New Releases by Michael Morpurgo

''A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy'' KATE MOSSE ''Our master storyteller'' JOANNA LUMLEY In Funny Thing, Getting Older, one of our most belove novelists shares his reflections from a lifetime of writing stories about the world. Here, collected for the first time on Michael''s 82nd birthday, are his thoughts on nature, childhood, writing, peace and war, and getting older. Some are deeply personal, some political, others in between. And woven in amongst them you will find a play, a poem or two, and even a few stories. Full of wonder, gentle humour and sharp observation, Funny Thing, Getting Older is a book to treasure. ''For me, a story is like a kite. It will swoop and soar, and it will be please my heart when it''s up there, floating on the wind. It is the same with the making of the pieces in this book, every one of them. I have to keep making and flying my kites, and to teach others, if I can, to fly theirs.'' MICHAEL MORPURGO

When Michael''s aunt passes away, she leaves behind a letter that will change everything. It starts with Michael''s grandfather Leroy, a black officer in World War I who charged into a battle zone not once but three times to save wounded men. His fellow soldiers insisted he deserved special commendations for his bravery but because of the racial barriers, he would go unacknowledged. Now it''s up to Michael to change that. Inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British army, award-winning author Michael Morpurgo delivers a richly layered and memorable story of identity, history, and family.

The 50th anniversary edition of Robert Westall''s gripping first novel for children, set during World War II. Winner of the 1975 Carnegie Medal Chas McGill has the second-best collection of war souvenirs in Garmouth but wants it to be the best. When he stumbles across the wreckage of a downed German bomber, he finds the ultimate trophy--a working machine gun. Hiding his discovery from the local police, Chas recruits his friends and together they build a fortress for their prize. But war is not a game and soon both friendships and loyalties are tested when the gang''s actions have dangerous consequences. Robert Westall wrote The Machine Gunners for his son, Christopher, based on his own experiences during the Second World War. A modern classic of children''s fiction, it went on to win the CILIP Carnegie Medal in 1975 and has been in print ever since.

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. "They call me Cobweb. I''ll tell you why later. I may be a dog, but I know and understand a lot more than people think I do." Britain. 1815. After years of loss and sacrifice, the end of the war with Napoleon is approaching. Cobweb knows nothing of the war - he loves being a young puppy and playing with his owner, Bethan, exploring the countryside and chasing rabbits. But when he is taken away from Bethan and sold, Cobweb must learn to become a Drover''s Dog - herding sheep and cattle for hundreds of miles on the long, treacherous journey to London. And after the Napoleonic wars finally come to an end with the Battle of Waterloo, Cobweb meets an unexpected stranger with an incredible tale to tell on his journey home . . .

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 in America searching for their father. But their new land is one of hardship and they live in poverty on the streets of Boston. However, their adventure is just beginning. Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine in Ireland, but they must leave their dying mother behind. They travel in search or their father, across rough seas and shipwrecks, to a new land of hardship and poverty: America. The streets of Boston are not quite lined with gold as the stories say. It''s a long and dangerous trip, but their family''s survival depends on it. And the journey there is only the beginning ... Twist of Gold is an unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure and hope from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children''s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.

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

Beloved children''s author Michael Morpurgo has re-imagined Raymond Briggs'' classic The Snowman for a new generation of readers. One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling. He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story. That night, something magical happens- the Snowman comes to life! He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special. Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect Christmas story for the whole family. The Snowman is the perfect festive read for ALL the family! For little ones: The Snowman board book For younger children: The Snowman classic picture book with no words For younger readers: The Snowman and Snowdog (a picture book with words) For 7+ readers: The Snowman - retold by Michael Morpurgo

A stunning new story of hope, humanity and high-seas adventure for children and adults everywhere from Sir Michael Morpurgo, the nation’s favourite storyteller and multi-million copy bestselling author of WAR HORSE.

A stunning new classic from master storyteller Michael Morpurgo for readers of 9+, in the vein of PRIVATE PEACEFUL and THE BUTTERFLY LION This is a landmark new novel from the nation''s favourite storyteller, set in the unique landscape of the Camargue in the South of France during WW2. There, a young autistic boy lives on his parents'' farm among the salt flats, and the flamingos that live there. There are lots of things he doesn''t understand: but he does know how to heal animals. He loves routine, and music too: and every week he goes to market with his mother, to ride his special horse on the town carousel. But then the Germans come, with their guns, and take the town. A soldier shoots a flamingo from the sky, and it falls to earth terribly injured. And even worse is to come: the carousel is damaged, the horses broken. For this vulnerable boy, everything is falling apart. Only there''s a kind sergeant among the Germans - a man with a young boy of his own at home, a man who trained as a carpenter. Between them, perhaps boy and man can mend what has been broken - and maybe even the whole town...

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.

From master storyteller MICHAEL MORPURGO, and illustrated in stunning colour 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).

England, 1940. Barney’s home has been destroyed by bombing, and he and his mother are traveling to the countryside when German planes attack. Their train is forced to take shelter in a tunnel and there, in the darkness, a stranger— a fellow passenger—begins to tell them a story about two young soldiers who came face to face in the previous war. One British, one German. Both lived, but the British soldier was haunted by the encounter once he realized who the German was: the young Adolf Hitler. The British soldier made a moral decision. Was it the right one? Readers can ponder that difficult question for themselves with Michael Morpurgo''s latest middle-grade novel An Eagle in the Snow.

Come my heart. And come my wings. Fly, fly before the cruel snows. Carry me. Carry me home. I must be on my way, on my way. Safe in the shadows. Safe among trees. Darting, flitting, swooping and soaring. Onwards, upwards. Long way to go. Get there I must. Get there I will. One courageous little Robin sets off on an epic journey to travel home for Christmas. In this fabulous, wintry tale from master story-teller Michael Morpurgo a little robin journeys through dense forests, sheets of rain, sonorous thunder and bright flashes of lightening; he crosses dark mountains and wild seas, all the while dreaming of home and ''of her''. Lyrical and moving, Coming Home relays the details of a relatively unknown natural phenomenon; while some robins do, of course, live in our gardens all year long, some migrate hundreds of miles just to winter in our gardens.

Back by popular demand, for a second magical West End season, this intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas loves playing in the mountains where he lives and hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library... An enchanting and interactive show, I Believe in Unicorns sparks the imagination of both young and old. You too will believe in unicorns after joining Tomas''s spellbinding journey!Suitable for a family audience and children aged 6+

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.

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.

As soon as the bells stop ringing, I1m going to carry you home to your mother, back up to the Mountain Dragon''s castle ... Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is a beautifully poignant and atmospheric Christmas story from War Horse author Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Helen Stephens, the talent behind How to Hide a Lion from Grandma.

“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.

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.

An Elephant in the Garden is Simon Reade’s new adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s novel. 1945. Dresden, Germany. Lizzie, her mother – and an elephant from the zoo, flee the Allied fire-bombing in the end-game of the Second World War. Escaping the Allies’ advance from the West – and also the advancing Russian armies from the East – this extraordinary trio of refugees meet: a downed RAF officer, cowering in a barn; a homeless school choir on the run and their Countess saviour, harbouring them from the Nazis; and the mechanised American cavalry, appearing over the horizon. It is Lizzie’s story – but Marlene, the elephant, is the heroine. Plodding, obdurate, opportunistic, loadbearing, indestructible, cheering – Marlene embodies the stubbornness of the human will and how it will do everything to survive.

Three outstanding novels by the nation’s favourite storyteller that depict unforgettable experiences of WWI.

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.

From the author of War Horse comes a gentle, evocative story of a young city boy’s summer in 1960s rural Provence. When Yannick learns that he is to stay with his aunt Mathilde and her family in the South of France, he cannot believe his luck. He has rarely been out of Paris, and if the paintings in his mother’s beloved Cézanne book are to be believed, surely Provence is paradise itself. So begins an idyllic month for the young city boy: roaming the gentle hills and rolling valleys and daydreaming about his beautiful cousin Amandine; helping at his aunt and uncle’s bustling village inn; feeling that he has come to the most wonderful place in the world. But one evening the spell is broken when an important local comes for dinner and Yannick accidentally destroys a precious drawing the man leaves behind. How can the devastated Yannick make things right again — and what surprising discoveries might come of it?

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.

In the town of Hamelin, the rich and greedy live like kings and queens while the poor and sick scavenge rubbish tips for scraps. A lame orphan boy tells the classic tale of how a plague of rats take over the town and how a fantastic piper offers to rid Hamelin of its rats for a single gold coin.

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.

Believing in magic makes dreams come true...

The life of Michael Morpurgo, as a biography, and autobiographical stories.