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 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book was named the winner of the 2026 Author award by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which runs the biennial prize.
Announcing Michael’s win, the IBBY said the former children’s laureate’s work “demonstrates an extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humour, intelligence, and respect”.
It added: “His writing reflects the rhythms of children’s 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.”
The full citation is available on the IBBY website alongside the announcement of Cai Gao at the 2026 Illustrator winner.
As Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths Michael has taught our MA Children’s Literature since 2014 and is also part of the team delivering our new online courses in Children’s Literature.
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 “distinctive literary and artistic qualities” of his writing and ability to “see the child’s point of view and to stretch their curiosity”, among other factors. Following the winner announcement at the Bologna Book Fair in April, the award ceremony will take place in August in Ottawa.
Goldsmiths’ Head of MA Children’s Literature Dr Emily Corbett said: “I’m 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.
“Michael is a beloved member of our Goldsmiths community, and we’re very fortunate on the MA Children’s Literature that our students have the opportunity to learn from him. This is a well-deserved celebration of a lifetime’s contribution to children’s literature.”
Find out more about the online MA/PGDip/PGCert Children’s Literature