Date of Birth: October 5, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Michael Morpurgo, born Michael Andrew Bridge on October 5, 1943, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, is a prolific and beloved British author, poet, and playwright. Known primarily for his children’s literature, Morpurgo has written more than 130 books, among which the most famous is “War Horse,” which was adapted into a highly successful stage play and a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Morpurgo’s early life was marked by displacement due to World War II. His father, Tony Van Bridge, left the family when Michael was young, and his mother later married Jack Morpurgo, who adopted Michael and gave him his surname. Educated at King’s College, London, Morpurgo initially pursued a career in teaching. His experiences as a teacher inspired him to write stories for children. In 1976, Michael and his wife, Clare, founded the charity Farms for City Children, which allows urban children to experience life on a farm. This initiative reflects Morpurgo’s deep love for the countryside and his belief in the therapeutic power of nature for children. His literary career is decorated with numerous awards, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize, and the Blue Peter Book Award. In 2003, he was appointed Children’s Laureate in the UK, a role he used to advocate for children’s literature and literacy.
5 Interesting Facts about Michael Morpurgo
1. Michael Morpurgo was knighted in 2018 for his services to literature and charity.
2. His novel “War Horse” has been translated into over 30 languages.
3. Morpurgo collaborated with British composer Benjamin Britten on a children’s opera.
4. He was inspired to write “War Horse” after hearing the story of a soldier who had to shoot his horse during World War I.
5. Michael Morpurgo’s mother was an actress, and his stepfather was the writer Jack Morpurgo, who influenced his literary career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Morpurgo
1. “It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.”
2. “Animals are sentient, intelligent creatures capable of great depth of feeling and emotion.”
3. “You cannot be a good writer of serious fiction if you are not depressed.”
4. “Stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions.”
5. “The best stories are those that have stayed close to the earth.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Michael Morpurgo is estimated to be around $1.5 million.
Children
Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare have three children: Sebastian, Horatio, and Rosalind.
Relevant Links
1. [Michael Morpurgo Official Website](https://www.michaelmorpurgo.com
2. [Michael Morpurgo Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Morpurgo
3. [War Horse Official Site](https://www.warhorseonstage.com
4. [Farms for City Children Charity](https://farmsforcitychildren.org
5. [Michael Morpurgo at the Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/books/michael-morpurgo
