Toppsta - Childrens Books – Reviews

Born in Harrow in 1946, Michael Rosen is a brilliant and energetic author and poet. He has written 140 books on a wide variety of subjects, from Shakespeare to fellow author Roald Dahl but is probably best known for his fabulous and quirky poems.

At seventeen he decided he would like to be a doctor, but he only did one year of medical school before realising he would prefer to study English Language and Literature. He then started out in a career in television presenting, before eventually turning to writing.

Many of Michael Rosen’s poems are based on his own life, especially between the ages of two and twelve, and in 1974 he wrote his first poetry book, Mind Your Own Business, illustrated by Quentin Blake.

Rosen has collaborated with a number of illustrators including, Helen Oxenbury, Nick Sharratt and fellow Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell who he worked with on the hugely successful A Great Big Cuddle, a poetry collection aimed at very young children.

In 2004, following the death of his second son to Meningitis, Rosen wrote Michael Rosen's Sad Book. The book, which was illustrated by Quentin Blake deals with the subject of bereavement, and touches on the emotions and grief felt by Rosen at this time.

Rosen is also a radio broadcaster on Word of Mouth, a Programme that looks at the English language and the way it is used and is currently a Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Michael Rosen Facts

Michael Rosen had his first holiday job at the age of 14, he was a chicken plucker. He didn’t last very long at it as he was not very good at it.

Rosen was the fifth Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009.

In 2008 whilst he was the Children’s Laureate, he founded the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

Our favourite Michael Rosen Book Characters

George from This Is Our House

Malcolm from Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed

Our favourite Michael Rosen Book Quotes 

“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day. We’re not scared!” (We’re going on a Bear Hunt)

“Oh no they're bound to notice, aren't they, a whole chocolate cake doesn't just disappear does it?” (Chocolate Cake)

“This is me being sad. Maybe you think I'm being happy in this picture. Really I'm being sad but pretending I'm being happy. I'm doing that because I think people won't like me if I look sad.” (Sad Book)