Funny Thing, Getting Older: And Other Reflections

by Michael Morpurgo

'For so many, getting older isn't funny at all. But it's a time for reflections certainly. So reflect, Michael, reflect. What have I been here for?

Over the decades I have strayed more and more often from fiction into writing about the real world. Much of this writing has never been seen before in print. But in this book, for the first time, I've collected some of my favourite pieces. This is a series of gathered reflections - many were written for radio, some are articles from newspapers, and some are lectures. Some are deeply personal, some political, others in between. Woven in amongst them you will find a play, a poem or two, and even a few stories too. And a new introduction that I've written especially.

Although you'll find much of my life in my stories, there comes a time to look my reader in the eye, and come clean about the great issues of our times, caring for our world, peace, migration, fairness, education. Now that I'm 80, it seemed the time to do it.'

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's most beloved novelists, best known for enchanting children with his books like War Horse and Private Peaceful. Here, collected for the first time, are his thoughts on nature, childhood, education, war, and getting older. Full of gentle humour and sharp observation, Funny Thing Getting Older is a book to ponder and treasure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

336 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.

Reviews

[Lorna Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Very knowledgeable author.

[Barbara Lomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very profound and thought provoking Well worth a read

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book filled with the wisdom and inspiration of Michael Morpurgo

[Tansy Hepton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up randomly from the library. It's a mixed bag, as you would expect - well written and with some interesting anecdotes, but probably better to dip into over a longer period, rather than reading it straight.

[Christopher Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Morpurgo , you have absolutely nailed it ,such a pleasure ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love Michael Morpurgo's writing but found this collection strangely downbeat and slightly depressing. Perhaps I was expecting something quite different with "funny" in the title!

[Giulia · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what I was expecting from this book. well written but a bit repetitive and at times boring

[Liz Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of essays and reflections about life, books, children and nurture. I enjoyed it, although it's not earth shattering. Despite the title, it's not remotely funny.

[Ginny Burt]

Wonderful! Like listening to my grandad. Very much about children. He really should be the Education minister...he has life sorted!❤️

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to warm ye olde heart cockles, full of personal history, stories, poems, laughter, joy, wonderment, regrets, hope, changing seasons.

Life as creativity.

[Mairi Byatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning read, love this man