Heroism or cowardice? A stunning story of the First World War from a master storyteller ‘Full of warmth as well as grief, conveying vividly how precious it is to be alive’ Sunday Times As young Thomas Peaceful looks back over his childhood from the battlefields of the First World War, his memories are full of family life deep in the countryside. But the clock is ticking, and every moment Tommo spends remembering how things used to be, means another moment closer to something that will change his life for ever.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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?

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 . . .

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 sweeping story of danger, adventure and the high seas. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. “We all knew what was going to happen. We’d seen it before. A ship about to founder staggers before she falls. A huge wave broke over her stern and she did not come upright again.” Life on the Scilly Isles in 1907 is bleak and full of hardship. Laura’s twin brother, Billy, disappears, and then a storm devastates everything. It seems there’s little hope. But then the Zanzibar is wrecked on the island’s rocks, and everything changes … The Wreck of the Zanzibar is a sea-swept story of storms, shipwrecks and survival … and a family tossed in the centre of it all. 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.

A tale of kindness triumphing over cruelty, of resilience, friendship and the value of looking forward rather than behind you – from a master storyteller ‘Pitch perfect’ Daily Mail When Patrick saves a greyhound puppy from drowning in the canal, he gives his beloved new pet the only name that feels right: Best Mate. But despite Patrick’s promise to look after Best Mate forever, it isn't long before the greyhound is thrust into a new life and threatened with a fate he will have to fight to escape. In the face of constant danger, Best Mate finds a way to survive. The real challenge will be finding a home . . .

Michael Morpurgo’s children’s classic is now a major movie animation starring Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe. With screen play by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. From the award-winning author of War Horse. ‘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.

This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been helping children understand conflict. As we move beyond centenary commemorations and continue to strive for peace across the world, it remains an important book for young readers learning about the past.

Review for the novel:
"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." –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 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.

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.

The extraordinary sequel to War Horse from the master storyteller The extraordinary sequel to War Horse ‘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 . . .

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 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 . . .

A heart-lifting, heartbreaking story by Michael Morpurgo, the second-biggest children's author in the UK. In the Imperial War Museum is a wooden Dachshund, carved by a German prisoner of war for the children of the British family with which he stayed after the fighting ended. This is the story of how it got there... When the Bismarck sinks, one of the only German survivors is taken on board a British ship as a prisoner of war. Sent to live with a host family, Walter must adapt to a new way of life, in the heart of an enemy country. Gradually, though, he finds a friend in ten-year-old Grace. So when the time finally comes to go back to Germany, it's an emotional parting, with Walter leaving Grace with only a carved wooden dog to remember him by. The question is, will Walter and Grace ever meet again? In 1966, with the World Cup coming to Britain, that opportunity may just have come along.

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.

A heartwarming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about a deserted village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat! ‘A master storyteller at his best’ Sunday Times It’s 1943. Lily lives in a seaside village and her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day when the villagers are all told to move out of their homes. Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the allied forces prepare to invade France. But Tips, Lily’s cat, has other ideas – and returns to the forbidden area. Lily decides to enter the danger zone to look for Tips herself . . .

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?

One of the most loved and enduring wartime novels, Carrie's War is a modern classic. WITH A NEW FOREWORD BY MICHAEL MORPURGO AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALAN MARKS 'A touching, utterly convincing book' JACQUELINE WILSON 'Poignant and realistic . . . Carrie's War captures the true reality of war for a child, and it doesn't sentimentalise war' SHIRLEY HUGHES, GUARDIAN 'I did a dreadful thing, the worst thing of my life, when I was twelve and a half years old, and nothing can change it' It is wartime and Carrie and her little brother Nick have been evacuated from their London home to the Welsh hills. In an unfamiliar place, among strangers, the children feel alone and find little comfort with the family they are billeted with: Mr Evans, a bullying shopkeeper and Auntie Lou, his kind but timid sister. When Carrie and Nick visit Albert, another evacuee, they are welcomed into Hepzibah Green's warm kitchen. Hepzibah is rumoured to be a witch, but her cooking is delicious, her stories are enthralling and the children cannot keep away. With Albert, Hepzibah and Mister Johnny, they begin to settle into their new surroundings. But before long, their loyalties are tested: will they be persuaded to betray their new friends? This collection of the best children's literature, curated by Virago, will be coveted by children and adults alike. These are timeless tales with beautiful covers, that will be treasured and shared across the generations. Some titles you will already know; some will be new to you, but there are stories for everyone to love, whatever your age. Our list includes Nina Bawden (Carrie's War, The Peppermint Pig), Rumer Godden (The Dark Horse, An Episode of Sparrows), Joan Aiken (The Serial Garden, The Gift Giving) E. Nesbit (The Psammead Trilogy, The Bastable Trilogy, The Railway Children), Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Little Princess,The Secret Garden) and Susan Coolidge (The What Katy Did Trilogy). Discover Virago Children's Classics.