Nice! Michael Rosen is the after-dinner speaker at this year's Annual Conference

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Nice! It’s bona-fide national treasure Michael Rosen, who is taking time out of his 80th birthday celebrations to give the after-dinner speech at our SLA Annual Conference on 5 June.

As one of Britain’s best-loved writers and performers, Michael Rosen needs no introduction. He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches an MA in Children’s Literature.   

 Michael has published in the region of 200 books for children and adults, including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, with Helen Oxenbury – made into an animated film for Channel 4 broadcast Christmas Day 2016  –  and A Great Big Cuddle, with Chris Riddell. The Sad Book with Quentin Blake is a meditation on bereavement written after the loss of his son, Eddie and he recently published Where Are You, Eddie? offering an explanation to children following the death of a loved one.

 Michael is also a popular broadcaster and has presented BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme about language, Word of Mouth, since 1998, as well as regularly presenting documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3.   

We’re so excited to welcome Michael, who will bring his trademark wit and warmth to this joyful occasion. The conference dinner is a highlight of the weekend, with up to 100 delegates coming together to enjoy an evening of dining and networking. This year, it will be held in the beautiful wood-panelled Shakespeare Room at the University of Winchester.

And there’s so much more going on at this year’s conference too. As well as the opportunity to share a slice of chocolate cake with a former Children’s Laureate, delegates will enjoy a keynote speech from beloved children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who will speak about her long career and what school libraries mean to her. Workshop topics include ‘Diverse Narratives’ – featuring authors including Catherine Johnson, Sophie Anderson and poet Matt Goodfellow – and ‘Boys into Books’, with Jamaal Target writer Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie. Superstar Bunny Vs Monkey creator Jamie Smart will lead a live draw-along and give his insights into the soaring popularity of comic books and graphic novels.

Don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of learning, networking, and sharing best practice – book your ticket to the conference today!

Dinner tickets are available to conference delegates. To book your place at dinner, please email [email protected]