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 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. War Horse was adapted by Steven Spielberg as a major motion picture with Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The National Theatre production opened in 2007 and has enjoyed successful runs in the West End and on Broadway. A great way of introducing young readers to the realities of WWI. Look out for Morpurgo’s other war fiction including Friend or Foe, Waiting for Anya, King of the Cloud Forests and An Eagle in the Snow. War Horse is a story of universal suffering for a universal audience by a writer who ‘has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers’ (The Guardian). 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.

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 sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.

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 Week At her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, Australian-Greek girl Nandi discovers the extraordinary story of her Auntie Ellie; of how she fell in love and how she became an unsung hero of the Second World War. But Ellie has gone missing and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Ellie was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is . . .

Originally published in 1979, All Around the Year is a diary following a year at Parsonage Farm, a mixed farm in Devon, close to Dartmoor. The book documented a way of life unchanged for centuries, but which was already remote to most people. In All Around the Year, Morpurgo revealed the daily hardships and rewards of such a life. The accompanying poems were written by Ted Hughes as diary accounts of events on his own farm, not far from Iddesleigh. When Michael and Clare were putting together All Around the Year, they seemed a natural fit with the text and photographs. The book is illustrated with the photographs of James Ravilious from the Beaford Archive. The book has a new introduction by the prize-winning author Katherine Rundell.

Official World Book Day GBP1 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 impression on a child's heart forever. 'You're farmers for a week, so you'll be busy. There'll be no time to miss home. You'll eat like kings and queens, sleep like logs, and you'll hardly be out of your wellies, except in bed.' When a young boy goes from the city to stay on the farm, he discovers a world he never knew existed - a world of vegetable gardens, ducks and geese, where the sheep graze in the fields, where apples and pears grow in the orchard. He also meets Jemima the pig: she smells and she slobbers, she breaks out of her pen to steal potatoes, and she's the undisputed queen of the farm. Soon, he's hiding acorns in his pockets to feed to her every time he sees her. But then, Jemima starts to feel ill. Could she have eaten too many acorns? Or does this queen of a pig have a secret...?

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 call her. But life in Afghanistan is becoming more dangerous by the moment, and eventually Aman and Shadow must find the courage to leave. But how far can Shadow lead them? And in this terrifying new world, is anywhere really safe?

"I'm not a king or a Wizard... but I do have a story to tell." Meet Ben Bundle. He likes shing and snorkelling, jumping o rocks and exploring the magical island of Bryher with his friends. But after an accident leaves Bun blind, he fears his days of adventure are over. Until one day he is swept into the realm of his favourite story, the ancient legend of King Arthur, and Bun's world changes forever. Get ready for a gripping adventure where a broken promise, a magic sword and a ghostly king reveal to Bun a life-changing quest of his own. A tale about magic, mystery, hope, love, triumph and disaster, The Sleeping Sword weaves a contemporary tale of self-discovery with Arthurian legend in a way that is utterly spellbinding.

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 time Flying Scotsman pulls away, Iris wishes more than anything that she could be in the driver’s cab, just like her dad. Then again, who’s to stop her… Published in association with the National Railway Museum, York, Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever takes readers on a journey through the golden age of steam travel, paying tribute to the women who kept the railways running during the Second World War. With family at its heart, the story is warmly written and joyously illustrated by national treasures Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman.

An epic story of determination and love, about one family's escape from the Allied bombing of Dresden in the Second World War.

Lizzie and Karl's mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don't run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their garden instead. When the city is bombed, the family flees with thousands of others, but how can they walk the same route when they have an elephant in tow, and keep themselves safe? Along the way, they meet Peter, a Canadian navigator who risks his own capture to save the family.

As Michael Morpurgo writes in an author's note, An Elephant in the Garden is inspired by historical truths, and by his admiration for elephants, "the noblest and wisest and most sensitive of all creatures." Here is a story that brings together an unlikely group of survivors whose faith in kindness and love proves the best weapon of all.

A tense and thrilling ghost story that revisits Cornwall's industrial past. Short-storytelling at its very best, from the UK's most beloved writer for children, the internationally acclaimed author of War Horse. It all began with a necklace, made of glistening pink cowrie shells. A long, long necklace that had taken Cherry days - weeks - of careful, painstaking work. It was nearly complete, and Cherry was determined it would be the longest necklace she had ever made; that it would be fit for a giant! But the end of the holidays had arrived. "You've only got today, Cherry," said her mother. "Just today, that's all." Cherry didn't mind, a day would be enough - she only needed a few more shells. So, amidst the taunts of her older brothers, she set out to search for them. Then the clouds grew dark and the waves grew large, and as the storm blew in, Cherry realized, to her horror, that she was cut off from the shore. From then on, events began to take a decidedly dark turn. One from which there was no turning back...

Travel the globe this Christmas, on an inspiring journey through the animal kingdom. A Song of Gladness is a timely reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world from two of today's most celebrated children's book creators. From a blackbird in a Devon garden to leopards in the African savanna, hibernating bears and chimpanzees high in the forest canopy, A Song of Gladness reminds us all of our connection with nature, and with each other, and the urgent need for us to join together in caring for the planet and every creature in it. Former Children's Laureate and CILIP Carnegie Medal winner Sir Michael Morpurgo's beautiful story is both moving and full of hope; the illustrations from twice CILIP Kate Greenaway-winning Emily Gravett are breathtaking. This gorgeous book is a classic in the making and the perfect Christmas gift for any animal and nature lover.

It's 1943, Lily Tregenza Live lives on a farm in the seaside village. of Slapton and her life is scarcely touvhed by tht war. Unitl one day when the villagers are told to move out of their home - lock, stock and barrel. Soon the whole area is out of bounds as the allied forces prepare to invade France. But Tips, Lily's adored cat, has other ideas - and returns to the forbidden area. Frantic to find her, Lily decides to enter the danger zone to look for Tips herself.

The epic Anglo-Saxon legend is brilliantly recreated by an award-winning author/illustrator team. In fifth-century Denmark, a murderous monster stalks the night, and only the great prince of the Geats has the strength and courage to defeat him. Beowulf's terrifying quest to destroy Grendel, the foul fiend, a hideous sea-hag and a monstrous fire-dragon is the oldest surviving epic in British literature. Artfully retold and magnificently illustrated, this companion volume to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is made instantly accessible to children by a formidable children's book partnership.

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. And a mysterious and terrifying encounter at the hands of an unknown tribe might just change everything. King of the Cloud Forests is a much loved story of bravery and compassion in the face of war and loss, from the author of War Horse. 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. Look out for Morpurgo’s other war fiction including War Horse, Friend or Foe, Waiting for Anya and An Eagle in the Snow.

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 A surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect holiday for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach, Oona, spooks and begins trumpeting at the sea. As Will sees a huge wave, a tsunami, 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 . . .

When Bertie is sent away from the African farm of his childhood to school in England, he leaves behind not only his beloved mother and the beautiful land, swarming with wildlife, but also his best friend - a white lion he rescued as a cub. Bertie's struggle to adjust to his new life in harsh, grey England is alleviated only by a chance friendship with the equally lonely Millie and his dreams of his treasured lion, now trapped in a French circus. But their remarkable journey is only just beginning, and the pair are destined to meet again. The Butterfly Lion combines music, design and puppetry to bring a magical adventure to life: celebrating nature, friendship and the triumph of love. Based on Michael Morpurgo's best-selling novel, which won the Smarties Prize and the Writers' Guild Award, this stage adaptation was commissioned by Chichester Festival Theatre and written by Chichester Festival Theatre's Writer-in-Residence Anna Ledwich.

The fresh and funny story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden, from the award-winning duo Sir Michael Morpurgo (Children's Laureate 2003-4) 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 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 . . . Written by one of Two Hoots's most acclaimed authors and illustrated by the award-winning Emily Gravett: the marvellous partnership who also created the bestselling picture book, A Song of Gladness.

Pippa loves staying with her Aunty Peggy. She loves going for walks, whether it's sunshiney or cold - long, wandering walks where her wellies take her. Follow Pippa into the beautiful countryside as her day unfolds, and the wildlife, animals and people she encounters are complemented by relevant poems from some of our greatest authors. Part poetry anthology, part child's scrapbook, this is a truly lavish project designed to instil a love of language in young children.

Die Voelman toor en vervloek mense. Moenie met hom praat nie. Bly ver van hom af weg. Gracie en Daniel word gewaarsku om nie naby die Voelman te kom nie, maar 'n boodskap in die sand laat hulle besef dat hy anders is as wat almal dink. Hulle verdwaal een nag in digte mis en beland alleen op 'n verlate eiland. Is die Voelman se stories waar? Is die plek vervloek?

An utterly magical 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 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 and closes his eyes ready for the end. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone … Kensuke's Kingdom is a gripping adventure of survival and true friendship from the author of War Horse. 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. Kensuke’s Kingdom was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and won the FCB Award.

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, 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 seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story. THE BUTTERFLY LION When Bertie is a little boy, he rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten. KENSUKE’S KINGDOM Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up and closes his eyes ready for the end. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone … PRIVATE PEACEFUL Young Thomas Peaceful looks back over his childhood memories from the battlefields of the First World War. But the clock is ticking, and every moment Tommo spends remembering means another moment closer to something that will change his life forever. SHADOW 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 call her. But life in Afghanistan is becoming more dangerous by the moment, and eventually Aman and Shadow must find the courage to leave. But how far can Shadow lead them? And in this terrifying new world, is anywhere really safe? AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN 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 join the thousands of other refugees fleeing the city, they end up with more than one unusual companion …

Discover the beauty and wonder of trees in this stunningly illustrated collection of poetry and stories celebrating trees and what they mean to the world around us . . . Inspired by the woods around his home, the mighty forests that support our life on Earth, and the Ted Hughes poem which gives this book its title, My Heart Was a Tree is a celebration, and Sir Michael Morpurgo's love letter to trees. There are stories from an ancient olive remembering Odysseus and Penelope, and from a eucalyptus that gave shelter to a koala; from a piece of driftwood that was made into a chair, and from a tiny sapling carried by a refugee as a reminder of home – these are poems and stories that will amuse, move and energise families and readers of all ages to appreciate the beauty and wonder of trees. Yuval Zommer's beautiful, detailed illustrations bring the natural world to life, and make My Heart Was a Tree a book to pore over for hours and hours, discovering something new each time.