Michelle Magorian is a distinguished English author celebrated for her contributions to children's literature. Born on November 6, 1947, in Southsea, Portsmouth, her journey into the literary world began with aspirations of becoming an actress. She pursued her studies at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama and further honed her skills at Marcel Marceau's L'école Internationale de Mime in Paris. It was during her acting career that Magorian discovered her passion for children's books, dedicating over four years to pen her first novel for young readers, Goodnight, Mr. Tom.

Goodnight Mister Tom, her debut novel released in 1981, quickly soared in popularity and acclaim, securing the 1982 Guardian Prize for British children's books. This heartwarming tale, alongside her other notable works such as Back Home and A Little Love Song, showcases Magorian's adeptness at weaving compelling narratives that resonate with both young and old readers alike. In 2003, Goodnight Mister Tom was ranked number 49 in The Big Read survey conducted by the BBC, celebrating the top 200 most beloved British books.

Today, Michelle Magorian resides in Petersfield, Hampshire, with her two sons, Tom and George, continuing to inspire through her storytelling. Her lifelong commitment to children's literature has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also profoundly impacted the genre, making her a beloved figure in the world of books.