Here's why:
* It's common for aspiring writers: Most authors, even the most successful ones, face rejection at some point. It's a natural part of the writing process.
* Morpurgo's early career: Morpurgo's writing career began in the 1970s, a time when the publishing industry was more competitive. It's likely he sent out manuscripts that didn't find homes initially.
* His prolific nature: Morpurgo has written over 100 books, meaning he's submitted countless manuscripts to publishers. The odds are statistically high he's faced rejection at some point.
It's important to remember that rejection is part of the writing process. Even established authors face rejections, and it doesn't diminish their talent or success.