Author Sir Michael Morpurgo has passionately championed the power of reading and becoming immersed in stories as the most effective method for children to learn and develop. The former children's laureate, aged 82, emphasised this belief during the launch of his new original legend, The Miracle Dolphin Of Mevagissey, which is set in a Cornish harbour and explores the life-saving connection between a fisherman's son and a dolphin.
New Legend Collection and Sculpture Trail
Published to coincide with World Book Day, this story forms part of a freshly reissued anthology titled The Line To Legend Land, featuring eleven classic myths from the South West of England and Wales. In collaboration with Great Western Railway (GWR), the launch includes an innovative sculpture trail with five statues, each standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, depicting legends such as the Red Dragon of Cardiff, the Giants of Avon Gorge, and the Faeries of Pennard Castle.
These statues will be displayed at train stations including London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, Swansea, Castle Cary, and St Ives, creating the Legend Land Stories and Sculpture Trail. Sir Michael expressed his admiration for this initiative during the book launch event at Paddington station, highlighting GWR's efforts to forge connections between literature, young readers, and railway travel.
Advocating for Early Reading Enthusiasm
Sir Michael stressed that reading should not be confined to homes and classrooms alone, but integrated into broader cultural experiences. He dismissed the notion of blaming smartphones and tablets for declining reading habits among children, arguing instead for a proactive approach focused on encouragement from an early age.
"As a teacher and a writer, I firmly believe there is no superior way for a child to gain knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement than by losing themselves in a narrative," Sir Michael stated. "This process cannot be rushed. Introducing stories to children as young as possible plants the seed, which is then nurtured by enthusiastic teachers and parents."
He acknowledged the dual nature of digital devices, noting their benefits and drawbacks, but emphasised that children must not miss out on the profound experience of reading. The newly reissued collection, which brings classic legends to life for contemporary audiences, includes tales retold by Gloucestershire-based writer Brad Brookes and features a young wizard named Merlin.
This edition commemorates the centenary of the original publication and includes a personal introduction by Sir Michael, renowned for works such as War Horse, Kensuke's Kingdom, and Private Peaceful. Through this project, he continues to inspire a love for storytelling and reading among future generations.
