The Orchard Book Of Aesop’s Fables Inscribed By Michael Morpurgo To Wendy Cooling

Published by Orchard Books, London, UK, 2004. First edition. Original pictorial boards. Dustwrapper. Size: 25.1cm x 27.1cm. Illustrated throughout. Inscribed by Michael Foreman to the book reviewer, traveller, author, teacher and founder of Bookstart, Wendy Cooling: ‘For dear Wendy, with love from Mr Aesop & Mr Morpingo, Michael And Love From Emma Chichester Clark’ on the half-title and also signed by Michael Morpurgo to the title page. (Cooling’s review of ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’ is found on the front board of the first edition of Rowling’s first book.) A fine, tight, bright, clean copy in very near fine, very slightly faded dustwrapper. A wonderful association copy. Scarce thus.

Wendy Cooling: A Short Biography

Wendy Cooling (1941–2020) was a British educator, author, and influential figure in children’s literature. She is best known for her work in promoting reading among children and for founding the Bookstart program, which encourages parents to share books with their young children from an early age.

Early Life and Career

• Born: March 21, 1941, in Woking, Surrey, England.
• Education: Cooling trained as a teacher and began her career working in schools, where she developed a deep passion for children’s literature and the importance of early literacy.

Contribution to Children’s Literacy

• Bookstart: In 1992, Cooling founded the Bookstart program in the UK. The initiative was ground-breaking, as it was the first program of its kind to provide free books to parents of babies and young children, aiming to instil a love of reading from a very young age. The success of Bookstart led to its adoption in many other countries and established it as a key early literacy program worldwide.
• Advocacy: Wendy Cooling was a tireless advocate for children’s literacy. She worked extensively with schools, libraries, and publishers to promote reading and to ensure that children had access to quality literature.
• Authorship: In addition to her work as an educator and literacy advocate, Cooling also authored several anthologies and books for children, often focusing on introducing young readers to a wide range of stories and cultures.

Legacy

• Recognition: Cooling received numerous accolades for her contributions to children’s literacy, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 for her services to children’s literature.
• Impact: Wendy Cooling’s work has had a lasting impact on early childhood education and literacy. Her efforts have helped millions of children develop a love for reading, setting them on a path to lifelong learning.
• Wendy Cooling played a significant role in the early promotion of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Her review, which appeared on the first edition’s cover, described the book as “a terrific read and a stunning first novel.” Cooling’s endorsement was one of the early critical praises that helped draw attention to Rowling’s debut, contributing to its initial success. Cooling’s influence in children’s literature and her positive review played a part in the book’s rise to prominence

Cooling passed away on June 16, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to children’s literature and education. Her work continues to inspire educators, parents, and children around the world.

Michael Morpurgo: A Short Biography

Michael Morpurgo (born October 5, 1943) is a highly acclaimed British author and former Children’s Laureate, best known for his poignant and imaginative children’s books. Born in St Albans, England, Morpurgo had a varied career, including serving in the British Army and working as a teacher, before becoming a full-time writer.

Career Highlights

• Literary Work: Morpurgo has written over 130 books, with “War Horse” (1982) being his most famous work. The novel, set during World War I, tells the story of a horse named Joey and his experiences through the eyes of various people he encounters during the war. The book was adapted into a successful stage play and later a film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011.
• Themes: His books often explore themes of war, the natural world, and the resilience of the human spirit. Morpurgo’s storytelling is known for its emotional depth and ability to resonate with both children and adults.
• Children’s Laureate: From 2003 to 2005, Morpurgo served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate, a role in which he promoted children’s literature and the importance of storytelling.
• Farms for City Children: Alongside his wife, Clare, Morpurgo founded the charity Farms for City Children in 1976, which provides urban children with the opportunity to live and work on a farm for a week. This experience has deeply influenced his writing, infusing it with themes of nature and rural life.

Personal Life

• Education and Early Life: Morpurgo was born to actor parents and raised in London. He attended King’s College London, where he studied English and French.
• Awards: Throughout his career, Morpurgo has received numerous awards for his contributions to children’s literature, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award.

Michael Morpurgo’s legacy as a storyteller is marked by his ability to craft narratives that are both accessible and profound, touching on universal themes that engage readers of all ages. His work continues to inspire and educate, making him one of the most beloved authors in contemporary children’s literature.

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