Inkspots with Michael Morpurgo | How To Academy

Sat, 19 June 2021

10:00 am - 10:45 am GMT

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Inkspots with Michael Morpurgo

Author of Song of Gladness

Former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo joins us to share a story of harmony and hope as we emerge from lockdown and step into summer.

Michael Morpurgo’s books have captured the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. From the moving story of Joey’s journey home in War Horse, to Michael’s voyage around the world in Kensuke’s Kingdom, Michael’s books transport readers to new lands and fill our minds with new ideas.

When normal life stopped still last year and the rush of life slowed down, many of us began to take more notice of our environment. Inspired by these events, Michael’s new book is a celebration of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

It tells the story of a blackbird who begins to sing a special song. Before long, the melody sweeps around the globe and creatures of all kinds on all continents join in.

‘So I sang, we all sang, sang away our sadness. In every house and flat and cottage, we clapped and sang, in every shelter and tent, in every palace and hospital and prison. And they heard and we heard, our song of gladness echoing about us, in glorious harmony across the universe.’

Join the beloved author for a live reading from this a classic in the making. This is the perfect event not only for animal loving children, but anyone of any age who has experienced a greater appreciation for nature over the last year.

 

Inkspots is a new series of free, weekly livestream events connecting young minds with their favourite authors and storytellers. Join live on Saturday mornings or watch a replay at your leisure.

This event is held in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills to succeed in life. You can find out more about their work, access their resources and donate here.

Cover copyright © Emily Gravett, Two Hoots, 2021

Michael Morpurgo

Author and Former Children’s Laureate

Michael Morpurgo is the former Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of over 150 books, including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Butterfly Lion, and War Horse. In 1976, Michael and his wife, Clare, started the charity Farms for City Children which offers children and teachers from urban primary schools the chance to live and work in the countryside for a week, and gain hands-on experience. Michael received a Knighthood in 2018.

Hannah MacInnes

Journalist and Broadcaster

Hannah MacInnes is a broadcaster and journalist. Alongside hosting How To Academy’s live programmes and podcast, she presents a cultural show on Times Radio and interviews on-stage at a number of other major literary events. She is the host of The Klosters Forum Podcast series and has written for the Radio Times, the Evening Standard and TLS. Before going freelance she worked for 8 years at BBC Newsnight, as Planning Editor and as a Producer / Filmmaker.