Michael Rosen Honoured with Prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award
Esteemed poet and author Michael Rosen, celebrated for beloved works like We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake, has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for writing. This accolade recognises his lifelong dedication and significant contributions to children's literature, cementing his status as a literary icon.
A Legacy of Playful and Profound Writing
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which announces a winner biennially, praised Rosen's unique ability to capture the essence of childhood. His writing "reflects the rhythms of children's language and thought, combining playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness," stated IBBY. They highlighted how his diverse body of work, spanning poetry, novels, and non-fiction, invites young readers into literature, fosters empathy, and opens discussions on themes such as:
- History and identity
- Family dynamics and loss
- Broader societal issues
Rosen becomes the fourth British recipient of this honour, following in the footsteps of Eleanor Farjeon, Aidan Chambers, and David Almond, marking a proud moment for UK literary achievements.
Illustration Award Goes to Chinese Artist Cai Gao
In the same ceremony, IBBY announced the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen award for illustration: Chinese illustrator Cai Gao. Her work was commended for "demonstrating outstanding artistic quality and a unique visual language that expands the possibilities of illustration for children." This award has previously honoured luminaries like Quentin Blake, the former children's laureate renowned for illustrating Roald Dahl's books, who received it in 2002.
Brexit Passport Rules Disrupt Award Announcement
Despite the joyous news, Rosen's moment was marred by post-Brexit travel complications. He missed the award announcement at the Bologna Children's Book Fair after being denied boarding on his flight from Stansted Airport. The issue stemmed from EU passport rules for UK travellers, which require passports to have been issued no more than 10 years before entry and have at least three months validity upon departure.
Rosen's passport, issued in March 2016 and expiring in August 2026, fell foul of the 10-year rule. He took to social media, posting on X: "Ha! I've just been refused entry on to a plane from Stansted to Bologna because my passport issue date is March 2016. The expiry date is August 2026 but the rule is 10 years from issue date. Another Brexit benefit."
However, there was a silver lining. Rosen told the Independent: "There was a happy ending to this story, because I came home and one of the first calls that came in was an Italian lady telling me that I had won the Hans Christian Andersen award."
Selection Process and Future Ceremony
Rosen was chosen from a competitive field of 78 candidates across 44 countries. Judges assessed candidates based on:
- Distinctive literary and artistic qualities
- Ability to see from a child's perspective
- Capacity to stretch children's curiosity
The awards ceremony is scheduled for August in Ottawa, where Rosen will be formally honoured for his exceptional contributions to global children's literature.
