Top children’s author inspires city’s budding storytellers

Tuesday, 19 February 2019 16:00

One of the world’s most popular children’s authors has challenged children in Leeds to use their imaginations and create stories for a new competition.

Michael Morpurgo, whose novels including War Horse, Private Peaceful and The Butterfly Lion, has called on the city’s young people to take inspiration from an exhibition at Leeds City Museum about his life and work and come up with their own amazing tales.

The museum wants budding writers aged 12 and under to write a short story based on an object or installation they’ve seen when visiting the exhibition.

The winner will win a goodie bag including some of Michael’s books and merchandise from the exhibition – with a selection of the best entries displayed at the museum.

Former Children’s Laureate Michael said he hoped the exhibition would help fire the imaginations of young people and encourage them to create something personal and unique.

He said: “‘Try to write from the heart and live inside your story, try to hear and feel it all around you and become the characters. And don’t forget to live an interesting life, travel and meet people and drink in the world around you. This is what works for me.

“A Lifetime in Stories at the wonderful Leeds City Museum is just a glimpse into my dreamtime and some of the people, creatures and places that have inspired my stories. I hope you enjoy the exhibition and that it might help you to start out on your own writing journeys. Enjoy the journey! I have.”

More from Local and National News

Two Brothers Jailed for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl in Bradford

Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for raping a child in Bradford, following a conviction at Bradford Crown Court.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.
Manningham Housing Association Shortlisted for Three National Awards

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.
Bradford University Staff to Strike Over Job Cuts

University of Bradford staff will strike for 10 days from 22 September in protest against planned redundancies, disrupting the start of the new academic year.
Bradford NHS Teams Shortlisted for National ‘Healthcare Oscars’

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.
Bradford Man Fined £20k for Planning Breach

A Bradford property owner has been ordered to pay over £20,000 after failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice for unauthorised works in a conservation area.
Halifax Leisure Centre Project Breaks Ground

Preparatory work has begun at North Bridge for Halifax’s new £multi-million leisure centre, marking a major step toward delivering modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities for health, wellbeing and community life.
Brighouse Parklets Find New Homes in Rastrick

Two community parklets originally installed in Brighouse town centre have been relocated to Rastrick Juniors Football Club and Rastrick Bowling Club, ensuring the spaces continue to benefit local people after being moved to make way for the town’s new market.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.