The big read

Why literature should come before literacy

Michael Morpurgo has just been made the new Children's Laureate, a position which recognises the author's efforts to encourage children to read.

He'll follow in the steps of illustrator Quentin Blake and Anne Fine; both held the position for two years.

Michael Morpurgo has written more than 90 books which have been translated into 26 languages,

He also won the Children's Book Award in 2000 and the Whitbread children's book award.

Michael Morpurgo joined Natasha and Bill in the studio this morning, you can see that item by clicking on the link further down the page

Morpurgo's appointment to Children's Laureate coincides with the an initiative by the BBC to celebrate reading.

The Big Read highlights the nation's love of reading and is searching for the narion's best loved work of fiction.

You can find out more about The Big Read by clicking on the link below. On May 17, the top 100 books will be announced.

Click here to go straight to The Big Read website

We also heard from Hannah Beckerman who is involved in The Big Read project, click on the link below to see that interview

Click here to see Michael Morpurgo and Hannah Beckerman

Some of Morpurgo's most popular novels include Kensuke's Kingdom, Out of the Ashes, Why the Whales Came and The Butterfly Lion.

Why the Whales Came was made into a film starring Helen Mirren and Out of the Ashes was adapted for television.

In 1999 Michael was awarded an MBE with his wife Clare for their charitable work with Farms for City Children, the charity they founded 30 years ago. He says: "Quentin and Anne had the right idea. The best way is to be yourself and do what you do best.

"So I shall tell my stories wherever I go, far and wide, in this country and abroad, to teachers, to parents, to children and to anyone who is interested, to show that literature comes before literacy."

The judges for the Children's Laureate considered nominations from children and a range of organisations representing libraries, critics, writers and booksellers. 53 authors and illustrators were nominated.