"Children’s books are absolutely vital in capturing young imaginations and encouraging literacy and learning.

Sharing stories with family and friends is a great way of bringing children and books together and providing pleasure and stimulation for all involved.

Deaf children often miss out on this valuable social and educational experience and the fun and enjoyment of sharing stories.

The possibility of a national bank of easily accessible signed stories enabling deaf children to share the very best of children’s literature with their hearing peers and providing advice and support for parents is tremendously exciting.

As Children’s Laureate I am delighted to give my support to Signed Stories, an important and timely project which has the potential to change lives."

Michael Rosen is a children’s novelist, poet and author of more than 140 books. As a University of Oxford graduate, Rosen has played a key role in opening up children’s access to poetry. His first book of poems called Mind Your Own Business was released in 1974 and he has since obtained a PhD from the University of North London. He became the fifth Children’s Laureate in 2007.