Joseph Coelho makes words something to hear as well as something to read. His poetry, picture books and stories offer children several ways to meet a writer, from listening quietly to trying a rhyme aloud. In 2026, his festival year included both family visits and school sessions.
Quick facts
Best known for
Poetry for children, the Luna Loves books and The Boy Lost in the Maze
Genre or subject
Poetry, picture books and fiction for young readers
Latest book
A Christmas Full of Poetry (2026), Wide Eyed Editions
Coelho is a poet, playwright, performer and author for young readers. He was Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024 and won the Carnegie Medal for The Boy Lost in the Maze. His work reaches from picture books to fiction for older readers, with the sound and rhythm of language running through it.
The Luna Loves books are made with illustrator Fiona Lumbers. They sit beside collections and stories that invite readers to discover what a poem can do. A family can begin with a familiar picture book; an older child may be ready for a longer story in verse. Both are ways into a writer whose work belongs in the voice as well as on the page.
A Christmas Full of Poetry, published by Wide Eyed Editions on 8 October 2026, offers poems for the days leading to Christmas. They are written to be spoken and read. Sharing a few aloud gives a family time with the language without turning the book into a task to finish.
Where to start with their books
Luna Loves Library Day
Luna’s visit to the library is also time with her dad, with stories opening a way to talk about their family. This first Luna Loves picture book is a gentle starting point for younger children who enjoy looking closely and sharing a story with an adult.
Overheard in a Tower Block
This poetry collection follows a childhood in a city tower block and makes space for anger, sadness and humour. Try it with a reader who likes a poem to recognise complicated feelings as well as play with words.
The Boy Lost in the Maze
A modern teenager’s search for his father echoes the story of Theseus in this novel in verse. It is a route for older readers who enjoy myth and a story told through poems, with choices and journeys connecting ancient and modern lives.
Festival appearances
For tickets, use the host festival’s official box office. Confirm the date, venue and access details before paying.
Edinburgh held Luna Loves the Festival with Lumbers at Venue NW on 15 August, then Rhyme After Rhyme with Shirley Hottier at Venue C on 29 August. These collaborations brought different makers of books into the room.
Where to see them next
No 2027 appearances announced yet. Check the festival guides for programme dates.
Plan your trip
Let your child choose a poem or a picture to spend time with before the visit. Read it together if they enjoy that, and leave room for them simply to listen in the room. A quiet child need not be persuaded to ask a question for an author outing to be worthwhile.
Teachers can make the booking easier by giving the festival the class’s age group, group size and access needs together. Families should check age guidance and adult accompaniment before paying. Leave enough time before the session for a snack and a calm arrival; the practical guide links below help with the rest of the day.
Were Joseph Coelho’s 2026 sessions all open to families?
Use the festival links on Joseph Coelho’s profile for the event’s own ticket and audience guidance.
Does a child have to join in?
Use the festival links on Joseph Coelho’s profile for the event’s own ticket and audience guidance.
Which book should we try first?
Start with the reader’s age and interests. The suggestions above span a picture book, a poetry collection and a verse novel. Let a child browse before deciding; finding the book they want to return to matters more than covering several titles.
How should a school book a visit?
Use the festival’s schools contact and give the age group and access needs clearly. Ask about arrival instructions and the space for a class. Check whether the session needs preparation or materials before building activities around the outing.
Where do I find future festival dates?
Use the festival links on Joseph Coelho’s profile for the event’s own ticket and audience guidance.
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