Reading Michael Morpurgo

Posted by Helen Brain Oct 8, 2008

British children's writer, Michael Morpurgo's memoir, 'Singing for Mrs Pettigrew', (Walker Books 2007) is a blend of short stories and reflections on what inspired them. He is one of Britain's most successful writers, has published over a hundred books and has won numerous awards. He was also Children's Laureate between 2003 and 2005.

There is one story in the collection that is striking in its masterly use of emotion to make a point without descending into sentimentality or becoming maudlin. 'My one and only great escape' is the story of how, as a young boy, the desperately homesick Morpurgo runs away from boarding school. He is picked up on the road by an elderly woman and her dog. She takes him home, dries his clothes, feeds him buns, and then tells him something so wise that going back to school seems bearable.

She drops him off at the school gates, he is back just in time to not get in trouble and he is able to face the rest of the term.

It's a wonderful story. Morpurgo has remembered in touching detail how it felt to be homesick and alone. I think it's this kind of emotional authenticity that makes the very best writing for children.

ISBN 978-1-4063-0574-6