Celebrity Best Days Out – Michael Rosen

Children’s author, poet, performer, meme legend and all-round national treasure, Michael Rosen has been entertaining kids (and their parents) for more than fifty years. Born in Harrow to book-loving East End parents, he famously ditched medical school for English at Oxford, then went on to become a BBC writer and broadcaster.

Since 1972 he’s written well over 150 books for children and grown-ups, including the family classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, beloved collections like Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here, moving works such as On the Move and Many Different Kinds of Love, and recent favourites like Sticky McStickstick.

Along the way he’s picked up major awards, served as Children’s Laureate, presented BBC Radio 4’s Word of Mouth, become a visiting professor and, thanks to his wildly popular YouTube performances, been reborn as the internet’s very own “noice grandpa”. After surviving Covid, learning to walk again and turning that experience into stories that help children handle big feelings, Michael knows more than most how precious happy days out together can be. We caught up with him and got him to share the London places that shaped his childhood and he also revealed the spots he loves visiting with his children and grandchildren today.

Tell us what you’re up to?

“Well, I’ve teamed up once again with the wonderful Helen Oxenbury – my partner in rhyme from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – for a brand new picture book called Joyful, Joyful, Oh Dear! It’s been such a delight to work with Helen again after all these years.

The story starts with a simple trip to the shops, but as you might expect, everything goes deliciously off course with a parade of animals joining in along the way! It’s got that bouncy, chant-along rhythm that little ones love – the sort of book kids and grown-ups end up knowing by heart.

Helen’s illustrations are, as ever, full of life and humour – she tells whole stories in her pictures. And who knows, maybe the bear in Oh Dear is a gentle nod to Bear Hunt… I’ll let readers decide! It’s out now from Walker Books and I think it makes the perfect festive gift for anyone aged 0 to 100.”

You can buy Michael and Helen’s book here. And it make a perfect gift for Christmas….

Tell us what you’re up to?What were your favourite place to visit in London as a kid and why?

The Tower of London. I was totally swept up in how old it was, what awful things went on there, and I was fascinated by the idea that once, long ago, they could come straight in from the River Thames through Traitors’ Gate but it was ‘dry’ now.

Name three places you love going with your kids and your favourite place to eat with the family?

London Aquarium, Trent Park, Tate Modern and the Tufnell Park Tavern. It’s open and airy, very child friendly, lovely food. 

Where in London (or the UK) would you recommend to another family?

Grimm and Co, in Rotherham. When I was there, I thought it was a magical, exciting, wonderful place

What would be your perfect day out with your family?

Over the years, I’ve often been to the Hackney Empire theatre in London to go to the panto. They do pantos absolutely wonderfully, loads of topical and local jokes, and lots of self-parody. More recently our extended family book most of a row, and have a great time together. 

Click here for KidRated’s list of Christmas Pantos and performances to see what’s on at the Empire this year.

Bus, tube, taxi, walk or cycle?

All of these except cycle.