Michael Morpurgo – An Eagle in the Snow

Event sponsored by St Francis School and Hiscox

The nation’s favourite storyteller and award-winning children’s writer Michael Morpurgo was born in 1943 and is author of 130 books. His latest, at the time of going to print, is An Eagle In The Snow. His most famous story, War Horse, became the biggest-selling production ever at the New London Theatre and a Hollywood film directed by Steven Spielberg.

An Eagle in the SnowIt was only when Michael started working as a teacher that he discovered that he loved reading stories to children. They seemed to love it too. When it comes to writing however, Michael enjoys the daydreaming element, until the story hatches. Less so the getting-it-all-down part. He gives thanks to the late Ted Hughes, who was his good friend and neighbour, for helping and encouraging him to write.

Michael’s stories have consistent themes, often featuring war, animals, journeys or quests and sometimes family hardship or upset. Some of these ideas come from his own chequered experiences of life.

He and his wife Clare, both awarded the MBE for services to youth, have run a charity for 40 years with three farms which are open to inner city school children. Over 90,000 children have visited to date.