HCAA 2026 Winner for Writing: Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen, United Kingdom
Michael Rosen (b. 1946, Harrow, Middlesex, UK) was raised in a left-wing Jewish household where laughter, Yiddish phrases, and storytelling shaped his voice. His parents — pioneering educators — instilled in him a lifelong passion for children’s literacy. After Oxford, he taught before publishing his debut poetry collection, Mind Your Own Business (1974). He has since written over 200 books — for children and adults — often collaborating with illustrators like Quentin Blake, Tony Ross, and Helen Oxenbury. As Children’s Laureate (2007–2009), he championed poetry in classrooms. His work thrives when performed — his YouTube readings have drawn millions, turning poems into shared, joyful experiences. He writes in the language children know, using rhythm, humor, and honesty to make reading irresistible. He also confronts hard truths: Michael Rosen’s Sad Book (2004) responds to the death of his son; Sticky McStick (2021), illustrated by Tony Ross, reflects his recovery from serious illness. The Missing (2020) and On the Move (2024) explore family history, war, and migration — never shying from complexity. Beyond writing, Rosen is a professor of children’s literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, and hosts BBC’s Word of Mouth and writes for major publications. In 2025, Michael Rosen Day (November 13) was celebrated — a testament to his enduring impact on poetry for children.
Five books by Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
Walker Books 2004 London, United Kingdom 978-1-4063-1784-8
Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Custard
Bloomsbury 2007 London, United Kingdom 978-0-7475-8738-5
The Missing; The True Story of my Family In World War II
Walker Books 2019 London, United Kingdom 978-1-4063-8675-2
On The Move. Poems About Migration
Walker Books 2020 London, United Kingdom 978-1-4063-9370-5
What is Poetry? The Essential Guide to Reading and Writing Poetry
Walker Books 2016 London, United Kingdom 978-1-8442-8763-5