Meet Michael
Sir Michael Morpurgo is the author of more than 150 children’s books, selling over 35 million copies worldwide. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children’s Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Described as the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael often tells tales of animals and conflict with themes of courage, determination and friendship.
Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children which since its inception has provided tens of thousands of children from inner city areas with experience of the countryside and inspired many of Michael’s stories including the Tales from the Farm collections of short stories for younger readers; it will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
