Michael Morpurgo

Since the beginning of time, strange and mysterious things have happened here… At the furthest edge of Britain, where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor. These are unforgettable tales where magic lies around every corner. This haunting collection of short stories by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo includes magical illustrations by award-winning...

Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic children’s novel – War Horse. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. 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...

Some cats really do have nine lives: after a stay at the legendary Savoy hotel, Kaspar the cat sets sail – on none other than the Titanic . . ‘A cracking narrative’ Observer They say cats have nine lives, and that’s certainly true of Kaspar. From the glamorous suites of the Savoy Hotel to a crowded lifeboat and the hustle...

A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together. Take part in the heroic rescue of a fishing boat in trouble, meet a boy who makes an extraordinary discovery in the vegetable patch, and find out how a farm cat forms a very special connection with...

A heart-racing tale of courage, loss, friendship, and family from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Escaping from China as the Japanese invade, Ashley and Uncle Sung embark on a perilous journey across the Himalayas. When battling the hostile environments of the mountains, and finding himself alone in an unfamiliar world, Ashley’s courage is put to the test. A mysterious...

Discover and cherish this beautiful hardback 40th-anniversary illustrated edition of the beloved modern classic, War Horse. Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic and nation’s favourite children’s novel… 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,...

A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse, which has been captivating audiences young and old for 40 years. This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been...

A fictionalised account of the real-life British soldier who let Hitler live in the First World War, and his attempt to put right his mistake – from a master storyteller ‘Brilliant. Historical fiction at its most magnificent’ Jackie French An Eagle in the Snow tells the story of Billy Byron, one of the most decorated privates of the First World...

The epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from a master storyteller ‘One of those novels that you know from the start is going to break your heart’ The Times After his father is killed in Iraq, a surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect escape for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach,...

A heartwarming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about a deserted village, a lifelong friendship, and one very adventurous cat! ‘A master storyteller at his best’ Sunday Times It’s 1943. Lily lives in a seaside village and her life is scarcely touched by the war, until one day when the villagers are all told...

An unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure, and hope from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. ‘There’s a plague, a fever, call it what you will, sweeping this country, and it’s coming closer all the time.’ Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine and plague in Ireland. They survive a shipwreck and land safely...

A stunning and moving novel from a master storyteller – featuring the bravest dog in the world... ‘A superb animal tale, in the same vein as War Horse’ Guardian Never has Aman needed a friend more than when a springer spaniel appears before him one day. The dog becomes a constant companion, a shadow, and that's what Aman decides to...

Farm Boy is the extraordinary sequel to the beloved modern classic, War Horse. "There was an old green Fordson tractor in the back of Grandpa’s barn, always covered in cornsacks. When I was very little, I used to go in there, pull off the cornsacks, climb up and drive it all over the farm." Fifty years ago, Grandpa’s horse Joey...

A warm and funny story for younger readers, about two foxes, a ghost and one of the biggest archaeological discoveries in living memory… ‘A heartwarming tale for animal lovers and football fans alike’ Guardian In a cosy den under a garden shed lives a family of foxes. They love to watch football, all foxes do. One day, they are surprised...

A stunning story of friendship and our natural world set against the backdrop of the First World War. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is...

A spellbinding children’s story from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo – now with a brand new cover look. Toby Jenkins doesn’t like boarding school. He gets called Jinks and thinks he will never fit in. But then he meets a strange boy named Christopher who believes that he is the second coming of Jesus Christ. When...

An utterly magical tale of one boy’s desert island adventure – full of friendship, trust and humanity. From the nation’s favourite storyteller. ‘A dazzling adventure’ – The Times ‘I heard the wind above me in the sails. I remember thinking, this is silly, you haven’t got your safety harness on, you haven’t got your lifejacket on. You shouldn’t be doing...

On holiday in the Devon countryside, Clare's summer is transformed by a new friendship with retired horse Captain and his reclusive owner. A must-have for every fan of Morpurgo's classic storytelling and Rayner's highly sought-after artwork, and a gift to treasure for young and old. Clare and her Captain tells the story of Clare, who is dreading the long summer...

How far would you go to find yourself? The lyrical, life-affirming novel from the nation’s favourite storyteller ‘Michael Morpurgo’s best book in years’ Observer When six-year-old Arthur is shipped to Australia after the Second World War, he loses everything he knows. Subjected to brutal hardship on a working farm before finding a home with the eccentric Aunty Megs, Arthur is...

A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together. Full of friendship and adventure, these three uplifting stories capture the wonder, muck, and magic of a city child’s week on the farm. Join in the daring rescue of a lost lamb, meet a boy who saves...

The moving and inspiring story of a family’s struggle with racism and war, and about the importance of finding out who you are. ‘A simple story, beautifully told’ Sunday Express Michael never knew his father, an RAF pilot lost in the war. And his French mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn’t like to talk about her husband. But then Auntie Snowdrop...

A stunning story of hope, humanity, friendship, and high-seas adventure, inspired by Gulliver’s Travels ‘A sparkling adventure . . . deeply vital for our times’ LoveReading4Kids Having fled war-torn Afghanistan in a boat now sure to sink, refugee Omar prepares to be lost to the waves. But then he wakes up, on a beach, surrounded by people each no bigger...

A stunning gift collection of animal poems from master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, celebrating with heart and humour the creatures with whom we share our planet. Collaborating once more with iconic artist, Michael Foreman, Morpurgo's poems are inspired by The Carnival of the Animals – a humorous musical by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Building on this classic framework, Michael has...

A powerful, moving adventure inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo, Cobweb is a stunning tale of courage and kindness – a book about humanity, animals, and the heartbreak of war, from a writer at the height of his powers. 'Thank goodness for Michael Morpurgo' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph 'Moving, unique and utterly charming. This...

An inspiring yet life-affirming story about a boy trapped in a coma after being hit by a car chasing after his dog, Lucky. ‘Absorbing and satisfying, with a real story at its heart’ Guardian Robbie lies in a coma, after a terrible car accident involving his dog, Lucky. He can hear the world around him, but he can’t move or...

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 the shadow of one war lingers, and the rumbles of another approach, the brothers argue. Francis is...

A gripping and heartfelt war story from Britain’s best-loved children’s author, Michael Morpurgo. Turned away by his own son, Cessie’s long-lost grandfather finds himself in the place he fears most – a nursing home called Shangri-La. Only Cessie loves him and is determined to help him escape and unravel the truth of his past. A past that comes to him...

A heartfelt tale of an orphaned boy in search of family from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Another summer. Another foster family. George has already made up his mind to run away, back to the children’s home. None of the previous families have wanted him. Why should the Dyers be any different? But George begins to...

A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together. Find out how Elvis the donkey helps a trapped sea turtle, meet all the extraordinary animals of Wick Court through J's letters, and watch as a special friendship turns Lucky into the very best sheepdog. Full of...

Ten stunning Shakespeare retellings from the master storyteller, with an introduction by Benedict Cumberbatch Featuring re-tellings of ten of Shakespeare’s plays, and beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo’s warm, accessible, and inimitable style, this wonderful collection offers a new generation of readers the chance to discover the magic of Shakespeare – the perfect introduction to the Bard and an unmissable book...

A tale of fun and friendship from former Children’s Laureate and author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo. Harry heard the key turn in the lock. He had already made up his mind to run. Harry is in trouble at school and doesn’t like his stepfather or the new baby. Then he befriends Ocky, a chimpanzee from the circus. Ocky’s owner...

A hilarious tale of history come to life from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, best-selling author of War Horse. Living with a ghost can have its difficulties, I discovered, even if he is your friend. Remember Sir Walter Raleigh, who laid his cloak in a puddle so Queen Elizabeth I could walk across? Well, Bess meets his ghost and...

The legend of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws, thrillingly reimagined by the nation’s favourite storyteller. ‘A thoroughly enjoyable, action-packed adventure’ BookTrust With King Richard gone and the tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham ruling in his place, the people need a hero – or a whole motley crew of them. Robin Hood and the Outlaws outsmart the usurpers again and...

The classic story of finding fun on the farm from the nation’s favourite storyteller, gorgeously re-illustrated by Sam Usher. From Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a classic story of one small boy, and one very lucky duck… Sam is a city boy through and through – and isn’t looking forward to his school trip to Nethercott Farm at all. But busy...

Friend or Foe is a gripping World War II story from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. Evacuated from London, David and Tucky feel like the war is a long way away from their new life in the countryside. Then one night, the skyline of the moor is lit up with gun flashes, and the distant crump...

MICHAEL MORPURGO'S FIRST BOOK OF ADULT NON-FICTION IN FORTY YEARS. The No 4 Sunday Times and No 1 Saturday Times Bestseller A Guardian and Times Best Book of 2025 'Uplifting and enchanting. A celebration of life by our master story-teller.' – Joanna Lumley Spring is a delight. His love and knowledge of the countryside are profound. We are all the...

A beautiful second volume of Shakespeare retellings, from the master storyteller. Featuring re-tellings of a further eight of Shakespeare’s plays, and beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo’s warm, accessible, and inimitable style, this is the much-anticipated follow-up to Michael Morpurgo's highly-acclaimed Tales from Shakespeare. This brand new collection of re-tellings includes stunning artwork from eight different illustrators. This wonderful collection offers...

Six best-loved novels by award-winning author of War Horse, brought together in a beautiful box. Tales of animals, wartime, and the spirit it takes to survive will enchant readers young and old. A perfect introduction to Michael Morpurgo’s enthralling storytelling for new readers and a classic collection for fans. WAR HORSE In the deadly chaos of the First World War,...

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...

A powerful, moving adventure inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo, Cobweb is a stunning tale of courage and kindness – a book about humanity, animals, and the heartbreak of war, from a writer at the height of his powers. 'Thank goodness for Michael Morpurgo' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph 'Moving, unique and utterly charming. This...

An enchanting take on the legend of King Arthur from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Marooned on a sandbank, a boy faces certain death. With the sea closing in and the current about to drag him to a watery grave, his final wish is to see heaven. Waking in a strange bed, the boy meets an...

A lyrical and moving tale of a young boy growing up in Africa, and his lifelong friendship with a white lion, from a master storyteller. ‘Will touch all hearts – both young and old’ – Virginia McKenna, Born Free Foundation When Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld, the pair are inseparable – until Bertie is...

A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse, which has been captivating audiences young and old for 40 years. This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been...

A Financial Times Book of the Year 2022 An inspiring tale from Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman celebrating the world's most iconic train, Flying Scotsman, and its greatest fan, a young girl named Iris. Iris knows everything there is to know about Flying Scotsman. Her dad is the famous train's driver, and every year her favourite birthday treat is a...

This bestselling Christmas picture book by renowned children's author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Jim Field, is now available in paperback for the first time. Michael Morpurgo frames his powerful message about protecting the environment in this beautiful personal story about a grandpa’s wish for his granddaughter to live in a better world. This vital and timely story is paired with...

A heartwarming story split between 1966 and the Second World War where past and present collide, unlocking memories and reuniting old friends, showing that people can become family, despite the conflicts dividing them. ‘Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly’ Observer Charley and Alex’s mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since...

An enchanting story about how doing a little bit of good and having faith – in a magical gnome and a very stubborn donkey – might just make your dreams come true. 'Morpurgo has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers’ Guardian Jackie dreams of having a horse – one that will run like the wind...

Lisa and her cat Snug are inseparable…until the day Snug disappears. A charming countryside tale from the master of the animal tale. Wherever Lisa goes, her cat Snug follows. But as Snug grows up he spends more time away from home and one night comes home all beaten up. A beautifully illustrated and delightful story about animals and friendship.

A personal retelling of the true story of Joan of Arc, France’s saintly and heroic saviour from the fifteenth century, and her unwavering companion, a white sparrow. ‘A vivid retelling … moving and compelling’ Julia EccleshareAs war rages between France and England, the humble daughter of a peasant farmer faces the impossible: take charge of the French army and drive...

The charming tales of one mischievous cat from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. A cat's nine lives are full of adventure and excitement and none more so than Montezuma, the farmyard cat. From a young kitten to a grand old cat, he is cunning and proud while establishing his kingdom, but to Matthew, he's always loving...

An enchanting take on the legend of King Arthur from the nation’s favourite storyteller Michael Morpurgo, best-selling author of War Horse. ‘There stood before me an ancient man swathed in a dark and tattered fleece, his long hair and beard matted with filth, his face grey with grief and age. Holding the sword out in front of me, I backed...

A moving tale set during the Spanish Civil War, about the bond between a little boy and his bull, and their escape from a terrifying fate. ‘Once again, Morpurgo demonstrates his talent for stories of absolute clarity about big events’ Sunday TimesSurrounded by animals on a farm in the Spanish countryside, Antonito’s life is simple but sublime. He and his...

From master storyteller MICHAEL MORPURGO, and illustrated by the award-winning EMMA CHICHESTER CLARK, comes a surprising, charming and uplifting twist on The Wizard of Oz, told by a very special and unforgettable character: Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto. A perfect, collectible gift for all children (and children at heart). “I was there,” Papa Toto said, and those magic words sent shivers...

A sweeping story of love and rescue and an unforgettable journey back in time to the Second World War – from the master storyteller ‘Morpurgo has the power to captivate, to make the incredible a reality’ The Times, Children’s Book of the WeekAt her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, Australian-Greek girl Nandi discovers the extraordinary story of her Auntie Ellie; of...

A spellbinding animal story from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Bullied at school and nagged in Aunty May's tenth-floor council flat, there's only one place ten-year-old Billy really feels alive – in the wilderness by the canal. There he watches a cygnet on the water and protects a family of fox cubs. Then his secret place...

An epic story of determination and love, about one family’s escape from the Allied bombing of Dresden in the Second World War. ‘Captivating’ Telegraph It’s 1945, and the bombing of Dresden is imminent. Before the bombs start to fall, Lizzie’s zookeeper mother brings home the one animal she can’t bear to lose: Marlene, the elephant. When Lizzie and her family...

A tale of kindness triumphing over cruelty, of resilience, friendship, and the value of looking forward rather than behind you – from a master storyteller. ‘Pitch perfect’ Daily Mail When Patrick saves a greyhound puppy from drowning in the canal, he gives his beloved new pet the only name that feels right: Best Mate. But despite Patrick’s promise to look...

A heart-lifting story of hope and courage in a time of war, set in the South of France ‘The storytelling is, as always, irresistible and the characters clasp your heart’ Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week There are lots of things Lorenzo doesn’t understand, but he does understand animals – especially the flamingos in the salt flats of his...

From the nation’s favourite storyteller comes a powerful, moving and heartwarming retelling of the beloved, unforgettable story of Black Beauty. A story championing kindness, compassion, and humanity, and a rallying cry for the rights of animals, readers have fallen in love with the story of a horse called Black Beauty for 150 years. Now, this faithful retelling, beautifully written with...

A thrilling collection of myths, legends and ghost stories from War Horse author and Britain’s best-loved storyteller Michael Morpurgo. Since the beginning of time, strange and mysterious things have happened here … At the furthest edge of Britain, where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor.Set in a church town where men become...

Young Michael Morpurgo always loved the small painting of a boat hanging on Aunty Iris’s wall. But all she would ever say about it was that her beloved Alfie had painted it and given it to her years ago—before he’d left for France during World War II and had never come back. Michael decides to try and find out what...

Heroism or cowardice? A stunning story of the First World War from a master storyteller. ‘Full of warmth as well as grief, conveying vividly how precious it is to be alive’ Sunday Times. As young Thomas Peaceful looks back over his childhood from the battlefields of the First World War, his memories are full of family life deep in the...

A heart-wrenching and beautiful First World War novel where, in the face of fear and division, love, courage, and kindness allow life to go on after unthinkable tragedy. Shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards ‘Our national treasure . . . Hugely moving’ New Statesman When Alfie Wheatcroft and his father find an injured girl alone on one of Scilly’s uninhabited...

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...

Official World Book Day £1 book From Michael Morpurgo, co-founder of the charity Farms for City Children, this charming story for early readers evokes the wonder, muck and magic of a week on the farm. The first of many Farm Tales to come, it is a window onto the countryside, and the way its landscape and animals can leave an...

'A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy' — KATE MOSSE 'Our master storyteller' — JOANNA LUMLEY 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, writing, politics, and getting older. Full of wonder,...

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reading series, designed for teenagers and young adults learning English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practice activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. The Puffin Keeper, a...

A moving story combining war and football: the game with the ability to link nations and generations. ‘Told with all the author’s open-hearted clarity, and richly illustrated’ - Philip Pullman Billy the Kid tells the story of Billy, who’s no kid – he’s eighty today. This afternoon, he’ll be cheering on his team, Chelsea, as he has done all his...

Children’s literature legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with illustration star Sam Usher for a rollicking countryside adventure story, now in a Little Gems edition for more parents and children to share together. The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind – anything for a quiet life. But then the children and Mutt the dog come...

A poignant coming-of-age tale about a mountain-village girl and a bear – a tale of love, sacrifice and the challenge of making the right choices. Incredibly poignant . . . An utter delight – LoveReading4Kids High in the mountains, in a tiny village, an abandoned bear cub is adopted by lonely orphan Roxanne. The two soon become best friends: inseparable...

Tell everyone in Nottingham that the Outlaws rule here in Sherwood, that we rule in the king's name ... I am Robin Hood. After a fierce storm, a boy of today discovers an arrowhead and a human skull, buried beneath the roots of an ancient oak tree. A skull with a legendary past brings to life the heroic story of...

In 15th century France, a young peasant girl faces an overwhelming task: to save her beloved France from tyrants and restore the rightful king to the throne. To free her country, Joan must leave behind everyone she has ever loved, apart from her faithful sparrow, Belami. With huge bravery and fierce determination, she follows her calling and is finally granted...

An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow, and a young man – about love, family, and the determination to follow your calling. ‘Excellent’ The Times As Olly waits to hear from her brother, Matt, she watches the swallows preparing to leave for winter. Hero the swallow is about to embark on his long journey...

Every tale is told in Michael's magically lyrical and humorous style, and illustrated with Emma Chichester Clark's exquisitely playful and distinctive artwork. The stories and their morals are presented in a way that every parent and child reader will find extremely accessible and enjoyable. Stories include everyone's favourites, such as The Hare and the Tortoise; Town Mouse and Country Mouse;...

A gripping World War II adventure from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Jo did not stop until he’d shut the door behind him and even then his heart could not stop pounding in his ears. Jo finds out that Jewish children are being smuggled away from the Nazis over the mountains near his village. All goes...

An inspiring tale from Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman celebrating the world's most iconic train, Flying Scotsman, and its greatest fan, a young girl named Iris. Iris knows everything there is to know about Flying Scotsman. Her dad is the famous train's driver, and every year her favourite birthday treat is a trip to see him at work. But each...

“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. Praise for Michael Morpurgo:“A master storyteller at his best” The Sunday Times“Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly...

Explore friendship, love, revenge, life and death in the pages of From Hereabout Hill. A spell-binding collection of short stories from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo demonstrates why he is considered to be the master storyteller with this diverse collection of stories for children. Included in this collection of short stories is a poignant tale about civil...

A TOP 10 CHILDREN’S FICTION BESTSELLER A beautifully illustrated full-colour tribute to King Charles III, published to mark his coronation – from the bestselling creators of There Once Is a Queen. There once was a boy who was going to be king one day . . . From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of...