As shared in an earlier post (if you missed it, please click on this link to read it), over several weeks our fifth graders have conducted an inquiry about Michael Morpurgo, storyteller, story-maker, children's author extraordinaire. They explored and read some of his books, browsed websites and watched videos to find out more about the author.
|
This created so much interest in his books. During check out, it often looks like in the picture below in front of the shelf that houses his books: students looking for another one of his wonderful stories, excitedly making recommendations to each other.
|
The most powerful, deeply moving experience though was reading The Butterfly Lion together. I have read this book many times already and I am therefore not unprepared for its sad parts. Yet, I am each time surprised about the emotional impact this story has on its readers, experiencing the protagonist's loss and pain, his joys and celebrations, feeling right there in the middle of the story. It makes the reader want to hear more of his stories. At the same time it makes the reader wonder how an author achieves such an impact with his writing.
|
I therefore wasn't surprised when our fifth grades mentioned how much they would like to meet Mr. Morpurgo in person. Looking at the large number of books he has written and keeps writing and publishing, his involvement in theatre productions of some of his books, and the running of his NGO Farms for City Children, we knew that he wouldn't find time to visit Hong Kong. But maybe there was a slight chance of getting a Skype with him? We brainstormed how we might convince him, what would make it worth his time, meeting with us. Maybe our great love for his books, for reading and writing? Or our diverse student population, with children from Hong Kong and many other countries? Hong Kong with its fascinating culture and history, a treasure trove for new book ideas?
Well, here is a special message for you, Mr. Morpurgo, from our fifth graders. We hope you enjoy watching it, knowing you have many fans in far away places. We would love to hear from you. With warmest regards from Hong Kong!
Well, here is a special message for you, Mr. Morpurgo, from our fifth graders. We hope you enjoy watching it, knowing you have many fans in far away places. We would love to hear from you. With warmest regards from Hong Kong!
RSS Feed
