Michael Rosen was born into a London-Jewish family, the son of two distinguished educators – Connie and Harold Rosen. His childhood was rich in books, stories and conversation.

He wrote his first book, a play called Backbone, in 1969, and his first children’s book, Mind Your Own Business in 1974. He’s brought out a book a year ever since.

His children’s poetry collections include Centrally Heated Knickers (Puffin), You Wait Till I’m Older Than You (Puffin), Quick Let’s Get Out of Here (Puffin) and A Spider Bought a Bicycle (Kingfisher). He has edited The Walker Book of Classic Poetry and Poets. Picture books include Alphabet Poem (Milet), the well-loved We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, (Walker Books) and most recently, The Bear in the Cave which comes with a CD (Walker Books). Michael reads the words on the CD that go with the book. Bloomsbury has also brought out a poetry collection with a CD which is entitled Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy.

In August 2009 Puffin will publish a poetry anthology entitled Michael Rosen’s A to Z The Best Children’s Poetry from Agard to Zephaniah.