Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy

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He is also the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration and in 1990 was voted 'The Illustrator's Illustrator' by Observer Magazine.

When the news was broken of his visit I had a shame-faced rummage through our shelves and realised the only book of his we had was the standard issue (but obviously wonderful) 'We're going on a Bear Hunt'. The only downside of the Michael Rosen fever is Eddie's new found tendency to squash his peas on his knees at the dinner table and his attempts to stick his toe up my nose (see here).

Michael Rosen breaks down barriers with his poems for children, creating an infectious informality and irreverence that brilliantly captures the funny moments of everyday life. Michael Rosen, Children's Laureate 2007-2009, has also written a letter specially for the Letterbox Club to accompany this book.

Now I feel a bit ambivalent about the tendency of every new picture book these days to be accompanied by a CD.Both books went on to be bestsellers and both poet and artist are stellar names in the world of children's books. The book includes an introduction by Michael Rosen and an audio CD of the book, with all the poems also read by Michael. He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches critical approaches to reading on an MA in Children’s Literature, having done the same at Birkbeck, University of London.

A tireless promoter of children's literature – and a long-time collaborator with roald Dahl – Quentin Blake was awarded the OBE in 1988 and in 2005 he was awarded a CBE for services to Children's Literature. Quentin was the inaugural Children's Laureate (1999-2001), an experience he recorded in his book Laureate's Progress. It helps that it's illustrated by Quentin Blake of whom he wholeheartedly approves but he's always loved the 'mouthfeel' of well put together words and rhymes and these chew down nicely for him.He has won many major prizes for illustration, including the Kate Greenaway Medal (1980) and the Red House Children's Book Award (1981) for Mister Magnolia. We then spent a very happy half hour watching his fab performances on YouTube with Eddie's eyes shining and quivery with happiness. A celebratory issue of two poetry collaborations, "You Can't Catch Me" and "You Can't Put Mustard in the Custard". Typical of Michael Rosen, this book is funny, sly and gloriously accompanied by Tony Ross' bold illustrations. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate.