Here are 15 facts about Michael Morpurgo, the famous English children’s author.
- Michael Morpurgo was born on 5th October 1943 in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
- He has written over 100 books. Private Peaceful was his 100th title.
- After graduating from university, Michael became a primary school teacher in Kent.
- He writes all of his books in exercise books. He doesn’t work on a desk, instead he sits on his bed, propped up with pillows.
- His favourite animals are elephants.
- Some of his favourite authors include: Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling and Ted Hughes.
- He dislikes the process of editing and rewriting.
- Michael Morpurgo enjoys watching TV. He particularly likes documentaries.
- Michael set up the Farms for City Children project with his wife, Clare. It gives deprived urban children a chance to work on a farm and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in the countryside.
- Michael was given an OBE in 2006.
- In 2003 he became the Children’s Laureate, becoming the third person to fulfill the role.
- He has three children: Sebastian, Horatio and Rosalind, and several grandchildren.
- He likes listening to Mozart, but he can only write in a silent room.
- Michael loved French at school and he went on to study this subject at university.
- He likes eating prawns.
Books by Michael Morpurgo
Here is a list of some of Michael’s most well-known books.
- Private Peaceful
- The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
- Cool!
- Out of the Ashes
- Kensuke’s Kingdom
- The Butterfly Lion
- The Wreck of the Zanzibar
- Tom’s Sausage Lion
- Why the Whales Came
- War Horse
- Not Bad for a Bad Lad
What next? Discover some more information about Michael Morpurgo’s writing methods.