New Releases by Michael Morpurgo

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 of bombing miles away brings the war back to them and shatters their new-found peace. When a German bomber crashes, the boys feel they should hate the airmen inside. But one of them saves David''s life ... In the tradition of Goodnight Mr Tom, Carrie''s War, and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Friend or Foe is a novel that takes children to the heart of a tumultuous period in history. From the author of War Horse (now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg) comes a stunning children''s story - loved by kids, teachers and parents alike. Michael Morpurgo has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children''s Book Award and has been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal four times.

"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 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.

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.

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

Award-winning children''s writer and former Children''s Laureate Michael Morpurgo has collected his greatest animal stories from all around the world and put them in one place . . . Here! From brave mice to hungry wolves, and mischievous spiders to ingenious cats, this is a timeless collectionto treasure forever. Beautifully illustrated throughout, a menagerie will come to life before your eyes. There are lots of stories to choose from, including Puss in Boots, The Ugly Duckling, and Peter and the Wolf, so whether you''re looking for a quick read or a longer story to lose yourself in,something to read alone or a tale to share, there''s a great animal story within for everyone to find.This beautifully-illustrated, sumptuous gift edition is perfectfor young readers to treasure.

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.

Joey the horse recalls his experiences growing up on an English farm, his struggle for survival as a cavalry horse during World War I, and his reunion with his beloved master.

"When Shadow, a bomb-sniffing spaniel, goes missing in the middle of war-torn Afghanistan, his soldier-owner is devastated. Meanwhile, Shadow makes friends with a local Afghan boy, and sees a whole other side of the war. But as Christmas draws ever closer, the question is - will Shadow and his trainer ever be reunited...?" --Publisher description.

''Now - there''s no point in pretending here - I was, and still am deep down, a puppet. Everyone knows Pinocchio is a puppet ... But the truth is, I''m not just a puppet, I''m more than just bits of wood and string. I''m me''. This is a lyrical re-telling of the classic tale from bestselling author Michael Morpurgo.

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 this . . . I was in the cold of the sea before I could even open my mouth to scream. Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone . . . From the author of War Horse comes this tale of survival against all odds, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific and recalling memories of the Second World War. This is a remarkable and unforgettable story.

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?

The magical sequel to ‘War Horse’, now a major motion picture. Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse and the nation’s favourite storyteller

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