Michael Rosen's Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again
Age 5+
Picture Storybooks
A powerful and personal story from one of Britain's best-loved authors about his recovery from coronavirus.
After being admitted to hospital in 2020 with coronavirus, Michael Rosen had to learn to walk again. With the support of doctors and nurses and a walking stick he names "Sticky McStickstick", he manages to embark on the slow steps to recovery. This moving picture book from the former Children's Laureate, with illustrations from Tony Ross, tells a story of perseverance and hope, and is a testament to the importance of overcoming fear and learning to accept help.
Creators
Michael Rosen is one of the most popular authors for children; his bestselling titles published by Walker Books include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book. A popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and multi-award-winning poet, Michael was appointed the Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London. He lives in London.
Tony Ross is a multi-award-winning creator of children's books. As well as illustrating his own books and the Dr Zargle series, written with Jeanne Willis, he has illustrated books for authors such as Roald Dahl, Paula Danziger and Michael Palin.
Reviews
Both powerful and personal, this offers reassurance on recovery from illness and building resilience.
The Bookseller
[Michael Rosen] is open and honest about how the experiences feel, allowing children and families to have a space in which to talk about difficult topics.
BookTrust
It manages to be funny as well as moving.
The Sunday Times & The Sunday Times Ireland
Few writers and illustrators could make geriatric, post-Covid rehab a jolly subject for a children’s story; this being Rosen and Ross, miraculously, they more than manage it.
The Times
This astonishing capacity to address pain with humour is what gave rise to his new book: Sticky McStickstick a picture book written with levity that nevertheless prompts a lump in the throat.
Books for Keeps
