Michael started his career working as a teacher for a decade before becoming a full-time writer. Along with his wife Clare, he founded the charity Farms for City Children, which offers young children from urban areas the chance to spend time working on farms in the heart of the countryside.
His work is loved by both children and adults, and includes War Horse, a story inspired by a World War I veteran’s experiences – telling the story of the Great War from a horse’s viewpoint. The story was adapted into an award-winning play and acclaimed film by Steven Spielberg.
Michael has written over 150 books, many focusing on the themes of war, peace, nature, and the connections between animals and humans. His books have won several literature prizes and accolades, and many have been adapted for radio and stage plays, TV and films.
In 2018 he received a knighthood for his services to Literature and Charity. Michael is also the President of BookTrust.
Goals as Waterstones Children’s Laureate
Michael founded the Children’s Laureate role with his friend and mentor, the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. The laureateship was create to reward writers’ lifetime contribution to children’s literature and highlight the importance of the role of children’s books. Five years after conceiving the role Michael was announced as the Children’s Laureate for 2003 – 2005.
During his time in the role, Michael was keen to assert that ‘literature comes before literacy’. He toured extensively, visiting schools across the UK to encourage all children to rediscover the pleasure of reading and explore finding their own voice in creative writing.
