Most Popular Books by Michael Morpurgo

Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound''s journey through life - and from owner to owner...

“Will fire imaginations and elicit the heart-pumping, wide-eyed response that has kept this tale alive and vigorous through the ages.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) Long ago a Scandinavian warrior fought three evils so powerful they threatened whole kingdoms. Standing head and shoulders above his comrades, Beowulf single-handedly saved the land of the Danes from a merciless ogre named Grendel and from his sea-hag mother. But it is his third terrible battle, with the death-dragon of the deep, in which he truly meets his match. Lovers of heroes, monsters, and the drama of battle will find this retelling as enthralling as it is tragic.

A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero''s journey--now available in paperback!In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey''s courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer''s son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

A young boy is stranded on a small island with a mysterious man who shows him how to survive in this adventure story by the acclaimed author of War Horse. When Michael’s father loses his job, he buys a boat and convinces Michael and his mother to sail around the world. It’s an ideal trip—even Michael’s sheepdog can come along. It starts out as the perfect family adventure—until Michael is swept overboard. He’s washed up on an island, where he struggles to survive. Then he discovers that he’s not alone. His fellow-castaway, Kensuke, is wary of him. But when Michael’s life is threatened, Kensuke slowly lets the boy into his world. The two develop a close understanding in this remote place, but the question of rescue continues to divide them. Praise for Kensuke’s Kingdom “[A] poignant adventure story . . . This well-crafted story has all the thrills and intrigues of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet . . . and Theodore Taylor’s The Cay . . . and it will resonate with the same audience.” —School Library Journal “Highly readable.” —Booklist

Ten stunning Shakespeare retellings from the master storyteller, with an introduction by Benedict Cumberbatch

For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn''t just a holiday. It''s an escape, a new start, a chance to put things behind them - things like the death of Will''s father. And to begin with, it seems to be just what they both needed. But then Oona, the elephant Will is riding on the beach, begins acting strangely, shying away from the sea. And that''s when the tsunami comes crashing in, and Oona begins to run. Except that when the tsunami is gone, Oona just keeps on running. With nothing on his back but a shirt and nothing to sustain him but a bottle of water, Will must learn to survive deep in the jungle. Luckily, though, he''s not completely alone... He''s got Oona. Ages: 8+

Alfie lives off the coast of England. Merry lives in New York City. Until Merry and her mother set sail on the Lusitania for England, where Merry''s father is recuperating from a war injury. People told them not to go, hearing rumors that the Lusitania might be carrying munitions. But they are desperate to be reunited with Merry''s father. Alfie and his father find a lost girl in an abandoned house on a small island. The girl doesn''t speak, except to say what sounds like "Lucy." Alfie''s mother nurses her back to health. The others in the village suspect the unthinkable: Lucy is actually German-an enemy-because she''s found with a blanket with a German tag. Told from Alfie and Merry''s points of view, this exquisite novel tells of friends, enemies, and unexpected kindnesses.

An unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure and hope from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.

The quest of Sir Gawain for the Green Knight teaches him a lesson in pride, humility, and honor.

Author of War Horse, and bestselling storyteller Michael Morpurgo touched our hearts with this beautiful story of a boy, his lost dog, and the lengths he would go to be reunited. This timely story of battle-scarred Afghanistan delivers a masterful portrait of war, love, and friendship. With the horrors of war bearing down on them, Aman and his mother are barely surviving in an Afghan cave, and staying there any longer will end horribly. The only comfort Aman has is Shadow, the loyal spaniel that shows up from places unknown, it seems, just when Aman needs him most. Aman, his mother, and Shadow finally leave the destroyed cave in hopes of escaping to England, but are held at a checkpoint, and Shadow runs away after being shot at by the police. Aman and his mother escape--without Shadow. Aman is heart-broken. Just as they are getting settled as free citizens in England, they are imprisoned in a camp with locked doors and a barbed wire fence. Their only hope is Aman''s classmate Matt, his grandpa, and the dream of finding his lost dog. After all, you never lose your shadow.

Specially commissioned by Michael Morpurgo to mark the 60th anniversary of VE day, this deeply moving collection features stories of war from the most well-loved voices in children''s literature, including Michelle Magorian, Celia Rees, George Layton, Robert Westall, Joan Aiken, Eva Ibbotson, Geraldine McCaughrean and other top children''s authors. From World War II to the Crusades, 1970s Beirut to the modern-day Middle East, these vivid stories explore wars throughout history. They examine not only the immediate consequences of war, but also what happens after the fighting is over. Waiting for Peace: War Stories was originally published as War: Stories of Conflict.

"Light-hearted and rambunctious . . . a fairytale with a difference" — Guardian Best Children''s Books of 2023 The Ogre Who Wasnt is a fresh and funny story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden. From Sir Michael Morpurgo (Children''s Laureate 2003-4) and Emily Gravett, the award-winning duo behind the bestselling picture book, A Song of Gladness. In this classic fairytale with a modern twist, meet Clara: a small, strong-willed princess who likes running wild, jumping ditches and climbing trees . . . but most of all, collecting creepy-crawlies and making them her friends. That’s not easy with a bossy butler and a pernickety nanny always on your case. When Clara discovers that an ogre she keeps in her shoe under her bed isn’t an ogre at all, he offers her a way out of her predicament. There’s only one thing she needs to do . . .

A twelve-year-old boy comes across Arthur Pendragon, who has just awakened from his long sleep beneath the earth, and hears from him some of the exciting stories of his past.

Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by the third Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War. This edition also includes introductory essays by Michael Morpurgo, Associate Director of Private Peaceful production Mark Leipacher, as well as an essay from Simon Reade, adaptor & director of this stage adaptation of Private Peaceful.

Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse and the nation’s favourite storyteller A moving story of a brother, a sister and a swallow, and how all are in some way victims of the horrors of landmines.

The extraordinary sequel to War Horse from the master storyteller ''If there are such things as contemporary classics, then this, surely, is one of them'' Daily Mail Joey was the last working horse on the farm, and the apple of Grandpa''s eye. When Joey was sent away to be a warhorse in the First World War, Grandpa joined the cavalry in order to find Joey and fight with him. Farm Boy brings us forward fifty years, as Grandpa tells his grandson all about Joey, and reveals a secret which he has kept to himself all these years...

“There once is a Queen ever constant to her people...” From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our Queen and longest reigning monarch, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman. Created in partnership with the Jubilee Pageant Committee

The bedlam of battle had begun. All around me men cried and fell to the ground, and horses reared and screamed in an agony of fear and pain. The shells whined and roared overhead, and every explosion seemed like an earthquake to us. A stunning wartime classic. In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story. From Michael Morpurgo, former children''s laureate, come this thrilling and epic tale of one horse''s journey through the trenches First World War. Now adapted by Steven Spielberg as a major motion picture, and shown on stage in London''s West End and also on Broadway.

A boy living by a Scottish loch sees a beautiful silver swan land on the water. She remains at the loch, mates and there are soon five cygnets too. The boy watches them in awe and pride. When snowy winter sets in, all the birds and animals around the loch must scavenge desperately for food. The fox also has cubs to feed... A remarkably dramatic and compassionate story about Nature, magnificently told and stunningly illustrated with sweeping pastel landscapes.

The gripping story of a boy who risks his life to take Jewish refugees to safety during World War II. A reclusive widow’s farm has become a haven for a growing band of Jewish children hiding from the Nazis. Jo knows he must keep the secret, and help out any way he can. But when German soldiers move into town, the danger suddenly becomes much more real. As Jo knows all too well, the penalty for helping these children escape is death. "In its understated style and gentle telling of a harsh lesson, the story is reminiscent of Lois Lowry''s Number the Stars." —School Library Journal “Action-packed . . . Morpurgo’s characters rise above the two-dimensional, giving young people much to ponder in the areas of good versus evil and hero versus villain.” —The Horn Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTIAN BIRMINGHAM. A lyrical and moving tale of a young boy growing up in Africa, and his lifelong friendship with a white lion.

This is a read-along edition with audio synced to the text, performed by Michael Morpurgo. A captivating retelling of the nation’s favourite fairy tale, from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

Revered author Michael Morpurgo evokes the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war. From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpa’s ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare, he must not make too much noise, he must not ask Grandpa any questions about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays and learns the story behind Grandpa’s injuries, finally getting to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing scars that have divided his family for so long.

A collection of six magical and heart-warming animal stories, specially for World Book Day, by the nation’s favourite storyteller.

The sequel to Michael Morpurgo''s bestselling War Horse! Farm Boy is the heartwarming sequel to War Horse, the beloved novel that has been made into a hit play and a major motion picture.For years, Joey was a war horse, pulling ambulance carts and artillery through the battlefields of World War I. When he finally returned home to Albert and the farm, he was treated like a hero. But his adventures had only just begun.Now, generations later, Albert''s son loves to tell his own grandson stories about the remarkable horse. He tells him of Joey''s feats in the war, and of the time when the family risked everything betting that Joey could win a daring race. As he tells the stories, he slowly reveals a shameful secret--a secret that he''s kept to himself for years.This charming book speaks to the bond between generations, and captures the spirit of rural life and the love of horses.

Retellings of twenty-one classic Aesop fables, including "The Hare and the Tortoise" and "Belling the Cat, " in updated language.

When the shepherds are invited to follow the star to visit the Christ child, a young boy is left behind to watch the flock until the Angel Gabriel returns for him so that he can be the first to witness a true Christmas miracle.

A powerful and inspiring tale of redemption from the author of WAR HORSE - with a personal introduction to the story from Michael Morpurgo. "I know a good sort when I see one. That''s why I''ve taken him on. That''s why I took you on." When a young lad strays into bad behaviour and thieving, he soon finds himself in Borstal prison for young men, lonely and without hope. But when Mr Alfie, who manages the stables, asks him to care for and tame a damaged horse, both are given a second chance. Could this "bad lad"''s skill with horses help him follow his dreams? Includes a fascinating "Facts Behind the Story" section.

Synopsis coming soon.......

How far would you go to find yourself? The lyrical, life-affirming new novel from the bestselling author of Private Peaceful

Michael Morpurgo has created a sweeping and dramatic story in the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie. This spellbinding tale is complemented perfectly by Michael Foreman''s illustrations. Robbie McLeod and a wolf cub, both orphaned, venture far from their birthplace, a land of rebellious fighters and vicious redcoats. There is little constancy in Robbie''s adventurous life, save for the companionship of his wolf. But when at last Robbie finds a place where he can peacefully make his home, he knows in his heart that the wolf must find his own natural home too . . .

"A tender tale of destiny and identity, MUCK AND MAGIC, from the author of WAR HORSE, is the story of a girl seeking the answers to the timeless question of what our future holds." -- from page 2 of cover.

Lizzie and Karl''s mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don''t run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their garden instead. When the city is bombed, the family flees with thousands of others, but how can they walk the same route when they have an elephant in tow, and keep themselves safe? Along the way, they meet Peter, a Canadian navigator who risks his own capture to save the family. As Michael Morpurgo writes in an author''s note, An Elephant in the Garden is inspired by historical truths, and by his admiration for elephants, "the noblest and wisest and most sensitive of all creatures." Here is a story that brings together an unlikely group of survivors whose faith in kindness and love proves the best weapon of all.

A true story of two brothers and the war that changed everything. Michael Morpurgo''s wonderful storytelling and Barroux''s stunning artwork combine to tell the true story of Michael''s uncles against the epic backdrop of World War Two. Francis and Pieter are brothers. As shadow of one war lingers, and the rumbles of another approach, the brothers argue. Francis is a fierce pacifist, while Pieter signs up to fight. What happens next will change the course of Francis''s life forever ... and throw him into the mouth of the wolf. -- Michael Morpurgo has written over one hundred books and won many awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play. Michael is a tireless champion for children''s books and was formerly the Children''s Laureate. Born in Paris, Barroux spent much of his childhood in North Africa. He later attended art school in France. He received widespread critical acclaim for Line of Fire, Diary of An Unknown Soldier (Phoenix Yard) and Alpha (Barrington Stoke). In 2015 Barroux won the first Parents, Babies, a Book competition for his work Chuut! which will be given to every baby in the north of France. His stunning book Where''s the Elephant? (Egmont) has been longlisted for the Kate Greenway Medal 2016.

Inspired by classroom time and television programming devoted to wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues, today''s children have a zest for the outdoors and an ardent appreciation of the creatures with which they share the planet. This collection offers a caliber of stories and extracts several notches above the expected fare in a compilation. The list of renowned contributors includes such luminaries as John Steinbeck (The Red Pony), Michael Morpurgo (Waiting for Anya), and Jack London (The Call of the Wild). With such stories as Rudyard Kipling''s The Cat that Walked by Himself, through favorites such as Paul Gallico''s The Snow Goose, and contemporary tales such as Ted Hughes'' powerful Iron Woman, Animal Stories is a terrific introduction to classic literature and nature writing for children and young adults.

The perfect read for all ages, Pinocchio as you’ve never seen him before: telling his own story through the master storyteller and award-winning author of WAR HORSE.