He has written over 100 books. Private Peaceful was his 100th title.

After graduating from university, Michael became a primary school teacher in Kent.

He writes all of his books in exercise books. He doesn’t work on a desk, instead he sits on his bed, propped up with pillows.

His favourite animals are elephants.

Some of his favourite authors include: Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling and Ted Hughes.

He dislikes the process of editing and rewriting.

Michael Morpurgo enjoys watching TV. He particularly likes documentaries.

Michael set up the Farms for City Children project with his wife, Clare. It gives deprived urban children a chance to work on a farm and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in the countryside.

Michael was given an OBE in 2006.

In 2003 he became the Children’s Laureate, becoming the third person to fulfill the role.

He has three children: Sebastian, Horatio and Rosalind, and several grandchildren.

He likes listening to Mozart, but he can only write in a silent room.

Michael loved French at school and he went on to study this subject at university.

He likes eating prawns.