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Brexit Passport Rules Bar Poet From Major Award
14 Apr
Summary
- Michael Rosen won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for writing.
- He missed the announcement due to post-Brexit passport rule changes.
- Rosen's passport issue date of March 2016 caused his flight denial.
Esteemed poet and author Michael Rosen has been honored with the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for writing. This award recognizes his extensive and impactful career in children's literature. Rosen, the fourth British recipient of this international award, is celebrated for writing that mirrors children's language and thought, blending playfulness with emotional depth.
Rosen's work spans poetry, novels, and non-fiction, consistently engaging young readers. The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) noted his ability to foster empathy and encourage discussions on various societal themes. He was selected from 78 candidates across 44 countries.
However, the announcement ceremony at the Bologna Children's Book Fair was missed by Rosen. He was denied boarding a flight because his passport, issued in March 2016, exceeded the 10-year limit for travel into the EU, a consequence of post-Brexit rules. Despite this setback, Rosen received the news of his award upon returning home.
The Hans Christian Andersen award for illustration was presented to Chinese illustrator Cai Gao. The awards ceremony for both recipients is scheduled to take place in August in Ottawa.
