Michael Rosen, the beloved children's author and poet, has been a household name in the UK for decades, captivating readers with his whimsical picture books and thought-provoking poetry. As he turns 80, Rosen offers a glimpse into his creative process, personal struggles, and the enduring power of literature. In this interview, Rosen shares his insights on writing, life, and the importance of self-doubt, while also addressing the impact of his work on children and the role of art in a turbulent world.
The Creative Process and Self-Doubt
Rosen begins by discussing the creative process, revealing that self-doubt is an essential part of his writing journey. "Every time I write, I doubt myself," he admits. "If you start writing and think, ‘I am brilliant, I’m absolutely fantastic,’ you haven’t got an urge to write." This self-doubt is not a barrier but a driving force, pushing him to constantly improve and seek inspiration. "Kiddies quite often come up to me and say, ‘We love Chocolate Cake,’ and part of me goes, ‘Oh, great, I’m glad you like that.’ And then another part of me goes: ‘Yeah, well, I’ll never write anything as good as that.’ And that’s writing. You have to live with that." This mindset allows him to approach each new work with a fresh perspective and a desire to surpass his previous creations.
The Power of Children's Literature
Rosen's impact on children's literature is undeniable. His simple advice to "talk with your pen" has inspired countless young writers. One memorable interaction with a child who knew his poem off by heart highlights the power of his words to resonate with young minds. "A boy came up to me just the day before yesterday and said: ‘Oh, I love that poem that ends, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan.’ And I went: ‘Do you? Did I write that?’ He said: ‘Yeah, it’s in A Great Big Cuddle.’ He said he knew it off by heart. And I said: ‘Oh, go on then, can you do it?’ As no one had ever said to me anything about that poem, I sort of tucked it away and thought: ‘Oh well, maybe it doesn’t work.’ But then this little boy did it, and it made me laugh. And I thought: ‘I’m going to learn this and do this in my performances.’" This interaction underscores the profound impact Rosen's work has on children, fostering a love for literature and creativity.
Coping with Loss and Finding Hope
Rosen's personal life has been marked by tragedy, including the loss of his son Eddie. He reflects on how he copes with grief and finds hope in the absurdity of life. "I guess I’ve arrived at a point where I think life is absurd, whether it’s when you pick up something and you drop it by mistake and it breaks, or you can’t find your shoes, to the great big things like losing my son Eddie and so on. It really is just very, very odd that we’re these little creatures crawling about the surface of one planet in the universe and there doesn’t seem to be any logic or reason for it at all." This perspective allows him to find solace in the complexities of life, understanding that both the silly and the tragic are part of the human experience.
The Role of Art in a Turbulent World
Rosen addresses the role of art in a world facing political and social challenges. He challenges the notion that art should be apolitical, arguing that even the act of escaping into art is political. "It’s a nice wish that people have, to hope that somehow or other there is a place where you can get away from the political. Some people hope that you can escape into music or dance. It’s quite odd, really. I often think about Aesop’s Fables. People think: ‘Oh, these are just funny little things about universal human values,’ and yet they are about power and freedom and the right to choose, and how people with power listen to people who fawn over them. Even the very act of thinking you can escape is political. You can’t, because you still need to eat and breathe and do all the other necessities. It will always catch up with you." This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of art and life, and the responsibility artists have to engage with the world around them.
The Joy of Food and Family
Rosen's love for food, particularly hummus and raisins, adds a touch of warmth to the interview. He also shares a delightful anecdote about his wedding cake, which was a chocolate cake with ganache. "When Emma and I got married, we said: ‘What kind of wedding cake are we going to have?’ And we both agreed it would be a chocolate cake. And then we started looking up recipes and places and people who made different kinds of chocolate cake. And we discovered ganache. We found this place near Waterloo, Konditor, that made chocolate cake with ganache. And I remember people at the wedding going: ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ It was absolutely incredible. I certainly don’t know how to make it. I quite like that it’s a complete mystery." This lighthearted moment showcases the importance of family and shared experiences in Rosen's life.
Faith and the Human Spirit
Rosen's faith is rooted in the human spirit and the Earth and the universe. "In human beings, and the Earth and the universe – that’s what I believe in. I don’t have a religion, I just have this belief that this is all we’ve got, so we have to make the best of it. And as we’re having this conversation, we’re making the worst of it. We’re not using the wisdoms that we have. In spite of everything, I have faith in human beings, but it is hard." This perspective offers a profound reflection on the human condition and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life's challenges.
Conclusion
Michael Rosen's interview is a testament to the power of literature, the importance of self-doubt, and the resilience of the human spirit. His insights offer a glimpse into the creative process, the impact of art on children, and the role of literature in a turbulent world. As he continues to inspire generations of writers and readers, Rosen's words serve as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life's challenges.
