Michael Morpurgo Biography
Michael Morpurgo is a famous English librettist, poet, playwright, and book author well known for his children’s novel War Horse (1982). However, his work is noted for its “magical storytelling”, for recurring themes such as the triumph of an outsider or survival, for characters’ relationships with nature, and for vivid settings such as the Cornish coast or World War I. Morpurgo also became the third Children’s Laureate, from 2003 to 2005.
Morpurgo is important is because of his commitment to addressing important social issues in his writing. Many of his books deal with themes such as war, poverty, and the environment, and he has used his platform as a writer to raise awareness about these issues and inspire readers to take action.
He has also written over 130 books for children, and his work has been translated into more than 50 languages. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award. In addition, he served as the Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, an honor that recognizes an author’s contribution to children’s literature.
10 Quick Facts About Michael Morpurgo
- Name: Michael Morpurgo
- Age: 80 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 5 October
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 m)
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Librettist, Poet, Playwright, and Book Author
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $5 million
Michael Morpurgo Age
Morpurgo is 80 years old as of 2023, he was born on 5 October 1943, in St Albans, United Kingdom. He celebrates his birthday on 5 October every year and his birth sign is Libra.
Michael Morpurgo Height
Morpurgo stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 m) tall.
Michael Morpurgo Weight
Morpurgo weighs 68 kg (150 lbs).
Michael Morpurgo Early Life and Education
Morpurgo was born on 5 October 1943 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, as Michael Andrew Bridge, the second child of actress Kippe Cammaerts, and actor Tony Van Bridge. Both RADA graduates, his parents had met when they were acting in the same repertory company in 1938. His father came from a working-class family, while Kippe came from a family of actors, opera singers, writers, and poets.
They were married in 1941 while Van Bridge, having been called up in 1939 and by then stationed in Scotland, was on leave from the army. His brother Pieter was born in 1942. When Morpurgo was born the following year, his father was stationed in Baghdad.
Morpurgo thereafter went to study at King’s College London, reading English, French, and Philosophy, and graduated with a third-class degree. He also joined the teaching profession with a job at Wickhambreaux Primary School in Canterbury, Kent. In 1968, HE briefly taught at St. Faith’s School in Cambridge.
Michael Morpurgo Rise to Fame
Morpurgo’s rise to fame began in the 1970s when he started teaching at a primary school in Kent, England. While teaching, he discovered a passion for storytelling and began writing his own stories to share with his students.
In 1974, Morpurgo published his first book, “It Never Rained: Five Stories”, a collection of short stories for children. He continued to write, publishing several more books throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that he gained widespread recognition and success.
One of Morpurgo’s most popular and influential books is “War Horse”, which was published in 1982. The book tells the story of a horse named Joey and his experiences during World War I. In 2007, the book was adapted into a successful stage play, and in 2011, a film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg was released.
The success of “War Horse” brought Morpurgo to the attention of a wider audience, and he went on to publish many more successful books, including “Private Peaceful”, “Kensuke’s Kingdom”, and “The Butterfly Lion”. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and have won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award.
In addition to his writing, Morpurgo has been active in promoting literacy and children’s literature. He served as the Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and has worked with several literacy organizations to promote reading and writing among young people.
Michael Morpurgo Parents
Morpurgo was born in St Albans, United Kingdom as the son of the late Tony Van Bridge (father)British television actor, and Kippe Cammaerts (mother) an Actress.
Michael Morpurgo Siblings
Morpurgo spent his childhood alongside his two siblings; Shona Bridge, and Pieter Morpurgo.
Michael Morpurgo Wife
Morpurgo is currently married to his lovely wife Clare Morpurgo a philanthropist. The couple met the previous year on holiday in Corfu through Morpurgo’s stepfather, who was an editor at Penguin at the time. They did their wedding in 1963, and together they are blessed with three children; Sebastian Morpurgo, Horatio Morpurgo, and Rosalind Morpurgo.
Michael Morpurgo Children
Morpurgo together with his wife are proud parents of three children; Sebastian Morpurgo, Horatio Morpurgo, and Rosalind Morpurgo.
Michael Morpurgo Net Worth
Morpurgo has an estimated net worth of $5 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Librettist, Poet, Playwright, and Book Author. Through his various sources of income, Morpurgo has accumulated good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Michael Morpurgo Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Michael.
Michael Morpurgo Wiki
- Full Names: Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo
- Popular As: Michael Morpurgo
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Librettist, Poet, Playwright, and Book Author
- Nationality: British
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Michael Morpurgo Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 80 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Date of Birth: 5 October 1943
- Place of Birth: St Albans, United Kingdom
- Birthday: 5 October
Michael Morpurgo Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be Updated
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 m)
- Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs)
- Eye Color: Not Available
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
Michael Morpurgo Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Tony Van Bridge
- Mother: Kippe Cammaerts
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Shona Bridge, and Pieter Morpurgo
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Wife: Married to Clare Morpurgo
- Dating/Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sebastian Morpurgo, Horatio Morpurgo, Rosalind Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo Networth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Librettist, Poet, Playwright, and Book Author
Michael Morpurgo House and Cars
- Place of living: To be Updated
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated
Michael Morpurgo Career
Morpurgo is a British author, poet, and playwright who has written over 150 books, many of which are targeted at children and young adults. He was born on October 5, 1943, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
He started his career as a teacher but later switched to writing children’s books. His first book, “It Never Rained: Five Stories”, was published in 1974. He gained widespread recognition with his book “War Horse”, which was published in 1982 and was later adapted into a stage play and a movie.
Morpurgo’s books often deal with difficult subjects, such as war, loss, and social injustice, and are known for their emotional depth and strong storytelling. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the Smarties Prize, and the Blue Peter Book Award.
In addition to writing books, Morpurgo is also a champion of literacy and education and has worked with several organizations to promote reading and writing among young people. He was appointed as a Children’s Laureate in 2003 and served in the role until 2005.
Michael Morpurgo Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Worked as a teacher and then founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare.
Published his first book, “It Never Rained: Five Stories,” in 1974.
His most famous book, “War Horse,” was published in 1982 and was later adapted into a stage play and film.
He has written over 150 books for children and young adults.
In 2003, he was appointed Children’s Laureate, a position he held until 2005.
He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize, and the Blue Peter Book Award.
He has traveled extensively to research his books, including to France, where he researched “Private Peaceful,” and to Afghanistan, where he researched “Shadow.”
He has also been involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Children’s Hospice Southwest and the Devon Wildlife Trust.
Michael Morpurgo Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Morpurgo and his wife, Clare, founded Farms for City Children in 1976. The charity aims to provide urban children with the opportunity to experience life on a working farm. The charity now has three farms in the UK and has welcomed over 100,000 children.
In 2018, Morpurgo was instrumental in creating The War Horse Memorial, which commemorates the millions of horses, mules, and donkeys that served and died in World War I. The memorial also raises funds for the welfare of animals in the UK.
Morpurgo is a patron of the Children’s Hospice Southwest, a charity that provides hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Morpurgo is also a patron of the Devon Wildlife Trust, a charity that works to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Devon.
Morpurgo has been involved in various community initiatives, including the West Country Writers’ Association, which he founded to support and encourage young writers in the South West of England.
Morpurgo is a former president of the RNLI, a charity that saves lives at sea.
Michael Morpurgo War Horse
“War Horse” is a novel by Michael Morpurgo that was first published in 1982. The book tells the story of a horse named Joey, who is sold to the British Army during World War I and is sent to the Western Front in France. Joey’s experiences during the war are told through his own perspective, as well as through the perspectives of the soldiers who care for him and the people he encounters along the way.
The book has been praised for its vivid and emotional portrayal of the experiences of soldiers and horses during the war, and for its themes of loyalty, courage, and friendship. It has also been criticized by some for its anthropomorphism of animals and its romanticized portrayal of war.
“War Horse” has been adapted into a successful stage play, which premiered in London in 2007 and has since been performed in numerous countries around the world. The play, which uses puppetry to bring the horses to life, has won multiple awards and has been seen by millions of people.
In 2011, a film adaptation of “War Horse” was released, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one for Best Cinematography.
Michael Morpurgo Books
- Boy Giant: Son of Gulliver
- The Day the World Stopped Turning (2019)
- In The Mouth of the Wolf (2018)
- Flamingo Boy (2018)
- An Eagle in the Snow (2016)
- The Fox and the Ghost King (The Timeless Tale Of An Impossible Dream) (2016)
- Such Stuff: A Story-Maker’s Inspiration (2016)
- Mini Kid (2014)
- Listen to the Moon (2014)
- Half a Man (2014)
- All I Said Was (2014)
- The Goose is Getting Fat (2013)
- Pinocchio By Pinocchio (2013)
- Beauty And The Beast (2013)
- A Medal For Leroy (2012)
- Where My Wellies Take Me (with Clare Morpurgo) (2012)
Michael Morpurgo Kensuke’s Kingdom
“Kensuke’s Kingdom” is a novel by British author Michael Morpurgo. It was first published in 1999 and has since become a popular children’s book.
The story is about a boy named Michael who is sailing around the world with his parents on their yacht, the Peggy Sue. However, one night Michael is swept overboard during a storm and ends up stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. He discovers that he is not alone on the island, as he soon encounters a Japanese man named Kensuke who has been living there for many years.
Kensuke is initially hostile towards Michael, but the two gradually develop a friendship as Kensuke teaches Michael survival skills and helps him to adapt to life on the island. Michael also learns about Kensuke’s past, including his experiences as a soldier during World War II.
Eventually, Michael is rescued and returns home to England, but he never forgets Kensuke and the lessons he learned on the island. The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and the impact of war on individuals and society.
Michael Morpurgo Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- In 2003, Morpurgo was appointed the third Children’s Laureate in the UK, a position he held for two years. The laureateship is awarded every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children’s books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field.
- Many of Morpurgo’s books have been adapted into movies, including “War Horse” which was adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- : Morpurgo has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the Blue Peter Book Award, and the Smarties Prize. In 2005, he was awarded the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to children’s literature.
- Morpurgo is a co-founder, along with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children, which provides inner-city children with the opportunity to live and work on farms in the countryside. The charity has helped over 100,000 children since it was founded in 1976.
- Morpurgo’s books have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. His writing has inspired generations of children and adults alike, and his legacy in children’s literature is secure.
Michael Morpurgo Legacy
One of Morpurgo’s greatest legacies is the vast body of work he has created over the course of his career. With over 150 books to his name, Morpurgo has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, inspiring countless children and adults with his powerful, moving stories.
His legacy also includes his advocacy for children’s rights. Through his writing, he has highlighted issues such as child labor, poverty, and war, drawing attention to the struggles faced by children around the world. His work has helped to raise awareness of these issues and inspire action to address them.
Michael Morpurgo Anecdotes
Morpurgo’s most famous book, “War Horse,” was inspired by a chance encounter he had with a veteran of World War I who had worked with horses during the war. The veteran told Morpurgo about the strong bond he had developed with his horse, and this inspired Morpurgo to write a story about a young boy and his horse during the war.
Morpurgo has a long-standing connection to the theatre, and many of his books have been adapted for the stage. In fact, his wife, Clare, is a former actress and the couple founded a touring theatre company, which was the inspiration for Farms for City Children.
Morpurgo’s own family history has inspired some of his writing, including “The Mozart Question,” which was inspired by his own family’s experience of the Holocaust.
Morpurgo is known for his immersive approach to writing, often visiting the locations where his books are set to get a sense of the place and the people who live there. For example, he spent time on a Devon farm to research “Private Peaceful,” and he visited the battlefields of Flanders to research “War Horse.”
Michael Morpurgo Quotes
Michael Morpurgo Hobbies and Interests:
Walking and hiking: Morpurgo is an avid walker and often incorporates his love of nature into his writing. He has described walking as a way to clear his mind and connect with the natural world.
Theatre and music: Morpurgo has a deep appreciation for the arts and is a regular theatre-goer. He has also written plays and librettos for operas.
Reading: As a writer, it’s no surprise that Morpurgo is an avid reader. He has spoken about the importance of reading in his life and how it has shaped his worldview.
History: Many of Morpurgo’s books are historical fiction, and he has a keen interest in history. He has spoken about the importance of understanding the past to better understand the present.
Charity work: Morpurgo is a co-founder of the charity Farms for City Children, which provides inner-city children with the opportunity to spend time on a working farm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is a famous English librettist, poet, playwright, and book author well known for his children’s novel War Horse (1982). However, his work is noted for its “magical storytelling”, for recurring themes such as the triumph of an outsider or survival, for characters’ relationships with nature, and for vivid settings such as the Cornish coast or World War I. Morpurgo also became the third Children’s Laureate, from 2003 to 2005.
Morpurgo is a British national born on 5 October 1943, in St Albans, United Kingdom.
Morpurgo stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 m) tall.
Morpurgo is currently married to his lovely wife Clare Morpurgo a philanthropist.
Morpurgo has an approximate net worth of $5 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles as a Librettist, Poet, Playwright, and Book Author.
Details about Morpurgo salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Morpurgo is a resident of Devon, England, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
Morpurgo is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Morpurgo is the current President of BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity.
Michael Morpurgo Contacts
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