A collection of all Lewis Carroll’s best loved poems with poems by contemporary poets in response. Poets include Michaela of course and John Agard, Joseph Coelho, Jan Dean, Roger McGough, Rachel Rooney, Jane Yolen and many many more…
Five Schools in One Day!
To celebrate 21 years of championing reading for
pleasure and providing schools with quality learning resources and books Northamptonshire Schools Library Services
invited 5 schools in to meet Michaela. Sponsored by Peters Library Services it
was a day ofcake and balloons, poetry
and prose – and fun. Older children learnt about Northampton based footballer
and World War One hero Walter Tull and younger ones made up performance and
action poems. After this taster, many of the schools have since contacted
Michaela so that she can spend a day with their whole school.
Brave Mouse
Now available in Complex Chinese
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Michaela presented 'The Scrapbook of Walter Tull' to an audience of adults and children aged from 8 to 13.
Here's one of the younger members of the audience who bought a book and had it signed for himself, and for his granddad. Walter's story bridges the generations.
Respect! now in audio book
Respect!, Michaela's first book about the First World War hero and footballing star Walter Tull, is now available as an audio book. Read by Jane McDowell
it is published as part of the Read Hear series by Oakhill Publishing. It is available now as part of an book and audio CD pack for £15.99.
Michaela poem features in TV Magic Hands programme
One of Michaela's poems has been featured in CBBC TV's new Magic Hands programme for young children with hearing impairment.
The poem is "The Big Surprise" and forms a large segment in the middle of the show. Each episode of Magic Hands features a poem which is fully signed, spoken and acted out to make it rewarding for the widest possible range of abilities.
Take a look to see how Magic Hands brings The Big Surprise to life. Click on the video link and sit back to enjoy Michaela's work - it's fun whoever you are - whatever age or ability.
Paper Planes are ready for take off - in France!
The famous series of Paper Planes books in France (English texts written to encourage adult readers learning English) has now launched a new series for younger readers - a series headed by Michaela.
Published by Editions Didier, Michaela has written three books under the Star School banner which lead the new launch. The series has already been announced to the press in Paris, and officially goes on sale on the 16th May. Two of Michaela's Star School stories lead the launch, with another to be released later.
Under Series Editor Rupert Morgan (no relation!), Editions Didier hopes to repeat the success of their adult books with this new teen series, to be sold in all French speaking world markets. The series already has its own Facebook page as part of Didier's professional marketing efforts. CLICK HERE to view it.
Alternatively take a look at Series Editor Rupert Morgan's video (in French of course!) to see the idea behind the new series and the importance of Michaela's work to the success of the project.
Stathern comes up trumps
A parent’s Christmas present to Stathern Primary School in rural Leicestershire brought Michaela to work with the children for a day.
Michaela had
her day’s activities with the children paid for by the parental gift topped up
with proceeds from the School’s Christmas Fair. Stathern Head Teacher Troy Jenkinson explained: “The parent was happy for
the school to decide how the money was spent, and all the staff here wanted
something that everyone in the school could access. Mrs Jackson, our Literacy
Co-Ordinator, gave us a shortlist of 4 names and the staff decided on Michaela.
It has been very democratic.”
Michaela worked with children of all ages at the
school from KS1 to KS2 using her songs, poetry, fiction and non-fiction books. The day ended with a book
signing featuring some of the 140 titles Michaela has written for children of
all ages.“It’s very important that children develop a love of books and reading,
and meet someone who is as influential as Michaela. Her profile as a writer was
perfect for our children,” added Troy.
Uppingham Bookshop success!
Michaela read two of her latest picture books to a packed room at Uppingham Sports and Books. In fact so many families with young children booked tickets that the event had to be moved from Sports and Books' recently upgraded Children's Department into a larger room.
Young children and their parents were entranced by Michaela's spirited reading of Knock Knock Open the Door and Kitty Kool's Beauty School, along with happy joining in and singing-along. Bookshop manager Pearl Dean and her two expert helpers - William and Elizabeth - then handed out goody bags to each of the children.
Rutland Radio also turned up for the event and Michaela was interviewed live on air by the station's Rob Persani, who was hosted his show from the bookshop that day.
The event was a great success and will be the first of a number Pearl hopes to arrange in the future. Michaela extends her warm thanks to everyone who braved the snow to attend, and to Pearl and her staff for their excellent organisation.
Boston West Academy was all dressed up!
Michaela enjoyed a warm welcome and enthusiastic children at Boston West Academy. She visited on Red Nose Day, and all children and teachers joined in the fun by dressing in their pyjamas. After a heart-warming and affirming day Michaela would like to thank all the staff and children, and particularly Sam Jackson for all his help.
Michaela's poetry to feature on CBeebies
Michaela's poem "A Big Surprise" will appear on CBeebies, as part of the Magic Hands programme aimed at hearing impaired children. Remark, the specialist production company producing the show, has confirmed that CBeebieshas commissioned 30 five minutes episodes for pre-school children using poems and dramas in British Sign Language.
Oundle Festival of Literature
Michaela enjoyed a thronged day at the Oundle Festival of Literature, where she performed Kitty Kool's Beauty School and Knock Knock Open the Door to packed audiences. As well as filling the Great Hall at Oundle School with four schools, Michaela also fitted in a second session at Oundle CE Primary School in the afternoon. Heavy book sales at both venues had Michaela suffering from writer's cramp from signing books. Michaela's thanks go to Helen Shair of the festival, and to the enthusiastic pupils and teachers of all the schools involved.
Two brilliant days at Somers Park Primary
Michaela spent two days with the children of Somers Park Primary in Malvern as part of the Ledbury Poetry Festival. Working with Reception, Year One and Year Two pupils she introduced the children to poetry and performance using Knock Knock Open the Door along with the Fish in the Sea and other songs and poems - a real favourite among younger classes.
Knock Knock Open the Door launches in Brighton
Michaela launched her latest picture book, Knock Knock Open the Door at a special event in Brighton's Book Nook children's book shop. She read and performed the book to a packed audience of youngsters and parents with young family, and afterwards signed and dedicated books for a queue of enthusiastic buyers.
Mile Oak Primary outsmarts Michaela
Michaela was outsmarted by Cameron and Charley at Mile Oak Primary in Brighton in a special Master Mind competition based on her own books. Run as part of Mile Oak's Michaela Morgan Challenge, organised by Assistant Head Martin Cooper, the competition encouraged all the children to read several of Michaela's books and answer quizzes on them. The results over three weeks were remarkable, with 850-990 books being read per week among the children, and up to 87% of children getting all quiz questions correct. The best two pupils went on to face Michaela in front of the whole school - and won. Poor Michaela came last!
Michaela added:"This was great fun, and proves I don't always know as much about my books as I should. It is a tribute to Martin's successful work in creating a reading culture at the school, and the tremendous effort from Cameron and Charley. All I can say is next time I will try that bit harder."
Walter Tull's Scrapbook shortlisted for Blue Peter Book Award
Walter Tull's Scrapbook was shortlisted for the 2013 Blue Peter Book Award. The shortlist, which was announced live on TV, includes all the major names of children's literature including Michaela.
"This is a great achievement for me and for Walter Tull's Scrapbook." added Michaela. "It is lovely to be recognised
by such a prestigious TV programme - for the second time."
Michaela had previously been listed by Blue Peter for
children’s poetry anthology Words to
Whisper, Words to Shout, and it is the second time Michaela has written about Walter
Tull. Her first book on the subject, Respect!(Barrington Stoke),was published
in 2005.
Michaela now has some real competition after Purple class of Studfall Infants in Corby decided to make their own picture book. The children were so excited when Michaela showed them Knock Knock Open the Door and Never Shake a Rattlesnake they decided to make their own based on Michaela's popular Fish in the Sea song.
The class showed Michaela their book as she ended two great days in the Corby school working with a wide age range, and she stayed on to sign books as keepsakes for the children who showed great signs of becoming authors themselves.
Bunny books get Chinese editions
Michaela's charming Bunny books (Dear Bunny and Bunny Wishes) are now available in the People's Republic of China. The books, which detail the sometimes difficult paths to true love for two shy rabbits, are ideal for the young and the young at heart.
Already a success in the United States (with well over 100,000 sold in print and audio versions) Michaela has also been working with literary agents in Korea to secure a new deal with a major publisher for Dear Bunny. A new Korean edition will appear soon.
While Chinese publications are a first for Michaela her work is already published in many different languages around the world. These range from Welsh to Finnish, Korean and as far as Xhosa in South Africa.
Dexter's Dinosaurs now on audio Boo
Dexter's Dinosaurs can now be heard on the audio Boo web site, read by Eve aged four. audio Boo is a brilliant service which offers audio reports on all sorts of events, news stories and interesting byways you don't always get on mainstream radio or web sites. Hear how Eve gets on by clicking HERE.
Walter Tull's Scrapbook was CLPE Book of the Week
Walter Tull's Scrapbook was chosen as a Book of the Week by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). This great honor ranks Michaela's work alongside other recent releases on Walter Tull, such as Michael Morpurgo's latest work.
Visit the CLPE web site to learn more: Click here.
Swedish release for "Letter" duo
Michaela's books Letter from America and Buddies have now been released in a combined publication for the Swedish market. Called Brev-Vanner in Sweden this new publication is the first time that both books have been seen under one cover.
"It makes perfect sense", says Michaela, "as you get so much more from the story when you read both books, and it is even better when you read them in order. It would be lovely to see them re-released in the UK in the same format."
Charming has theatre launch!
Charming! was launched in great style in the Studio Theatre in Uppingham, Rutland. The busy night included dancing from the Youth Moves troupe (taking up the theme of book), readings from Michaela of her latest works, and a hectic signing session where children, parents and grandparents could choose from a whole range of Michaela's current books.
Over 50 people attended this relaxed, amusing and friendly event which was enlivened by three dance numbers by Youth Moves in the theatre space itself.
Michaela added: "I think the launch really worked well with the content of the book, and I'd like to thank Youth Moves and the many people who came to chat, to listen and to enjoy the evening."
Five Schools in One Day! 
Respect!, Michaela's first book about the First World War hero and footballing star Walter Tull, is now available as an audio book. Read by Jane McDowell
it is published as part of the Read Hear series by Oakhill Publishing. It is available now as part of an book and audio CD pack for £15.99. 
The famous series of Paper Planes books in France (English texts written to encourage adult readers learning English) has now launched a new series for younger readers - a series headed by Michaela.
A parent’s Christmas present to Stathern Primary School in rural Leicestershire brought Michaela to work with the children for a day.
Michaela had
her day’s activities with the children paid for by the parental gift topped up
with proceeds from the School’s Christmas Fair. Stathern Head Teacher Troy Jenkinson explained: “The parent was happy for
the school to decide how the money was spent, and all the staff here wanted
something that everyone in the school could access. Mrs Jackson, our Literacy
Co-Ordinator, gave us a shortlist of 4 names and the staff decided on Michaela.
It has been very democratic.”
Michaela read two of her latest picture books to a packed room at Uppingham Sports and Books. In fact so many families with young children booked tickets that the event had to be moved from Sports and Books' recently upgraded Children's Department into a larger room.
Young children and their parents were entranced by Michaela's spirited reading of Knock Knock Open the Door and Kitty Kool's Beauty School, along with happy joining in and singing-along. Bookshop manager Pearl Dean and her two expert helpers - William and Elizabeth - then handed out goody bags to each of the children. 
Oundle Festival of Literature
Two brilliant days at Somers Park Primary
Michaela launched her latest picture book, Knock Knock Open the Door at a special event in Brighton's Book Nook children's book shop. She read and performed the book to a packed audience of youngsters and parents with young family, and afterwards signed and dedicated books for a queue of enthusiastic buyers.
Walter Tull's Scrapbook was shortlisted for the 2013 Blue Peter Book Award. The shortlist, which was announced live on TV, includes all the major names of children's literature including Michaela. 
Studfall Infants make their own picture book! 
Bunny books get Chinese editions
Michaela's books Letter from America and Buddies have now been released in a combined publication for the Swedish market. Called Brev-Vanner in Sweden this new publication is the first time that both books have been seen under one cover.
Charming! was launched in great style in the Studio Theatre in Uppingham, Rutland. The busy night included dancing from the Youth Moves troupe (taking up the theme of book), readings from Michaela of her latest works, and a hectic signing session where children, parents and grandparents could choose from a whole range of Michaela's current books.