Richard Rosen

Michael Wayne Rosen, born May 7, 1946, is a prolific English author, poet, and academic recognized for his contributions to children's literature. He has authored over 200 books and served as the Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009. Rosen's career includes roles as a presenter, political commentator, and activist. He was awarded the 2023 PEN Pinter Prize for his outspoken body of work.

Rosen's background includes a Jewish heritage with ancestral ties to Eastern Europe. His parents were actively involved in left-wing politics and education. He pursued studies in English at Oxford University after an initial foray into medical training. His professional journey began at the BBC, but he later transitioned to freelance writing and broadcasting, which he has pursued since 1972. His work often draws on personal experiences and uses accessible language, making him a significant figure in contemporary children's poetry.

Born in 1946 into a Jewish family, Michael Rosen's upbringing was influenced by his parents' engagement with progressive political and educational movements. His father, Harold Rosen, was an educationalist and professor of English, while his mother, Connie Rosen, worked as a secretary and later as a teacher and lecturer, also contributing to educational publications. Both parents were members of the Young Communist League and participated in the Battle of Cable Street before leaving the Communist Party in 1957. Although Rosen himself never joined the party, his parents' activism shaped his early life. His education included state schools and a period as an exchange student at Winchester College. An early encounter with the ideas of literary critic Jonathan Miller sparked an interest in interdisciplinary knowledge. His mother's work at the BBC led to his own early engagement with writing for radio, encouraging his creative pursuits.

Rosen's extensive writing career began with his first poetry book for children, 'Mind Your Own Business' (1974). He became known for his humorous verse collections, praised for their use of everyday language and drawing on childhood experiences. He is considered a pivotal figure in making poetry accessible to children, both through his own writing and his anthologies. He was among the first poets to regularly visit schools across the UK and internationally, fostering enthusiasm for poetry. His picture book 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' (1989), illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, achieved significant success, winning multiple awards. Rosen also has a notable broadcasting career, including presenting the BBC Radio 4 program 'Word of Mouth,' which explores the English language. His memoir 'Carrying the Elephant: A Memoir of Love and Loss' (2002) addressed personal grief, following the death of his son.

Beyond his creative work, Rosen has a strong academic presence in the field of children's literature. He holds an MA and a PhD in the subject and has held academic positions at various universities, including Goldsmiths, University of London, where he is a professor. He has also taught at the University of North London and Birkbeck, University of London. Rosen is an outspoken critic of standardized testing in education, particularly the UK's National Curriculum assessments (SATs), arguing they negatively impact the teaching of English and poetry. His political views have led him to endorse figures like Jeremy Corbyn and participate in public discussions on social and political issues, particularly concerning nationalism and racism.

“Their view of 'educational' was narrow. The machine had decided this was the direction to take. Your own creativity was down the spout.”

“Wouldn't it be wonderful to know all about science, and know all about art, and be funny and urbane and all that?”

“a beacon of hope in the struggle against emergent far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism in much”