As children across the globe don costumes from Little Red Riding Hood to Harry Potter for World Book Day, a stark warning has been issued by one of Britain's most cherished authors. Sir Michael Morpurgo, the former Children's Laureate and author of over 150 books, believes that a single day dedicated to reading is insufficient. In an exclusive interview, he advocates for making every day a book day, emphasizing the transformative power of stories in an age dominated by screens.
The Timeless Value of Reading
Sir Michael, 82, whose beloved works include War Horse and Cobweb, compares books to apples, quipping that they "keep the doctor away." His latest release, Black Beauty: A Retelling, illustrated by Tom de Freston, continues his legacy of enchanting young readers. He praises World Book Day as a wonderful initiative that awakens families and schools to the world of literature, but stresses that focus should extend far beyond one annual event.
"I am a writer, a reader, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather," Morpurgo shares. "I really do know that the way to a child's heart is through a story. Books are where we should start with children. Start reading to them young, and it instills a habit that will give them a lifetime of joy and learning. And to read a book to a child, well it's one of the greatest acts of love you can engage in."
A Life Dedicated to Literature and Charity
Morpurgo's contributions to children's literature are monumental. Serving as Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005, he was awarded an OBE in 2006 and knighted in 2018. He resides on a farm in rural Devon with his wife Clare, where they run the charity Farms For City Children. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the charity has welcomed an incredible 100,000 children for immersive farm residentials, offering unique learning experiences away from urban environments.
During the interview, Clare sat beside Michael, gently bickering about their family count—they settled on eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Michael admits that Clare reads to the little Morpurgos more often than he does, highlighting the communal aspect of storytelling.
Books as Pathways to Knowledge and Understanding
For Morpurgo, every book is a voyage of discovery. "There is nothing like a book that takes you on a pathway to two things that are really important in our lives," he explains. "One is knowledge and the other is understanding. As children grow and start reading independently, they follow their own interests, but books can guide them in new directions. In a book, you can travel to any part of the world, become a character in a story, and learn about people who aren't like you. In a diverse world, that's crucial."
The Jealousy of a Prolific Author
Despite his success, Morpurgo confesses to feeling jealous of other authors. "If I read something, particularly a book written for children, and I haven't thought of it first and it's really good, then I'm thinking, 'Oh dear, why didn't I think of that?'" he says. "And if I read one that is not good, well… that makes me quite cross. I'm very concerned with the enjoyment of children in reading. I think a book that doesn't work can put you off very, very easily."
The Corrosive Impact of Screen Time
Morpurgo issues a poignant warning to modern parents about the dangers of excessive screen time. "Phones are corrosive," he asserts. "Children copy what their parents love… so if a parent is on their phone the whole time, the child will want to be too. My advice? Head outside with a football instead. Or pop the phone away and pick up a book to enjoy together."
He also reveals a personal preference for newspapers over books, stating, "I am much more of a newspaper reader than one of books." Clare, his wife, is an avid book reader, often reading for both of them. Reflecting on his childhood, Morpurgo recalls starting with comics like the Beano and the Dandy, and he delights in seeing his grandchildren enjoy similar publications today. "We've come full circle, which is rather lovely," he muses.
In conclusion, Sir Michael Morpurgo's message is clear: while World Book Day is a valuable celebration, the habit of reading should be nurtured daily. By prioritizing books over screens, parents can foster a lifelong love of learning and connection in their children.
