New Releases by Michael Morpurgo

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.

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...

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

This inspiring tale from Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman celebrates 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 nothing makes her prouder than seeing him at work. But each time the Flying Scotsman pulls away, Iris wishes more than anything that she could be with her dad in the driver’s cab. Then again, who’s to stop her? Our cheeky train enthusiast protagonist hops aboard the Flying Scotsman as it travels from London to Edinburgh, breaking the speed record for steam locomotives on its way! But will Iris ever achieve her dream of riding in the driver’s cab of the greatest train in the world, like her dad? This heartwarming story captures the adventurous spirit of the golden age of steam travel, while paying tribute to the amazing workers who drove the trains and kept the railways running. Readers even get to see that when Iris grows up, she becomes one of the first women to work on the railways during World War II. Joyously illustrated, this book is the ultimate celebration of the great Flying Scotsman and the golden age of train travel.

DISCOVER AND CHERISH THIS BEAUTIFUL HARDBACK 40th ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF THE BELOVED MODERN CLASSIC, WAR HORSE.

“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

Full of friendship and adventure, this charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees is perfect to read together, and celebrates the way the countryside and its animals can leave an impression on a child’s heart forever.

Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the stunning, classic story of an unforgettable friendship with a glorious colour gift edition, fully illustrated by Christian Birmingham.

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.

Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, Lescun, le petit village des Pyrénées où habite Jo, est occupé par les Allemands qui surveillent la frontière. Un jour, dans la montagne, le jeune berger découvre plusieurs enfants juifs cachés dans une ferme. Ils attendent le moment propice pour fuir en Espagne. N''écoutant que son courage, Jo décide de garder le secret et de tout faire pour les aider et les protéger.

The classic story of finding fun on the farm from the nation’s favourite storyteller, gorgeously re-illustrated by Sam Usher.

It was Benjamin Postlethwaite''s job all his long life to make sure the light shone brightly high up in the lighthouse on Puffin Island. Not once in all his years as the lighthouse keeper had he ever let his light go out. But sometimes even the brightest light on a lighthouse cannot save a ship. This is a story of a life-changing friendship, a lost puffin, and a lonely artist. It''s the story of an entire lifetime, and how one event can change a life forever. From masterful storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, and world-class illustrator, Benji Davies, comes a magical new story. This truly beautiful tale will enchant readers of all ages.

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.

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

As the world commemorates the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have teamed up with the British Legion to tell a new story inspired by the history of the poppy.

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 color 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).

Join the fun on the farm! A charming, funny story from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, hilariously illustrated throughout by Shoo Rayner, and perfect for readers of 5 and up.

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.

A delightful tale of victory against all odds from master storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, lavishly illustrated by Michael Foreman.

Imagine being told to leave your home... Imagine American soldiers occupying your house and land... Imagine being 12 and angry, with only a cat to tell your secrets to... Well it all happened (most of it anyway) in Slapton Sands, Devon, in 1944. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, this play explodes everything we thought we knew about the D-Day landings. With signature Kneehigh sorcery, 946 uses music, puppetry and foolishness to tell this tale of war, prejudice and love. Tender, political and surprisingly romantic, this story speaks to us all and will finally reveal the secrets the US and British governments tried to keep quiet.

A wicked witch marries their father, and uses her magic to turn Hansel''s and Gretel''s world upside down. When they are left in the woods by their parents, Hansel and Gretel find their way home despite an encounter with another wicked witch.

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.

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.

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

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.

Tales from the nation’s favourite storyteller about man’s best friend who will do anything to protect their loving owners.

In her castle lair high in the mountains of Switzerland, lives a terrible dragon. In the village below, lives a little girl called Mimi. When she finds a baby dragon in the woodshed, she makes a brave decision that will bring joy and peace to the village for ever.

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?