Peas on Your Knees: A Life in the Poems of Michael Rosen

By Author / Illustrator

Michael Rosen

Genre

Poetry

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529525847

Format

Hardcover

Published

10-09-2026

Synopsis

The ultimate treasury of Michael Rosen's best-loved poems, brought together for the first time in one beautifully illustrated collection.

Celebrate the very best of Michael Rosen in a gorgeous gift edition illustrated by a selection of award-winning artists including Yasmeen Ismail,, Polly Dunbar, Quentin Blake and more. This collection brings together for the first time popular poems such as "Chocolate Cake", "Hot Food" and "No Breathing in Class!".

From the hilarious to the heart-warming, Michael's poems about childhood, family and friendships will inspire a love of reading and rhyme. The perfect selection to read aloud, join in with and learn by heart, this is a book that will be treasured by all generations, for years to come.

Reviews

Sue

Since I started teaching, Michael Rosen's poetry has appeared in my teaching with every class and group of children - of all ages - that I have worked with. Bursting with fun observational humour and lively language, his poems are a delight to read aloud, perform and share - and even children who claim to HATE poetry find themselves quoting along with everyone else.

Peas on Your Knees contains all my favourites - 'Chocolate Cake', 'No Breathing in Class', 'Down Behind the Dustbin' and 'Don't' to name a few! Gathered into five sections: Food, Childhood, School, Brothers and Being a Dad and Being Silly, there are so many poems here to delight, entertain and, in some cases, offer plenty to think about.

Teachers will find this an essential addition to their personal collections as well as to their classroom shelves, making sure it is always on hand to ensure an entertaining poetry time! The collection is brilliantly illustrated with work from five talented artists including Quentin Blake, Polly Dunbar, Bob Graham, Yasmeen Ismail and Ken Wilson-Max, whose lively pictures capture the energy and spirit of the poems perfectly. A book to keep and treasure!

128 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher