London's Savoy names its first writer in residence for 2007

London’s Savoy hotel has named former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo as its first writer in residence for 2007.

The fourth writer to hold this position, Morpurgo is one of the country’s best-known children’s writers and author of more than 90 books including Farm Boy, Billy the Kid and The Butterfly Lion.

He was awarded the MBE in 1999 and the OBE in 2006 and was the third Children’s Laureate in 2003.

He has also previously been awarded the Red House Children’s Book Award, The Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award.

During his residency, which lasts for three months, Morpurgo will host three literary events at the Savoy.

The first dinner, The Pursuit of Happiness – an evening of words and music, will take place on 31 January, with The Railway Children film star Jenny Agutter as the guest of honour.

In February Judith Kerr, author of Mog the Cat and The Tiger who Came to Tea will hold a special children’s event.

The third event in March is yet to be scheduled.

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The Savoy Group website >>

Michael Morpurgo website >>

By Emily Manson

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