Main reading - Joke van Leeuwen

Joke van Leeuwen is a legend in Dutch poetry and (children's) literature, and we are thrilled that she is coming to Rotterdam especially for the Poetry International Festival! This versatile writer, poet, and illustrator consistently moves her audience with her playful, poetic style. Whether it’s for adults or children, Joke surprises time and again with her unique wordplay and imaginative language. This is an opportunity to hear her perform live and experience her enchanting words in person during this reading, hosted by Jelle van Riet. 

Joke van Leeuwen

Joke van Leeuwen (1952) is a writer, poet, illustrator, and performer. Her work effortlessly spans across novels, poetry, and children's books, and has been translated into multiple languages. With her playful and poetic style, she manages to resonate with both young and adult readers. Her novels, such as Feest van het begin (winner of the AKO Literature Prize 2013) and Hier (2018), have received widespread acclaim. Her children's books, including Toen ik (winner of the Silver Griffel 2018), have also been highly praised. In addition to writing and illustrating, she regularly performs her work.