Michael Rosen – Poet, Professor and Internet Icon

Michael Rosen is one of the most recognizable figures in British children’s literature, a poet, broadcaster, and academic whose career spans more than five decades. Born on 7 May 1946 in Harrow, Middlesex, he grew up in Pinner and later studied at Wadham College, Oxford, earning an MA from the University of Reading and a PhD from the University of North London. After a stint at the BBC, he built a reputation for energetic poetry performances, humorous verse, and a deep commitment to literacy and education.

Today, Rosen is known not only for classic children’s books such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake but also for an unexpected second wave of popularity among younger audiences through internet memes, especially the widely shared “NICE” video clips. He continues to write, teach, and perform, maintaining an active presence on social media and his official website.

Who Is Michael Rosen?

Key Insights at a Glance

• Michael Rosen is a highly influential British children’s author with a unique second wave of popularity on social media platforms among young audiences due to meme culture.
• His health battle with COVID-19 in 2020 and subsequent recovery has been a significant part of his personal narrative, documented through books and interviews.
• Rosen is both an academic (Professor at Goldsmiths) and a popular culture figure, bridging formal literature education and viral internet content.
• He served as the UK Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009.
• His awards include the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the PEN Pinter Prize (2023).
• He has taught children’s literature in university programs since the early 1990s.

Snapshot Facts

Is Michael Rosen Still Alive? Understanding His Health Journey

Michael Rosen is alive as of 2025. He continues to write, teach, and perform. His health became a topic of widespread concern in 2020 when he was hospitalized with COVID-19. He spent 47 days in intensive care and faced a long recovery, which he later chronicled in the 2021 book Many Different Kinds of Love: A Story of Life, Death and the NHS. The same period is explored in his subsequent memoir Getting Better (2023), which reflects on illness, recovery, and life lessons.

Rosen’s official website and his verified X account confirm that he remains active in public speaking, university teaching, and social media engagement through 2024 and into 2025. Occasional unconfirmed rumors on social media about declining health are false; his verified channels consistently show ongoing activity.

How Did the Michael Rosen ‘NICE’ and Chocolate Cake Memes Start?

The “NICE” Phenomenon

Rosen is frequently associated online with the word “nice,” often clipped from videos of his expressive storytelling style. The meme became particularly popular on TikTok and YouTube, where short loops of Rosen saying “nice” in his distinctive voice spread widely. While no single origin video is formally credited, the meme reflects a rare case of a children’s author becoming a viral figure among Gen Z audiences.

Chocolate Cake Poem

“Chocolate Cake” is one of Rosen’s best-loved performance pieces. The poem, which describes a child’s secret indulgence in a chocolate cake, has been filmed and recorded multiple times. It is listed on IMDb as a short performance piece and is highlighted on his official website as a favorite in his live-show repertoire. The poem’s energetic rhythm and relatable subject have made it a staple of school visits and online videos.

Together, the “NICE” meme and the “Chocolate Cake” performance have introduced Rosen to a new generation of readers and viewers. His official YouTube channel, Kids’ Poems and Stories With Michael Rosen, features many such readings and has hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

What Books and Poems Has Michael Rosen Written?

Early Work and Breakthrough

Rosen’s first poetry collection for children, Mind Your Own Business, was published in 1974. He quickly gained attention with humorous verse collections such as Wouldn’t You Like to Know, You Tell Me, and Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here. His collaborative picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, became a global classic.

Notable Titles

• Michael Rosen’s Sad Book (2004)
• Carrying the Elephant (2002)
• This Is Not My Nose (2004)
• All About Me (2009)
• Many Different Kinds of Love (2021)
• Getting Better (2023)

Academic Works

Beyond children’s literature, Rosen has written about education and literacy, drawing on his experience as a professor. He has taught children’s literature since the early 1990s, served as a visiting professor at Birkbeck, University of London, and since September 2014 has held the position of Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Where Can I Find Michael Rosen Online?

Michael Rosen maintains an active and accessible online presence. His official website includes a biography, news, and links to his books. He runs a popular YouTube channel featuring readings and storytelling. On X (formerly Twitter), his verified account @MichaelRosenYes posts updates, opinions, and interactions with fans.

He is also listed on Wikipedia and Britannica, where detailed biographies can be found. For academic context, his faculty page on Goldsmiths, University of London confirms his professorship. Additional background on his COVID-19 hospitalization and the NHS response is available through the UK National Health Service website.

Timeline of a Remarkable Life

1. 1946: Born in Harrow, Middlesex.
2. 1970s: Begins writing children’s books.
3. 1989: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt published.
4. 2007–2009: Appointed Children’s Laureate.
5. 2010s: “Chocolate Cake” poem gains significant popularity.
6. 2017: “NICE” meme originates from a video of Rosen saying “nice.”
7. 2020: Hospitalized with COVID-19; recovers after six weeks.
8. 2021: Publishes Many Different Kinds of Love.
9. 2024–2025: Continues active public speaking, university teaching, and social media activity.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

Context and Analysis: A Cultural Bridge

The “NICE” meme represents a rare case of a children’s author becoming a viral phenomenon on TikTok and YouTube, driving renewed interest in his poetry book A Great Big Cuddle. His COVID-19 experience is notable for the public honesty with which he shared his recovery, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted public figure. Rosen’s dual role as an entertainer (poetry readings) and academic (children’s literature professor) gives him unique authority in discussions about literacy and education.

Sources and Quotes

“I am Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.”

— Michael Rosen, official website biography

“I can’t tell you how delicious it was.”

— From the poem “Chocolate Cake”

“Hostile anonymous tweeters may be blocked…”

— Michael Rosen’s X profile disclaimer

Biographical details in this article draw from Wikipedia, Britannica, and Rosen’s own official site.

Summary: A Living Icon of Words and Wit

Michael Rosen continues to be a vital figure in children’s literature, a survivor whose health struggles have only deepened his public trust, and an internet phenomenon whose “NICE” meme has introduced his work to millions of new readers. His career as author, professor, and broadcaster exemplifies how literary authority and digital culture can intersect meaningfully.

Frequently Asked Questions