Professor Michael Rosen wins Hans Christian Andersen award for children's literature
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Goldsmiths academic Professor Michael Rosen has won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for writing in recognition of his lifelong contributions to children’s literature.
Professor Michael Rosen
The poet and author whose works include Weāre Going on a Bear Hunt and Michael Rosenās Sad Book was named the winner of the 2026 Author award by the (IBBY), which runs the biennial prize.
Announcing Michaelās win, the IBBY said the former childrenās laureateās work ādemonstrates an extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humour, intelligence, and respectā.
It added: āHis writing reflects the rhythms of childrenās language and thought, combining playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness. Across poetry, novels, and non-fiction, his work invites children into literature, encourages empathy, and opens space for discussion about history, family, loss, identity, and society.ā
The full is available on the IBBY website alongside the announcement of Cai Gao at the 2026 Illustrator winner.
As Professor of Childrenās Literature at Goldsmiths Michael has taught our MA Childrenās Literature since 2014 and is also part of the team delivering our new online courses in .
His work shows that literature for children can be playful and profound at the same time. Through his extensive and influential body of work, Michael Rosen has made a lasting and significant contribution to children’s literature internationally.
International Board on Books for Young People
Michael was selected from a pool of 78 candidates across 44 different countries and assessed on the ādistinctive literary and artistic qualitiesā of his writing and ability to āsee the childās point of view and to stretch their curiosityā, among other factors. Following the winner announcement at the Bologna Book Fair in April, the award ceremony will take place in August in Ottawa.
Goldsmithsā Head of MA Childrenās Literature Dr Emily Corbett said: āIām delighted that Michael has received such a prestigious, international award. His stories and poems have shaped generations of readers, and he continues to spark the imagination of young people through his writing and lively performances.
āMichael is a beloved member of our Goldsmiths community, and weāre very fortunate on the MA Childrenās Literature that our students have the opportunity to learn from him. This is a well-deserved celebration of a lifetimeās contribution to childrenās literature.ā
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