Best Selling Books by Michael Morpurgo

An e-book edition of War Horse with movie stills, behind-the-scenes photos, storyboards, and more! 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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . . .

For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a puppy is only the start of his adventures. From unwanted burden to favouritecompanion, and from pet to champion race dog, this greyhound proves that it''s not just cats who have more than one life.

Miraculously rescued from drowning, a boy awakes from unconsciousness to find himself in a deep cave with Arthur Pendragon. As Arthur tells the boy about his life, the legendary tales of Camelot unfold. This retelling of the Arthur legend is aimed at Key Stage 3 students.

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.

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

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, Oona, spooks. As Will sees a huge wave crashing in, Oona runs into the jungle with Will holding on for dear life. With nothing but the clothes on his back and both parents surely lost, Will wonders if there is much left for him in the world. But with Oona beside him, the jungle might turn out not to be so lonely . . .

Montezuma, the farmyard cat, survives nine exciting lives of danger and adventure. He grows from a fiery kitten to grand old tomcat, he is always special, independent - a law unto himself.

“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

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.

Escaping from China as the Japanese invade, Ashley and Uncle Sung embark on a perilous journey across the Himalayas. Then Ashley finds himself alone in the hostile mountains, battling for his life. He is just about to give up all hope, when he has a mysterious and terrifying encounter...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

An exciting historical adventure from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate Michael Morpurgo.

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

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series. Please note that the eBook edition does NOT include access to the audio edition and digital book. Written for learners of English as a foreign language, each title includes carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. The Puffin Keeper, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. Visit the Penguin Readers website Register to access online resources including tests, worksheets and answer keys. Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock a digital book and audio edition (not available with the eBook). Five-year-old Allen Williams arrives on Puffin Island and meets an old man, Benjamin Postlewaite. Ben is the lighthouse keeper, and Allen is soon friends with him. Allen travels back to the island many years later and finds Ben is keeping a puffin. Allen helps Ben to change from lighthouse keeper to puffin keeper.

“Morpurgo''s dramatic telling captures the vitality of the tale as well as its beauty and mystery.” — Booklist (starred review) Welcome to a medieval world full of sword fights and shape-shifting, monsters and magic, and timeless characters both gallant and wonderfully human. Written anonymously in the fourteenth century, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is retold in its entirety by Michael Morpurgo in a lively and accessible narration that captures all the tale’s drama and humor. Vivid illustrations by the celebrated Michael Foreman infuse this classic tale with dragons, swords, and medieval pageantry.

A retelling in prose of the Anglo-Saxon epic about the heroic efforts of Beowulf, son of Edgetheow, to save the people of Heorot hall from the terrible monster, Grendel.

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.

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.

Addasiad Cymraeg o Kensuke''s Kingdom. Ar ôl cael ei olchi ar lan ynys yn y Cefnfor Tawel, mae hi''n anodd i Meilyr oroesi ar ei ben ei hun. Heb fwyd a heb ddŵr, mae''n gorwedd i lawr, yn barod i farw. Ar ôl iddo ddihuno, mae''n gweld bod llond plât o bysgod a ffrwythau, a phowlen o ddŵr ffres yn ei ymyl. Tybed pwy sy''n ei helpu i gadw''n fyw? Addas i blant 8-13 oed. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

A fresh, funny modern fairytale about a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden, from superstar duo Michael Morpurgo and Emily Gravett. Clara is a small, strong-willed princess who likes running wild, jumping ditches, and climbing trees. But most of all, she loves collecting creepy-crawlies and making them her friends. That''s not easy with a bossy butler and persnickety 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 just one thing she needs to do...

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.