Michael Rosen, the famous author behind the classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt, was set to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy. The 79-year-old writer had been shortlisted for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest honors in children’s literature.
But instead of arriving at the event, Rosen was turned away at the airport gate due to a technical rule involving his passport.
Michael Rosen, children's author, during the 2019 Hay Festival on May 25, 2019 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales.Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images
He explained what happened: “I go through the check-in and I go through security and I go through all that, finally get to the gate and present my passport and ticket.”
The rule requires that passports must be issued less than 10 years before the date of entry, even if the expiry date is still valid.
“Well, there’s a simple reason for that: because I was a guest, I didn’t see any travel documents. They just sent me a ticket which I then popped into my wallet on my phone,” he added.
Although he missed the event, Rosen’s day took a surprising turn when he received a phone call after returning home.
The award recognizes a lifetime of achievement in children’s literature, making it a major milestone in Rosen’s long career. He has written more than 200 books and is widely respected as a storyteller, poet, and educator.
Ha! I’ve just been refused entry onto a plane from Stansted to Bologna because my passport issue date is March 2016. The expiry date is August 2026 but the rule is 10 years from issue date. Another Brexit benefit. Apparently. Go home now.
— Michael Rosen ???? NICE 爷爷 (@MichaelRosenYes) April 13, 2026Rosen also noted that because the trip was arranged for him, he did not lose money from the incident.
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