Professor Michael Rosen of Goldsmiths’ Children’s Literature MA wins the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award
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Renowned poet, writer, performer, broadcaster, academic, and political columnist Michael Rosen, a member of Goldsmiths, University of London’s faculty, has won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in recognition of his lifelong contributions to children’s literature.
Presented by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international recognition given to authors and illustrators of children’s books. Often referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize for children’s literature’, the award highlights literary figures whose writing continues to shape generations of young readers, reflecting the core purpose of Goldsmiths’ Children’s Literature MA.
You can hear directly from Professor Michael Rosen and Dr Emily Corbett on how children’s and young adult literature can reflect, challenge, and reshape our narratives in our upcoming webinar, Shaping the future of storytelling: Children’s Literature MA, on Friday, 15 May 2026, at 5.00 pm GMT.
Best known for beloved works such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (1989), Michael Rosen’s Sad Book (2004), and Chocolate Cake (2017), Rosen was selected from a pool of 78 nominees across 44 countries. The award was announced during the 2026 Bologna Book Fair in April, with the official ceremony set to take place later this year in Ottawa.
In the official statement, IBBY praised Michael’s work for his “extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humour, intelligence, and respect”.
“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
At Goldsmiths, University of London, we’re proud to have Rosen as part of our academic community, where he teaches on the Children’s Literature MA programme.
Michael Rosen’s global impact on children’s literature
Rosen has written more than 140 books for children and previously served as the UK Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009, making him one of Britain’s most influential contemporary children’s authors.
Dr Emily Corbett, Head of MA Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, described Rosen’s award as a “well-deserved celebration of a lifetime’s contribution to children’s literature.”
“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.”— Dr Emily Corbett, Goldsmiths’ Head of MA Children’s Literature
If you’re passionate about storytelling, publishing and literature, the opportunity to learn directly from a globally recognised author can offer a unique insight into the world of children’s literature.
Learn children’s literature from an internationally recognised author
Since 2014, Rosen has taught in our Children’s Literature MA at Goldsmiths, sharing valuable insights into the creative, cultural, and educational aspects of children’s storytelling, drawing directly on the expertise of one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world.
He is also a part of the team delivering our new online courses in Children’s Literature, bringing decades of experience in writing, publishing, broadcasting, and literary education into the classroom.
Why study Children’s Literature MA at Goldsmiths?
Our MA in Children’s Literature programme blends critical theory with creative exploration, encouraging students to examine how stories shape childhood, imagination, and society.
As one of the only fully online master’s programmes in its field, it offers flexible postgraduate study, allowing you to gain a respected qualification while developing your critical and creative voice.
The course is designed to support aspiring writers, industry professionals, and anyone looking to continue professional development in education and literary studies. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how children’s literature shapes imagination, cultural identity, and contemporary storytelling.
By studying both classic and contemporary texts, you’ll be able to:
- Gain a deep understanding of the evolution of children’s literature and discover how stories impact culture and young readers over time.
- Strengthen your analytical voice through theory-led study, while exploring creative approaches to interpreting and critiquing texts.
- Develop practical research, curation and reflective skills that support careers in publishing, education, and more.
At Goldsmiths, creativity and innovation are at the heart of our teaching approach. As one of the UK’s leading universities for creativity and innovation, we offer an online course structure that provides flexibility for professionals and international students looking to balance study with work and other commitments.
Explore the Children’s Literature MA at Goldsmiths
Michael Rosen’s Hans Christian Andersen Award highlights his significant influence on children’s literature worldwide. At Goldsmiths, we’re proud to offer students the opportunity to explore Children’s Literature through our MA and online courses, led by a renowned writer whose books have inspired generations.
If you’re passionate about how stories shape childhood, culture, and imagination, studying Children’s Literature with an internationally celebrated author offers a unique and exciting opportunity.
Find out more about the online MA/PGDip/PGCert Children’s Literature.