Rosen expressed nostalgia about his early memories of London, stating, “For more than 60 years I thought I’d made it up that I’d seen pelicans in central London.” His fond recollection refers to visits to St James’s Park, where he first encountered these birds.

The event is part of a broader series of appearances throughout London in 2026. Rosen’s poetry often draws inspiration from his experiences on public transport. He noted, “I’d put it slightly differently. I travel a lot on public transport round London and while I’m on board buses and trains I think a lot and that inspires me!” One such poem, ‘The Bus’, was inspired by a ride on the iconic 38 bus.

Rosen’s contributions to children’s literature extend beyond poetry; he holds the position of Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths. His influence on young readers is significant, as he continues to engage with them through various mediums.

The upcoming birthday celebration is not just a personal milestone but also an opportunity for fans and new audiences to connect with his work. A special free birthday event will take place at the Southbank Centre on May 23, offering an accessible way for people to celebrate his legacy.

In addition to the free event at Southbank Centre, Rosen’s poem ‘London Fields’ gained attention when it was posted on the London Underground, further embedding his work into the fabric of the city. His ability to resonate with audiences reflects his deep understanding of urban life.

As Michael Rosen prepares for this dual celebration of life and creativity, he invites everyone to join him in commemorating not just an age but decades of impactful storytelling that has shaped children’s literature.

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Mr Benn is being adapted into a live-action film by Kirk Jones, with filming expected to begin in early 2027. This adaptation aims to introduce the iconic character, first created by David McKee in 1967, to a new generation of viewers.

The original Mr Benn series consisted of four books: Red Knight, Gladiator, Pirate, and Zoo Keeper. Following the success of these books, the Mr Benn animated series aired on BBC from 1971 to 1972, producing only 13 episodes. The stories of Mr Benn often contain moral lessons for children, making them both entertaining and educational.

Kirk Jones, known for directing films such as Nanny McPhee and Waking Ned Devine, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I adored Mr Benn as a child and immediately saw the importance of introducing him to a new generation, in a live action adventure.” He elaborated on the character’s unique ability to travel through time and space, visiting various historical and futuristic worlds to solve monumental problems with kindness, compassion, and common sense.

David McKee, who passed away in 2022, had a deep connection to the Mr Benn character. His family shared their excitement about the film adaptation, noting, “The Mr Benn film project has been close to our hearts for many years; it was something our father would often talk about and was keen to see it happen.” This sentiment underscores the legacy of Mr Benn and the impact he has had on generations.

The film aims not only to revive the character but also to resonate with contemporary audiences, ensuring that the moral lessons embedded in the stories remain relevant. As Kirk Jones optimistically noted, “If all goes to plan, Mr Benn might even save the world.” This statement reflects the hopeful spirit of the adaptation and its potential to inspire a new generation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the cast and specific plot elements of the film. However, the anticipation surrounding the project continues to grow as fans of the original series and new audiences alike await further announcements.

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