2024 • Joseph Coelho

THE 2024 PHILIPPA PEARCE LECTURE will given by Joseph Coelho and will be entitled: Creativity Through Poetry.

The multi-talented Joesph Coelho is a poet, performer, and playwright. As well as volumes of much-loved children’s poetry, his work includes the Luna Loves picture books, the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, and a YA verse novel, The Girl Who Became a Tree. He is also known for being a wonderful advocate for poetry – for making it accessible for all, for celebrating creativity and storytelling, and for inspiring young people to explore the world of books and writing.

In 2022 Joseph became the 12th Children’s Laureate. Stepping into the role, he said that he wanted to celebrate the power of poetry, showcase new authors and illustrators to diversify bookshelves, and inspire bookmakers of the future.

We are absolutely delighted that Joseph will be taking the stage for this, the 15th Philippa Pearce Memorial Lecture.

The 2024 Philippa Pearce Lecture
with Joseph Coelho
5.00 pm • 11th April
Mary Allan Building, Homerton College, Cambridge, CB2 8PH


Wine reception with book signing
Extensive bookshop run by the acclaimed Norfolk Children’s Book Centre
Special Library Exhibition

4.30 pm – Doors open 
5–6 pm – Lecture
6–7 pm – Reception, book signing and bookshop

Admission to both lecture and reception are free. The event is supported by Homerton College and also by personal donations. Please consider making a small donation, by clicking the red donation box on the booking form.