ahlberg, McGough and Rosen, who turn everyday life into memorable poetic miniatures.

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.

Everyone can be a poet! Packed with suggestions for themes and forms, with examples throughout, this is a friendly and accessible guide to having fun with words. Useful in a classroom, alongside the Poetry Prompt videos.

This beautifully illustrated portrait of one year in nature is put together by poet Joseph Coelho, with each month assigned a relevant and resonant poem. It reassuringly shows that emotions come and go, like the seasons – and the bad times always pass.

In Joseph Coelho’s story told in poems, the ancient Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo is seamlessly woven into the modern-day tale of a 14 year old girl who becomes lost in the tangled woods of her grief and anger .

This funny, clever and very enjoyable verse retelling of Rumpelstiltskin takes the story back to its original darkly horrifying roots and adds a smart, likeable heroine who saves the day with a story. 

This beautiful story tells the love that one little girl has for her ageing grandad. One day he isn’t there anymore, but the little girl finds evidence of their happy times together. A touching, sensitive text that doesn’t dwell on the sadness and could bring real comfort.

With the gentle support of her family, Luna begins to believe in herself as a real dancer. This delightful tale shows young children that, with perseverance and determination, they can overcome setbacks and follow their dreams. 

From the talented poet Joseph Coelho, this charming picture book highlights the wonders of libraries for families and communities. Accompanying the poetic text is gloriously bright and delightful illustrations to bring the magic of the library to life.

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.

A touching, colourful picture book about gratitude and how a small ​‘Thank you!’ can grow and grow and brighten up the world.

This is a lovely and gentle picture book to share with young children to prompt discussion about how upsetting situations, such as parental separation, can provoke feelings which are difficult to manage and may lead to uncharacteristic behaviour.