The 5-minute Interview: Michael Rosen, Poet and author

'I'm interested in children's books, but I'm not childish'

After several decades at the forefront of children's literature, Michael Rosen, 61, was appointed Children's Laureate in June last year. He is currently supporting Book Trust's Big Picture campaign. From 17 April the Book Trust will host an exhibition at London's Illustration Cupboard.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Having lunch over the road from Broadcasting House.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Bliss". It's just my general approving noise. I tend to say it while eating or drinking or things like that.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Human rights.

The most surprising thing to happen to me was...

Having more children at the age I am. I have a seven-year-old and a three-year-old.

A common misconception of me is...

That because I'm interested in childhood and children's literature, I must be childish.

I am not a politician but...

If I were, I'd start where the 1945 Labour Party left off.

I'm good at...

Performing my own poems. I usually do it four times a week.

I'm very bad at...

Drawing. I discovered I was pretty bad aged about 14.

The ideal night out is...

Going to the theatre and for a meal with my wife.

In moments of weakness I...

Watch football. I support Arsenal, which is becoming a little distressing.

You know me as a poet and an author but in a truer life I'd have been...

An actor or a farmer.

The best age to be is...

The age you are because that's the reality check you have to do every day.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

"Another world is possible". I've heard it in various forms over the past five years, often connected with anti-globalisation.