Michael Rosen, the poet and author of children's classics such as We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake, has won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for writing. The former children's laureate is the fourth Briton to receive the honour, following Eleanor Farjeon, Aidan Chambers and David Almond.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which announces the award every other year, praised Rosen's writing for reflecting 'the rhythms of children's language and thought, combining playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness'. His work, which spans poetry, novels and non-fiction, 'invites children into literature, encourages empathy and opens space for discussion about history, family, loss, identity and society'.
Rosen missed the announcement at the Bologna Children's Book Fair after being turned away from his flight due to post-Brexit passport rules. The rules require UK travellers' passports to have been issued no more than ten years before entry to the EU and to have at least three months remaining on departure. Posting on X, Rosen said: '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.'
Despite the setback, Rosen learned of his win upon returning home. '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,' he told the Independent. Rosen was selected from 78 candidates across 44 countries. The awards ceremony will take place in August in Ottawa.
IBBY also announced the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen award for illustration: Chinese illustrator Cai Gao, whose work 'demonstrates outstanding artistic quality and a unique visual language'. Previous illustration winners include Quentin Blake, who received the honour in 2002.
