Author Profile
Michael Rosen
16 Books
Michael Rosen is a beloved British children's author, poet, and former UK Children's Laureate. He is celebrated for his playful, rhythmic writing and his remarkable ability to capture the humor and everyday struggles of childhood. His expansive body of work includes joyful poetry collections, engaging picture books, and vibrant retellings of classic tales. Through his lively performances and timeless stories, he continues to inspire a profound love of language in young readers everywhere.
The mess of life: Finding cereal stuck in your hair. Catching your brother with a guilty grin after he secretly puts pepper in the raisins. These are the chaotic moments that make up everyday life.
Secrets revealed: Michael Rosen knows all about the yucky things siblings do, the highly annoying things parents say, and the strange, funny feelings you have when no one is looking. It is almost as if he has spotted your deepest, darkest secrets!
Why it is a classic: Teaming up once again with the brilliant Quentin Blake, Rosen delivers a much-loved collection of poems that perfectly captures the hilarious reality of family life. It is messy, loud, and incredibly relatable.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
210 Pages
Jump in: Goldilocks and her little dog are on a mission to find that famous house again, the one with the perfect porridge and the incredibly comfortable beds.
What happens next: Following the sound of the sea, they stumble upon a completely different sort of house. Inside, they find bowls, chairs, and sort-of beds, but the inhabitants are definitely not bears!
Why it is great: Michael Rosen gives the classic nursery tale a hilarious twist. David Melling's vibrant illustrations bring the unexpected seaside surprises to life, making this an adventure filled with laughs from start to finish.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Elvie is absolutely desperate for a clever puppy she can train to perform amazing tricks. Instead, her Mum comes home from the pet shop with something entirely different, a fish.
But Elvie is not the kind of girl who gives up easily. Determined to fulfill her dream of having a brilliant performing pet, she sets out to train her new aquatic friend, Fluff. The only problem is that Fluff the fish cannot sit on command, and she certainly will not bark. However, Elvie soon discovers that Fluff possesses a very special, rather smelly, and totally unique fishy talent all of her own.
With Michael Rosen's signature humor and Tony Ross's delightfully funny illustrations, this story celebrates persistence and the hilarious surprises that come when things do not go exactly to plan. Perfect for young readers who love a good laugh and an unforgettable pet.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
80 Pages
George is the proud ruler of a magnificent house made entirely from a large cardboard box. He has established a strict set of rules for the playground, declaring that nobody else is allowed inside. Lindy cannot enter because she is a girl, Freddie is too small, and Sophie is turned away because she wears glasses. George is determined to keep his perfect house exactly as he wants it. But when he briefly leaves his fortress to use the restroom, the playground dynamics shift. The excluded children eagerly pile into the box, and upon his return, George is told that the house is not for people with red hair. This sharply observed and humorous story perfectly captures the turbulent nature of childhood play. It offers a gentle, highly relatable lesson about empathy, showing young readers that sharing a space is always more rewarding than keeping others out.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Long before he becomes a famous inventor and a founding father, young Benjamin Franklin is just a restless boy looking for his true calling. He desperately wants to be a sailor and explore the ocean, but his strict father refuses to allow it. Instead, his father makes him try out a long list of sensible trades.
Ben tries working as a candle maker, a wood joiner, a boot closer, and a turner. Unfortunately, every single one of these practical jobs bores him completely. Curious and highly inventive, Ben would much rather spend his time reading heavy books, swimming, and flying his kites. You will follow alongside this fiercely independent thinker as he searches for a path that actually excites his brilliant mind. Discover the charming true story of how a curious boy eventually found his own brilliant way in the world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
30 Pages
The Setup: Step into a wonderfully wacky world where the rules of the dinner table, and everywhere else, are completely turned upside down.
The Silliness: This classic collection of poems is packed with absolute absurdity. From strange food combinations to ridiculous everyday situations, each verse is designed to tickle your funny bone and play with the bounds of language.
Why it is a classic: The legendary partnership of Michael Rosen's clever bouncing words and Quentin Blake's lively chaotic illustrations creates a perfect storm of comedy. It is an unforgettable journey through nonsense that proves poetry is meant to be loud, messy, and wonderfully fun.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Curl up and get comfortable with this playful collection of poems designed specifically to be shared with young friends. Michael Rosen invites you to joyfully celebrate the sounds, rhythms, and infinite possibilities of language.
These energetic verses capture the true feeling of being young, full of life, and constantly discovering new things. From the giggly and the wiggly to the angry and the hungry, every emotion and daily adventure is brought to life. Nonsense rhymes tickle the ear and set feet tapping, while Chris Riddell’s expressive, larger-than-life illustrations leap off the page.
It is an exuberant celebration of early childhood that begs to be read aloud, bringing smiles and snuggles to readers of all sizes.
6-8 Years
80 Pages
Meet the pest: A tiny, elusive little fly is buzzing all around, stirring up some mighty jungle beasts.
The big chase: When the fly lands on some great big toes and a great big nose, the poor elephant tries to tramp and crush it! Then comes a great big rhino and a great big tiger, each trying to roll, swat, swoop, and snatch the teasing insect right out of the air.
Why it is great: With rhythmic, bouncy words that are a joy to read aloud, Michael Rosen crafts a suspenseful comedy for the very young. Kevin Waldron’s energetic illustrations match the playful beat, capturing the funny frustration of the massive animals trying to catch one tiny bug.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
One ordinary day, a little bear named Red Ted is accidentally left behind on the seat of a train by his owner, Stevie. Soon, he winds up sitting on a high dusty shelf in the place for lost things.
But Red Ted refuses to despair, he puts his plush mind to work! He soon meets some unexpected new friends: a pessimistic crocodile and a helpful cat with a deep fondness for cheese. Relying on teamwork, bravery, and all of their senses, the trio sets out on a daring journey across the city.
This warm and wise graphic storybook blends gentle suspense with heartwarming charm. It is a beautiful tale about pluck, persistence, and finding your way back to the people who love you most.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The mix-up: Humans can be terribly confusing, especially when you are a dog looking after them. Meet our canine narrator, who has a wonderful pet human girl he proudly calls Rover.
The big day out: This topsy-turvy household heads to an enormous sandpit by the sea. But the fun turns to real drama when little pet Rover wanders off too close to the water, and the brave dog must track her down.
Why you will love it: It is a brilliantly funny role-reversal story told entirely from a dog's point of view. Michael Rosen's clever humor and Neal Layton's wildly exuberant illustrations combine to show just how strange, sweet, and wonderfully odd the bond between humans and dogs truly is.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Little Red Riding Hood is not exactly little anymore! Growing up means she is feeling much braver than the last time she ventured into the dark woods.
Riding her pony through the forest, she is on her way to visit Granny for a fun picnic and a special surprise. But as the shadows grow long, she hears a strange noise. Could it be the infamous Big Bad Wolf lurking in the trees once again?
This fabulously funny spin on a classic nursery tale is packed with unexpected twists. With Michael Rosen's witty storytelling and David Melling's vibrant, comical illustrations, it is a delightful adventure that proves bravery comes in all sizes, and surprises hide where you least expect them.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
It is time for bed, and Dad is reading Emily and little Elmer a thrilling comic-book story. The terrible villains Filth and Vacuum are scheming to suck all the money out of the banks and cover the entire world in muck and slime!
Who can possibly save the day? Steel Man is not strong enough. Flying-Through-the-Air-Very-Fast-Man is not fast enough. Even Incredibly-Big-Strong-Green-Man fails to stop them. Thankfully, clever young Brad 40 has a brilliant idea. He calls upon the most unlikely champion of all: Extremely Boring Man! His superpower? Putting people straight to sleep.
This exciting blend of picture book and comic book action is a hilarious bedtime adventure. Will Extremely Boring Man defeat the villains, and more importantly, will his powers work on Emily and Elmer?
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The word play: Get ready for a riotous celebration of language! This collection is packed with silly words, funny words, old words, and the secret words you only ever use inside your own family.
The rhymes: From squashy, sloshy melons to boots made of jelly, every poem bounces with infectious energy. It is a rollercoaster of witty wordplay and thought-provoking story poems that beg to be read out loud.
Why it is a blast: Michael Rosen’s masterful ear for rhythm makes every page fizz with fun. Paired with David Tazzyman’s hilarious, scribbly illustrations, it is the perfect book to show kids just how endlessly entertaining and ridiculous reading can be.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
130 Pages
The temptation: When Michael was a young boy, he had one absolute favorite treat in the entire world. It was the moment his mum baked a rich, gooey, magnificent chocolate cake!
The midnight feast: The temptation of that leftover cake sitting downstairs in the dark kitchen is simply too much to resist. What follows is a stealthy, crumbly, and wonderfully messy nighttime mission to get just one more bite.
Why it is delicious: Brought to life as a vibrant picture book, Michael Rosen's famous poem is a fantastically funny love letter to every child's favorite dessert. Kevin Waldron's characterful illustrations perfectly capture the suspense, the silly noises, and the ultimate chocolatey triumph.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
Are you brave enough to go on a bear hunt? You will need to pack your courage for this unforgettable journey. A family sets out on a grand adventure across the countryside, chanting a catchy rhythm as they go. You will follow them as they swish through tall green grass, splash across a deep cold river, and squelch through thick sticky mud. Every obstacle brings a new sound and a new challenge, but they cannot go over it, and they cannot go under it. They have to go through it! This classic tale combines repeating rhymes with beautiful paintings that make you feel like you are right there in the fields. It is a thrilling chase that builds up to a surprising encounter inside a dark, gloomy cave, leading to a hilarious rush all the way back home.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
He is wild, he is wicked, and he is a menace to the forest! Naughty Little Rabbit Foo Foo is a bully-boy bunny who loves nothing more than riding his motorcycle through the trees, bopping everyone on the head.
From wriggly worms to fierce tigers, absolutely no one is safe from his endless mischief. But Foo Foo is about to meet his match. The Good Fairy, who happens to look a lot like a grumpy granny with an umbrella, is watching, and she is not amused. She gives him three chances to change his bad behavior, or else!
This hilarious, high-energy picture book is meant to be sung, shouted, and laughed over. It is a wildly entertaining read-aloud about manners, mischief, and getting exactly what you deserve.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
