Michael Rosen: The children's laureate shares the secret to writing for kids

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Poet, performer and broadcaster Michael Rosen has over 140 books and a Children's Laureate title to his name. English cartoonist Quentin Blake, best known for illustrating books for Roald Dahl, often brings his stories to life. Growing up in North London in the 1950s laid the foundations for his many tales. Mariam Saab sat down with one of the best-known storytellers in the children's literary world.

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[midnightseahorse]

So many nuggets of wisdom. And what a wonderful interviewer.

[davidgray]

I like this chap, potty undoubtedly but very intelligent, and with humour. Good show. The interviewer is a lovely person. And very good at her profession. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Aeromelon]

I got a 20 second unskippable French toothpaste ad

[isabt]

He is absolutely charming and I also loved the interviewer

[themovingdance]

Read a lot of books is how to understand how to write. I learnt to write by reading and writing my stories as a child. I went on to study literature and childhood development and spent a year in a school-in 1983. Write about what they like sweets, ice cream and rude noises. Friendship and annoying teachers and grown ups. Use Imagination, include emotions as being human. When you are with children and in touch with them you will learn how to write for them. It is not an intellectual exercise. You have to sit there and do it. And re-write many times. No quick fix

[FRWHELAN]

Rosen is a cross between Eric Idle and Dr. Seuss.

[indianahoosier]

Interesting guy... no wonder why kids love him...

[michaeltronn]

While this is enjoyable, Michael Rosen DOES NOT share any secrets to writing for kids

[saikopiratos]

BUT IM NOT A RAPPER hahahahahaha supa hot fire right there

[menufrog]

Hehe my first published work was also plagiarized! It was a poem titled 'Schoolyard In The Summer" and it was sensational.

[joshuas]

It's funny he talks about plagiarising something at 7, I did the same thing when I was around that age. We had to write a play and I adapted a story written by Enid Blyton.

[johnlee]

Messi is far superior, Maradona was a greater player than Ronaldo