What a way to celebrate World Book Day, albeit a couple of days early. The wonderful Sir Michael Morpurgo joined the Mainstreet team for two events, one at Belhaven Hill School and the second at the Mainstreet shop.

On Tuesday we travelled to Belhaven School in Dunbar to host their annual Book Fair and bring Sir Michael to an event for Belhaven and surrounding schools. With approximately 320 children in attendance, Michael had every single one of them hanging on every word. Telling them about the works of Shakespeare, how he began to write his stories and how he ran away from a school just like theirs when he was younger, he reminded the pupils about the importance of leading an interesting life.

On Wednesday, we were then treated to a second event when Michael returned to the shop as one of our Mainstreet Makar’s and led a family event in our barn. The event sold out and the barn was packed full of children and adults alike (with several Mainstreet staff also sneaking in the back). It was an absolute joy to have him talk about his Tales from Shakespeare, read poems from My Heart was a Tree and to hear many of his stories.

There is nobody quite like Sir Michael Morpurgo and we were incredibly lucky to be able to have him return to St Boswells. You can WATCH THE FULL EVENT on our YouTube HERE.

“I wanted to bring Shakespeare to the eyes, ears and hearts of children in our time. I chose the 10 plays I love the most… When I became a teacher all those years ago, I knew how important for a child not to be put off by Shakespeare. The language was antique, and difficult to comprehend, and there were tests and exams associated with him. But tell a cracking story, tell it well, and children will love to listen. So, I thought, tell the Tales of Shakespeare your way, with pace and with passion… These tales might help that happen. I hope so.” – Michael Morpurgo

Tales from Shakespeare has an introduction by actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and is stunningly illustrated throughout with contributions from ten award-winning artists, including Dapo Adeola illustrating the cover of the book and Macbeth, Barroux illustrating The Tempest; and A Midsummers Night’s Dream illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark.

“Michael tells his stories in a fresh and modern way, using the language of today and bringing the iconic original plays up to date for a new audience of young readers.” – Benedict Cumberbatch

Buy Michael Morpurgo’s Tales from Shakespeare HERE.