Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Michael Foreman have been named overall winners of The Children’s Book Award 2017, cementing Michael’s position as one of the most celebrated children’s authors in the country.

Their book, An Eagle In The Snow also won the Books for Younger Readers category, before going on to win the overall prize. The win is a record-breaking fourth for Michael Morpurgo.

Michael Morpurgo’s gripping and powerful novel is inspired by the true story of one man who might have stopped World War II. Set in 1940, in a train under attack from German fighters, sheltering in a tunnel, Barney and his mother are told a story by a stranger to pass the time. Brilliant and fascinating, the fast-paced storytelling is perfectly complemented by Michael Foreman’s expressive and emotive illustrations, making An Eagle In The Snow a firm favourite with the children.

The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children.  It has brought acclaim to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has now won a record four times (previous winning for Shadow in 2011,  Private Peaceful  in 2004 and Kensuke’s Kingdom in 2000.

“Michael Morpurgo has demonstrated once again that he is a truly magical storyteller,” said Jane Etheridge, chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, the charity which runs the award.

Congratulations to Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman – a dream team!

(Michael Foreman with children from the Solihull Children’s Book Group at the announcement of the 2017 Children’s Book Award where an Eagle in the Snow was the overall winner. Michael Foreman picked up the award on behalf of Michael Morpurgo and himself.)

To find out more about the book and download teacher resources click here.