Morpurgo is known for his "magical storytelling." In his writings, he explores topics such as "the victory of an outsider" and "survival." His stories have taken place in locations such as the colourful Cornish shoreline and during World War I. From 2003 to 2005, he was the third Children's Laureate. He has also written for adults, including a novel that was made into a film called Kika. His work tends to focus on issues such as war, injustice, and family love. He has said that his stories are about believing in yourself even when there is no one else to believe in you. This can be good advice for any writer to follow. In addition to writing novels, poems, and songs, Morpurgo has also created award-winning plays for children. Two of these plays have been turned into films: Henry IV part 1 and 2 (1989) and The Secret Garden (1994). He has also written several books for older readers, including novels, biographies, and memoirs. These include Stories for Swallows (1993), which was inspired by Chinese poems that speak of loss and hope; and A Bridge Across My River (2005), which tells the story of a young boy who tries to save his family from poverty by becoming a criminal mastermind. Michael Morpurgo was born in London on March 20, 1939.