Author Sir Michael Morpurgo has championed reading and getting lost in a story as the best way for children to learn. The former children’s laureate, 82, made the comments while launching his new legend, The Miracle Dolphin Of Mevagissey, set in a Cornish harbour.
The story, published on World Book Day, is part of a reissued collection titled The Line To Legend Land, featuring 11 classic legends from the South West and Wales. It is published in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR).
To mark the launch, five statues of legends such as the Red Dragon of Cardiff and the Giants of Avon Gorge will appear at train stations including London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, and Cardiff Central, forming the Legend Land Stories and Sculpture Trail.
Speaking at Paddington station, Sir Michael said: “I don’t think there’s any better way for a child to learn than losing yourself in a story.” He urged parents and teachers to encourage reading from a young age, adding that blaming phones or iPads is not the solution.
The collection also marks 100 years since the first edition and includes a personal introduction by Sir Michael, author of War Horse and Kensuke’s Kingdom.
