He is one of Britain's most popular and best loved children's authors.

Eastern Daily Press: Childrens author Michael Rosen at the Lowestoft Marina Theatre performing to hundreds of youngsters from schools across the county.PHOTO: Nick ButcherChildrens author Michael Rosen at the Lowestoft Marina Theatre performing to hundreds of youngsters from schools across the county.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

And today (Wednesday) about 1,500 children and teachers were treated to an audience with poet and novelist Michael Rosen, as he performed as part of the Children's Bookshow tour of the country.

The former Children's Laureate entertained schoolchildren from across Suffolk at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre during two fully-booked sessions.

Youngsters in years three, four and five from across the county were given the treat of poetry in performance, throughout an action-packed hour.

And as laughter echoed out around the Marina Theatre auditorium, there was time to take questions from the enthusiastic youngsters and even complete the Rosen rap before signing books and meeting the children and teachers afterwards.

Eastern Daily Press: Childrens author Michael Rosen at the Lowestoft Marina Theatre performing to hundreds of youngsters from schools across the county.PHOTO: Nick ButcherChildrens author Michael Rosen at the Lowestoft Marina Theatre performing to hundreds of youngsters from schools across the county.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

As one of the best-known figures in the children's book world, Mr Rosen is renowned for his work as a poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter. He has been involved with more than 140 books, and has published numerous poetry collections, picture books and anthologies.

A passionate advocate of children's reading, Mr Rosen was delighted to be part of the Children's Bookshow – which arranges an annual tour of children's authors and illustrators.

On his first visit to Lowestoft, Mr Rosen said: 'I hope this can inspire the children, and if they go away after hearing this show to read more and learn more about poetry then that is great.'

With more than 270 pupils from key stage two at St Margaret's Primary Academy in Lowestoft engrossed in the morning show,

Library manager Lesley Gooch said: 'It has been a great day. To get to see Mr Rosen and have books signed as well was amazing. He was just so funny.'

Among the year five pupils at the academy in Church Road who met Mr Rosen were Charlie A, Charlie C, Maisie, Chloe and Libby. They said it was a 'very funny, amazing' show and Libby, nine, added: 'It was awe-inspiring.'