FROM THE HOST OF BBC RADIO 4'S SUMMER OF PLAY - a special multi-week series exploring the vital importance of play in human development, well-being, and modern society.Today, we don't get nearly enough play in our lives. At school, kids are drilled on exams, while at home we're all glued to our phones and screens. Former children's laureate and bestselling author, Michael Rosen, is here to show us how to put this right - and why it matters so much ...

"Simultaneously relatable and subversive; most poets could only dream of a celebration this good." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Packed with humor and heart, showcasing top illustrators, and joyfully celebrating a life well lived, this ultimate gift collection of Michael Rosen’s poems marks the occasion of the beloved poet and author's eightieth birthday.Divided into sections including Food, Childhood, Brothers, ...

BUZZ! Who could that be? Expect mischief, merriment, and infectious rhymes in this board book from celebrated author Michael Rosen.A mischievous bee causes chaos among her friends in this hilarious read-aloud for animal fans and language lovers. Who’s that in the ear of the deer, on the tail of the whale, and taking the gibbon’s ribbon? Only me, said the bee! Rhythmic text from the beloved Michael Rosen is paired with Matt Hunt’s vibrant, ...

**From legendary author Michael Rosen and acclaimed illustrator Sam Usher comes a hilarious and heartwarming story about family, community . . . and bagels!**Have you ever wondered what happens to the hole in the bagel after you eat it?In this timeless picture book, one little girl and her grandfather are on a mission to find out. Together, they search high and low – in manhole covers and basketball hoops, canal boat windows and birdboxes.Can the de...

A fabulously funny story, inspired by the much-loved classic character, from two giants of children’s books!“Mirror, mirror on the wall. Where is the cuddliest teddy of all?”Snow White has lost her teddy bear. Taking the magic talking mirror from the wall, she sets off into the forest to find him, where – one after another – she makes friends with some real bears! The bears offer to help Snow White, but they are much more interested in having fun – will sh...

In Michael Rosen’s wonderfully humourous and poetic retelling of this classic tale, the impoverished Jack trades his cow for magical beans that sprout into a towering beanstalk.As he ascends the formidable vine, he discovers a castle inhabited by a menacing giant. In the chase that ensues, Jack manages to secure enough wealth to sustain himself, his mother and his village.

"A guaranteed hit for the storytime set, from a team whose talents haven’t aged a day."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)The incomparable creative team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt reunite for a read-aloud comedy of misunderstandings that has all the hallmarks of a classic.I went to the shop to get me a carrot.Oh dear! They gave me . . .. . . a parrot.Oh dear! Look wha...

An original story by Michael Rosen, inspired by the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist. Shona is moving house because her dad's lost his benefits. At her new school, she finds that keeping out of trouble isn't easy - just like for Oliver Twist, in her English class readings. After Shona is unexpectedly given a mobile phone, she begins to suspect there's something dodgy about the boys she's met. Some gifts, she comes to learn, aren't exactly free.

A brand new collection of poetry by former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen, author of We're Going on a Bear Hunt, with illustrations by acclaimed artist Ed Vere.What would it be like to live in the future? Or underwater? What would you do if you could go back in time? Or be a cat? Or a blood cell? What would happen if a monster ate every letter of the alphabet?In this extraordinary collection of brand new poems, beloved writer and former Children's Laureate Micha...

Michael Rosen’s hilarious viral video poem is brought to life in picture book form by award-winning illustrator Neal Layton.Young Michael thinks his dad knows everything. That is, until the fateful day when his family sits down to eat, and the potato is a bit hot. Michael knows to blow on the potato before eating, as does his brother and his mom. So why does his dad pop it straight into his mouth? Michael Rosen’s amusing retelling of the tale of his dad and the too...

"The writing is concise yet powerfully descriptive. . . A moving story appropriate for a younger audience. This is an essential purchase." —School Library Journal (starred review)From an eminent storyteller, this powerful, simply told, beautifully illustrated picture book recounts a rare story of survival during the Holocaust.One day, a Hungarian-French Jew and his father were rounded up by Nazis and brought to a prison camp. One d...

A fabulously funny take on a classic story from two giants of children’s books!Little Red Riding Hood – who is not-so-little anymore! – is riding her pony through the woods to visit Granny for a picnic and a surprise. Now that she is bigger, she feels much braver than the last time she went. Until … what was that? Was it the Big Bad Wolf?A funny story full of surprises!From Michael Rosen, the highly regarded author of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, comes this wonderful...