THE CHILDREN'S LAUREATE 1999-2003       MICHAEL MORPURGO

The Children's Laureate is an award made every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to highlight the role of exceptional authors in creating the readers of tomorrow. The idea for a Children's Laureate was first conceived by author Michael Morpurgo, and strongly supported by Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, its founding patron. The award, sponsored by Waterstone's, was first granted in 1999. The third award, made in 2003 wen tto Michael Morpurgo The announcement was made by Baroness Blackstone, Minister for the Arts at a ceremony at the Waterstone's bookshop in London's Piccadilly on 14 May 2003. Michael Morpurgo was presented with the Children's Laureate medal and a bursary of £10,000.