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HarperCollins has bought a biography of children's author Michael Morpurgo, which will feature seven new autobiographical pieces by the author. In a joint publishing venture, children's publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh and Clare Reihill, Fourth Estate editorial director, bought world rights to the book, which will be published in 2013. The deal was signed for an undisclosed sum.
The biography will be published by Fourth Estate and written by Maggie Fergusson. The biography will feature short autobiographical pieces by Morpurgo, which will then be collected and published separately by HarperCollins Children's Books.
Michael Morpurgo was represented by Veronique Baxter at David Higham and Maggie Fergusson by Gillon Aitken at Aitken Alexander.
Reihill said: "Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller who is much loved and cherished by both children and young adult readers. Now we will hear his story. This is a very significant, exciting and important joint acquisition by 4th Estate and Harper Children's Division."
Murtagh added: "We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with 4th Estate on this innovative biography which explores the story behind Michael's lifelong passion for storytelling, and which will also provide us with a children's edition where younger readers can learn about his remarkable life in the most enjoyable of ways Michael's own stories! He is an author who has inspired generations of children and who has an incredible rapport with his audience."