Michael Morpurgo

From the nation’s favourite storyteller comes a powerful, moving and heartwarming retelling of the beloved, unforgettable story of Black Beauty. A story championing kindness, compassion and humanity, and a rallying cry for the rights of animals, readers have fallen in love with the story of a horse called Black Beauty for 150 years. Now, this faithful retelling, beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo's inimitable warmth, offers a new generation of readers the chance to discover this unmissable children’s classic.? Illustrated in full colour throughout by acclaimed artist Tom de Freston, this stunning new edition will make the perfect gift for the whole family. Rediscover the extraordinary story of Black Beauty with this brand new retelling from the award-winning author of War Horse.

Audiokniha Válečný kůň, kterou napsal Michael Morpurgo. Těžkosti prý nechme koňovi, protože má větší hlavu. I světovou válku? A co když je jen zdánlivě němý?

''A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy'' KATE MOSSE''Our master storyteller'' JOANNA LUMLEYIn Funny Thing, Getting Older, one of our most belove novelists shares his reflections from a lifetime of writing stories about the world. Here, collected for the first time on Michael''s 82nd birthday, are his thoughts on nature, childhood, writing, peace and war, and getting older. Some are deeply personal, some political, others in between. And woven in amongst them you will find a play, a poem or two, and even a few stories. Full of wonder, gentle humour and sharp observation, Funny Thing, Getting Older is a book to treasure.''For me, a story is like a kite. It will swoop and soar, and it will be please my heart when it''s up there, floating on the wind. It is the same with the making of the pieces in this book, every one of them. I have to keep making and flying my kites, and to teach others, if I can, to fly theirs.''MICHAEL MORPURGO

Peter knows he shouldn''t go out of the house alone: his grandfather has told him of the dangers. But children are curious, and don''t always do what they are told. Along with his friends the duck, the bird and the cat, Peter ventures out into the snow and encounters a terrifying wolf. He''ll need all his courage and brains to make it back in one piece. With haunting illustrations and an explanation of its musical origins, this story will captivate its readers.TreeTops Greatest Stories offers children some of the worlds best-loved tales in a collection of timeless classics. Top children''s authors and talented illustrators work together to bring to life our literary heritage for a new generation, engaging and delighting children.The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.Each book contains inside cover notes to help children explore the content, supporting their reading development. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links and activities to support guided reading, writing, speaking and listening.

A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse, which has been captivating audiences young and old for 40 years.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’ – GuardianMichael 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.0

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. 'Thank goodness for Michael Morpurgo' ? The Telegraph 'Moving, unique and utterly charming. This is why Michael Morpurgo is the nation's favourite storyteller' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear “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 …

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.

A personal retelling of the true story of Joan of Arc, France’s saintly and heroic saviour from the fifteenth century, and her unwavering companion, a white sparrow. ‘A vivid retelling … moving and compelling’ Julia Eccleshare As war rages between France and England, the humble daughter of a peasant farmer faces the impossible: take charge of the French army and drive the English out. With unbelievable resolve – and Belami, a white sparrow who never deserts her – Joan returns to her people hope for the future. But while France may be saved, Joan herself faces persecution. Continuing to serve her God will take immense strength, and destiny may prove cruel…

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 WeekAt 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 . . .

An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow and a young man – about love, family and the determination to follow your calling ‘Excellent’ The Times As Olly waits to hear from her brother, Matt, she watches the swallows preparing to leave for winter. Hero the swallow is about to embark on his long journey to Africa, not knowing the terrible dangers he will face on the way. And when Matt meets the children in the African orphanage – sick, injured and lonely – he knows he’s made the right decision, but he never could have dreamed of what might happen to him there …

An enchanting story about how doing a little bit of good and having faith – in a magical gnome and a very stubborn donkey – might just make your dreams come true.''Morpurgo has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers’ GuardianJackie dreams of having a horse – one that will run like the wind and beat the boys on the estate who don’t let girls join their races. The closest she can get is her gran’s old donkey, Barnaby, and she can barely make him walk.But then Jackie finds a magical gnome and he helps Barnaby become a racing superstar. Can the magic last, and make Jackie’s dreams come true?

A stunning story of hope, humanity, friendship and high-seas adventure, inspired by Gulliver’s Travels‘A sparkling adventure . . . deeply vital for our times’ LoveReading4KidsHaving fled war-torn Afghanistan in a boat now sure to sink, refugee Omar prepares to be lost to the waves. But then he wakes up, on a beach, surrounded by people each no bigger than his baby finger.As it turns out, these little people need saving just as much as he does. Can this giant bring peace? And will he ever find his way back to his mum?

The legend of Robin Hood and his band of Outlaws, thrillingly reimagined by the nation’s favourite storyteller‘A thoroughly enjoyable, action-packed adventure’ BookTrustWith King Richard gone and the tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham ruling in his place, the people need a hero – or a whole motley crew of them. Robin Hood and the Outlaws outsmart the usurpers again and again, but as in any battle, no side escapes without casualties.Meanwhile, centuries later, more lives on than just Robin Hood’s legend. For there is a grave, with a silver arrow, and a boy destined to discover them in the woods …

A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read togetherFind out how Elvis the donkey helps a trapped sea turtle, meet all the extraordinary animals of Wick Court through J''s letters and watch as a special friendship turns Lucky into the very best sheepdog.Full of friendship and adventure, these three uplifting stories capture the wonder, muck and magic of a city child’s week on the farm.From Michael Morpurgo, co-founder of the charity Farms for City Children, and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, this charming story collection for young readers celebrates the countryside and the way its landscape and animals can leave an impression on a child’s heart forever.

The moving and inspiring story of a family’s struggle with racism and war, and about the importance of finding out who you are‘A simple story, beautifully told’ Sunday ExpressMichael never knew his father, an RAF pilot lost in the war. And his French mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn’t like to talk about her husband. But then Auntie Snowdrop gives Michael a medal, followed by a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden history.A story of love and loss. A story that will change everything – and reveal to Michael who he really is . . .

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.Francis and Pieter are brothers. As the shadow of one war lingers, and the rumbles of another approach, the brothers argue. Francis is a fierce pacifist, while Pieter signs up to fight. What happens next will change the course of Francis’s life forever … and throw him into the mouth of the wolf.