Michael Morpurgo Declines to Offer Advice at Children’s Book Signings

Sir Michael Morpurgo, a celebrated children’s author, has chosen not to provide advice to young readers during book signings. The 82-year-old author, renowned for literary works such as “War Horse,” “The Butterfly Lion,” and “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” believes it is crucial for children to navigate their own paths.

Refusal to Offer Advice

During his interactions with children at signings, Morpurgo frequently receives requests for guidance. However, he emphasizes the importance of self-discovery. “One of the things I’ve learned in my grand old age is not to give advice,” he remarked, stressing that letting children find their own way is vital.

Reflection on Childhood and Education

Morpurgo, who began his career as a primary school teacher, expresses concern about the educational environment in the UK. He notes that children are often assessed by their results, which can undermine their sense of self-worth. “We judge them by results constantly,” he stated. He believes that children must feel valuable and heard in order to thrive.

Impact of Grandparenthood

Becoming a grandparent and great-grandparent has transformed Morpurgo’s perspective. He acknowledges the learning that comes from these relationships. “It’s good to feel that one is going on learning,” he noted. His great-grandchildren, in particular, have taught him about emotional openness.

Learning from Young Generations

Morpurgo highlights that today’s youth are more expressive than previous generations. They tend to demonstrate their feelings openly, using gestures and behaviors rather than just words. “They’re much more open-hearted than we are,” he explained, urging older generations to learn from their honesty.

Literary Contributions and Concerns

In addition to his literary achievements, Morpurgo served as the third Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and is the current President of BookTrust, the UK’s largest reading charity. His advocacy for reading is underscored by troubling statistics: half of UK adults do not read regularly, and only one in three children enjoy reading during their free time, marking the lowest levels recorded.

• Morpurgo’s notable works:
  • “War Horse”
  • “The Butterfly Lion”
  • “Kensuke’s Kingdom”
• Key statistics:
  • 50% of UK adults do not read regularly.
  • Only one in three children enjoys reading in their free time.

“Books give you time to discover yourself and the world around you,” Morpurgo concluded. He warns against the dangers of replacing reading with quick distractions from screens, emphasizing the value of thoughtful engagement with literature.