Michael Morpurgo entered the world in 1943, in the historic town of St. Albans, England, nestled just beyond the bustling streets of London. He spent his formative years amidst a Britain striving to rise from the ashes of wartime devastation and scarcity. These experiences have seeped into his work, providing a rugged backdrop for tales like the urban landscape marred by conflict in Mr. Nobody's Eyes. At the tender age of seven, he ventured into the world of boarding school life, finding his voice in the choir at the venerable King's School in Canterbury, an institution with roots extending back to around 600 A.D. Young Michael wasn't particularly drawn to the written word, except when it came to the adventures crafted by Robert Louis Stevenson. His true passions lay on the rugby field, where he was known more for his physical prowess than for his intellect.

Following his education at King's College, London, Morpurgo embarked on a career as a primary school teacher. For several years, he guided young minds until a moment of inspiration struck. While reading a story that fell flat with his students, he thought, "I can do better." The very next day, he shared an original tale crafted for his own children, captivating the young audience. It turned out his imagination was a wellspring of stories, and upon a publisher's encouragement, he penned them down, leading to the birth of his first published work.

After a decade of teaching, Morpurgo bid farewell to the classroom but remained deeply committed to the world of children. He and his wife launched "Farms for City Kids," a transformative initiative inviting urban youths to his Devon farm for immersive week-long stays. There, the children engage in farm life, from tending animals to planting seeds, embracing the rhythms of the countryside. This initiative has bloomed, sprouting additional farms in Wales, Gloucestershire, and even Vermont, with Morpurgo maintaining a hands-on role. Observing the children's interactions with both peers and animals has sown the seeds for some of his literary works.

With over sixty books published in Britain, Michael Morpurgo's literary repertoire is as diverse as his imagination is boundless, ranging from enchanting picture books to eerie ghost stories and rich historical narratives. Numerous titles have earned accolades, and Morpurgo himself played a pivotal role in establishing the Children's Laureate, a tribute to the creators of children's literature. Since the mid-1980s, select books have crossed the Atlantic to captivate American readers. Beyond writing, his passions extend to music, mountains, and, as he fondly admits, "daydreaming."