BookTrust appoints Rosen as new writer in residence

BookTrust has appointed Michael Rosen as its new writer in residence.  

Rosen will take up the position on 1st March and said he plans to use the residency to promote the importance of reading and rhyming with children in their early years. 

He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he co-devised and teaches critical approaches to reading on an MA in children’s literature, having done the same at Birkbeck.

Rosen has taught on MA courses in universities since 1994 and was the Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009. He has published more than 200 books for children and adults, including the recent bestsellers Many Different Kinds of Love (Ebury) and On The Move (Walker Books).

The BookTrust residency has been running since March 2009 and provides a platform for writers and illustrators to explore issues that they are passionate about and use their creativity to inspire children and families to read together. Previous residencies have been held by Cressida Cowell, Sita Brahmachari, Patrick Ness and Dapo Adeola. 

Rosen said: “I am really looking forward to being resident at BookTrust. We know that helping children start life playing with words, poems and songs is the perfect way to become a confident speaker and writer. Under-fives soak up language and we can help make that happen by sharing books with them. I want to do all I can to offer some ideas and inspiration to help carers, teachers and anyone who works with under-fives.” 

Diana Gerald, chief executive officer of BookTrust, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael as our latest Writer in Residence. His books have inspired a generation of young readers and are loved by children and adults alike. Michael is a household name and is respected throughout schools and libraries across the world, using his platform to bring his own love of stories and language to so many people. 

 “Sharing books, stories and rhymes from the earliest months not only helps families to bond and spend quality time together, but it also supports the development of social skills and contributes to better language and literacy skills later in life. We’re very much looking forward to working with Michael to help more children, and their families, reap the lifelong benefits that reading brings.”