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Black Beauty: A Retelling

talks
family

Date & Time

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

19:00

Venue

Sheldonian Theatre

Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ

View original & register

On Oxford Literary Festival - Events 2026

About this event

Michael Morpurgo talks to Daniel Hahn about his retelling of the classic novel Black Beauty. The renowned children's author discusses his approach to adapting this beloved story for modern readers while preserving its timeless message.

Why you should come

AI-powered

• Hear Michael Morpurgo explain the parallels between Black Beauty and his masterpiece War Horse

• Learn how Morpurgo adapted Anna Sewell’s classic for a modern generation of readers

• Discover the creative process behind Tom de Freston’s illustrations for this new edition

Event Highlights

  • Discussion of Michael Morpurgo's modern retelling of Anna Sewell’s classic Black Beauty
  • Exploration of the parallels between Black Beauty and Morpurgo's acclaimed novel War Horse
  • Insights into the new edition featuring illustrations by artist Tom de Freston
  • Live conversation between a former Children’s Laureate and editor Daniel Hahn

Speakers

Michael Morpurgo

Bestselling children’s author and former Children’s Laureate

Daniel Hahn

Editor of the Oxford Companion to Children’s Literature

Programme

10:00am

Black Beauty: A Retelling

Michael Morpurgo talks to Daniel Hahn about his retelling of the classic horse story.

What to bring / Requirements

  • Age 8+

Organized by: Oxford Literary Festival

Additional details loaded from organizer's website