Michael Morpurgo gets knighthood for services to literature and charity

Published on: 04 January 2018

Michael Morpurgo, President of BookTrust and author of over 100 books for children, has received a knighthood in the recent New Year Honours list.

Sir Michael Morpurgo is the current President of BookTrust and was Children's Laureate from 2003-2005. 

He is the author of over 100 books for children, many of which have gone on to win awards. These include The Wreck of the Zanzibar, The Butterfly Lion, Kensuke's Kingdom and Private Peaceful. 

Five of his books have been made into films, including the much-loved War Horse, which went on to be directed by Steven Spielberg after a sell-out run as a theatre production.

Currently, the V&A Museum of Childhood in London has a showcase of Morpurgo's manuscripts and notebooks on display until late February.

'A love of stories'

On hearing the news, Michael Morpurgo said: 

'Well, how extraordinary. We all know that any kind of success we might have in our lives is because of the people who have helped us on the way. So, my mother who first gave me a love of stories by reading to me in bed at night, Ted Hughes who encouraged me to write and go on writing at a time when it seemed rather hopeless, and Clare, my wife, who set up Farms for City Children with me, and who has supported me and inspired me throughout my writing life are the people who have been the mainstays of my life.

But I have to say that I have been inspired both in the work we have done with Farms for City Children and in my writing, by children, both by their needs and their enthusiasm.'

Our CEO Diana Gerald added:

'I’m delighted to hear the wonderful news that Michael Morpurgo is receiving a knighthood for his services to literature and charity. I can’t think of anyone who more deserves a knighthood than Michael, not only for all the incredible books he has written over so many years that have delighted so many children (and adults) but also for all the work he does for so many charities, including Farms for City Children and as President of BookTrust.'