Michael Rosen Wins 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award: A School Library Guide

Michael Rosen, the beloved British poet and children's author, has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing — the highest international honour in children's literature, presented by IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People).

For school libraries in Australia and New Zealand, this is a perfect moment to shine a spotlight on Rosen's remarkable body of work — and to help students discover why he's considered one of the greatest children's authors of the last half-century.

Who is Michael Rosen?

Michael Rosen is a British poet, author, broadcaster, and former UK Children's Laureate (2007–2009). He is best known for We're Going on a Bear Hunt, one of the most-loved picture books in the English language, with over 9 million copies sold worldwide.

Rosen is distinctive for his ability to write for children without condescension — his poetry is funny, honest, and sometimes deeply moving. His collection "Michael Rosen's Sad Book" addresses grief in a way that is accessible to children and profoundly affecting to adults.

Building a Michael Rosen collection

If your library doesn't have a comprehensive Rosen collection, now is the time to build one. Here are the essential titles by age group:

Foundation – Year 2: We're Going on a Bear Hunt; Bear Hunt Goes to School; Tiny Little Fly; Chocolate Cake

Years 3–6: Michael Rosen's Book of Very Silly Poems; No Breathing in Class; Even Stevens FC; This Is Our House

Years 6+: Michael Rosen's Sad Book; Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy; The Nightmare Poem