Books by Michael Morpurgo

Book SynopsisA moving tale set during the Spanish Civil War, about the bond between a little boy and his bull, and their escape from a terrifying fate.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA 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.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA 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.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisA 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.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore friendship, love, revenge, life and death in the pages of From Hereabout Hill. A spell-binding collection of short stories from the nation's favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.Michael Morpurgo demonstrates why he is considered to be the master story-teller with this diverse collection of stories for children.Included in this collection of short stories is a poignant tale about civil war, where a young girl hides from enemy soldiers in a public toilet; a haunting story of a little girl swept out to sea while collecting cowrie shells; and the moving account of two brothers, who, over the years, create a mental picture of their absent father.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.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn enchanting take on the legend of King Arthur from the nation's favourite storyteller Michael Morpurgo, best-selling author of War Horse.There stood before me an ancient man swathed in a dark and tattered fleece, his long hair and beard matted with filth, his face grey with grief and age. Holding the sword out in front of me, I backed away until I felt the sink behind me and I could go no further. His eyes followed me all the way.'' When Bun Bendle is struck blind, he feels like he is drowning in blackness. But the discovery of an ancient tomb and a strangely familiar sword changes him forever.A contemporary tale of Arthurian legend from the nation's favourite storyteller and the author of War Horse.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gripping World War II adventure from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.Jo did not stop until he'd shut the door behind him and even then his heart could not stop pounding in his ears.Jo finds out that Jewish children are being smuggled away from the Nazis over the mountains near his village. All goes to plan until German soldiers start patrolling the mountains, and Jo realises the children are trapped. Jo''s slightest mistake could have devastating consequences Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and Guardian Fiction awardWaiting for Anya is a novel that takes children to the heart of a tumultuous period in history, providing a wider context for children who have studied the Holocaust and The Diary of Anne Frank.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisA hilarious tale of history come to life. From the nation's favourite storyteller,Michael Morpurgo, best-selling author of War Horse.Living with a ghost can have its difficulties, I discovered, even if he is your friend.Remember Sir Walter Raleigh, who laid his cloak in a puddle so Queen Elizabeth I could walk across? Well, Bess meets his ghost and finds out she's his ancestor!How will Bess explain Sir Walter to her family? Especially when he breaks her brother's fishing rod, steals a horse and smokes cigars in her room?My Friend Walter is a uniquely funny story, perfect for reluctant readers, 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.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisA heartfelt tale of an orphaned boy in search of family from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.Another summer. Another foster family. George has already made up his mind to run away, back to the children's home. None of the previous families have wanted him. Why should the Dyers be any different? But George begins to feel at ease with Tom Dyer and his sister Storme, even happy, and changes his mind. He could even feel at home with them couldn't he?Long Way Home is a thoughtful tale about orphans, family, love and finding a place one can call home.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gripping ghost story from Britain's best-loved children''s storyteller, full of friendship, adventure and a pirate queen. ''You're not . . . you're not Grania O'Malley, are you?''''Who else would I be?'' she said.Everyone knows the Big Hill is full of gold, and now the islanders are intent on cutting the top off it and making themselves rich. Jessie and Jake are determined to save the Big Hill but what can they do? A plan is needed, and fast.Could the ghost of Grania O''Malley, the pirate queen, be the answer? You don''t know what you can do until you try.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 shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal four times.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure and hope from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.?There?s a plague, a fever, call it what you will, sweeping this country, and it?s coming closer all the time.?Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine and plague in Ireland. They survive a shipwreck and land safely in America searching for their father. But their new land is one of hardship and they live in poverty on the streets of Boston. However, their adventure is just beginning.Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine in Ireland, but they must leave their dying mother behind. They travel in search or their father, across rough seas and shipwrecks, to a new land of hardship and poverty: America. The streets of Boston are not quite lined with gold as the stories say. It?s a long and dangerous trip, but their family?s survival depends on it. And the journey there is only the beginning ?Twist of Gold is an unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure and hope from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.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.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA tale of fun and friendship from former Children's Laureate and author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo.Harry heard the key turn in the lock. He had already made up his mind to run.Harry is in trouble at school, and doesn't like his stepfather or the new baby. Then he befriends Ocky, a chimpanzee from the circus. Ocky's owner won't mind if Harry borrows her for a bit, will he?But then Harry's stepfather and the police find out. Harry and the chimp are soon on the run!A gripping and poignant animal adventure from the master storyteller of An Eagle in the Snow, Listen to the Moon, Shadow, and An Elephant in the Garden. Michael Morpurgo has written more than a hundred books 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.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA spellbinding children's story from from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate,Michael Morpurgo now with a brand new cover look.Toby Jenkins doesn't like boarding school. He gets called Jinks and thinks he will never fit in. But then he meets a strange boy named Christopher who believes that he is the second coming of Jesus Christ. When the village boy oiks' start a war with the schoolboy toffs', Toby is caught in the middle. Can Christopher provide the miracle that Toby needs?A brilliant evocation of school life from the master storyteller.Michael has written more than one hundred books for children including An Eagle in the Snow, Listen to the Moon, Private Peaceful, and An Elephant in the Garden. He has 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.Former Children''s Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful children''s a

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisA poignant coming-of-age tale about a mountain-village girl and a bear - a tale of love, sacrifice and the challenge of making the right choices

Read more less

Book SynopsisA warm and funny story for younger readers, about two foxes, a ghost and one of the biggest archaeological discoveries in living memory...

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisPeter 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 a

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt 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.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA stunning new gift edition of The Snowman, re-imagined by beloved author Michael Morpurgo for a whole new generation of readers - now with beautiful full-colour illustrations. One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling.He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story.That night, something magical happens - the Snowman comes to life!He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special.Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect story for the whole family to share together as a new Christmas tradition. Also available for 0-6yrs:The Snowman - the classic wordless picture book by Raymond BriggsThe Snowman: Book of the Film - a picture book baseTrade ReviewIn Raymond Briggs' story, a boy's dream comes true. Somehow, Michael Morpurgo makes Briggs' story come true. It's a delightful magic track. It has all the wonder of reading the Snowman for the first time.—Colin FirthOn seeing the cover for the very first time I felt just as James might have felt as he glanced out of the window at The Snowman for the first time. The magic of The Snowman never truly melts and in this adaptation Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have faithfully honoured the spirit of the original story whilst adding a new magical lustre to appeal to a whole new, very lucky generation.—Emma O'Donovan, The Book Sniffer blogJust wonderful! Loyal to the first story with fresh elements that flesh it out for older readers. A timeless tale, freshly made but with the same magic at its heart - just like a real snowman. It's rare that a remake is ever as good as the original but in this case, great care has been given to ensure it is both complementary and a tribute to the book that means so much to lots of people.—Alex Lloyd, Books with Baby blogWhat a magical book! The Snowman is such a lovely read (for young and old alike) and has already made me excited for Christmas. It's truly heartwarming.—Hannah Timson, First NewsIf anyone was going to give words to this classic, it had to be Morpurgo. A perfect book, perfect story, perfectly told.—Angels & UrchinsThe Snowman by Michael Morpurgo not only brings a much-loved tale to a new audience, it brings with it an extra layer of festive magic. We predict this book will fast become as much a part of every family Christmas as snuggling down with a hot chocolate to catch the classic animation on TV.—JUNIOR MagazineMichael Morpurgo plays homage to the classic tale of The Snowman, bringing James, his family and snowy friend beautifully to life through his words, in a story to melt your heart. All the classic elements of the original story are here, in a book which will surely be at the heart of a magical Christmas for many families, to read alongside the picture book and the film.—Jayne Gould, Ipswich Children's Book Group

Read more less

Book SynopsisA collection of stories from Michael Morpurgo that explore different narrative styles and viewpoints. Each story is introduced by Michael Morpurgo, while teachers' notes look at the narrative techniques and devices used in the stories.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBased on the recommended authors list in the revised Key Stage 3 curriculum, this collection brings together great authors from the literary heritage and the best contemporary writers. It book is divided into four sections each of which introduces readers to a different genre.Trade Review"The stories will fascinate students and create huge opportunities for discussion. They are all examples of good writing and expert story telling." -Kath Howard, English Teacher"Table of ContentsIntroduction Michael Morpurgo No Trumpets Needed Michael Morpurgo Gothic The Heart of Another Marcus Sedgwick & The Tell-Tale Heart Edgar Allan Poe The Writing on the Wall Celia Rees & The Ghost in the Bride’s Chamber Charles Dickens Growing Up Behind the Billboards David Almond & The Destructors Graham Greene Porkies Robert Swindells & Billy the Kid William Golding The Wild Cats Robert Westall & The Brazilian Cat Arthur Conan Doyle To Build a Fire Jack London & A Vendetta Guy de Maupassant Folk Stories The Ugly Wife Anthony Horowitz & The Knight’s Tale Geoffrey Chaucer (retold by Geraldine McCaughrea) The Tinker’s Curse Joan Aiken & The Star Child Oscar Wilde

Read more less

Book SynopsisA spellbinding tale of survival and self-discovery from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, who is poised for breakthrough U.S. success. 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.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMichael Morpurgo is one of today's most popular and critically acclaimed children's writers, author of KENSUKE'S KINGDOM and THE WRECK OF THE ZANZIBAR amongst many other titles. He has won a multitude of prizes including the Children's Book Award, the Smarties Prize and the Writer's Guild Award.Trade ReviewMorpurgo writes with a fine mixture of clarity, depth and feeling * The Sunday Times *One of today's greatest storytellers * The Bookseller *There is often something of the traditional storyteller about Michael Morpurgo. As a reader, we feel part of an audience, spell-bound by the unfolding tale . . . one of the most confident and accomplished writers for children today * Scotsman *Michael Morpurgo is a master of the first person narrative: when he embarks on a story he doesn't keep you waiting - he simply grips your hand and helps you on board * Telling Tales *

Read more less

Book SynopsisMichael 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 . . .Trade ReviewMichael Morpurgo has a knack of taking one small fact and weaving around it a vibrant tale that brings a slice of history to life * TES *The deceptively simple narrative style . . . conveys hope and despair, love and hate, and finally peace . . . Satisfying, thoughtful and ultimately heart-warming * Financial Times *This is a beautifully produced book, with a striking peephole cover and pen-and-wash illustrations by Michael Foreman that serve to dramatise the emotional depth of this touching story about friendship in adversity * Glasgow Herald *A stirring tale of loyalty and bravery, superbly illustrated * Shelf Life *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Financial Times Book of the Year 2022An 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.Trade Review'Inspirational' - Daily Express'A spunky heroine and a mighty train combine forces to challenge notions of gender roles and will encourage all readers to hold fast to their dreams. Charming' - School Library Journal'Michael Morpurgo, aided by Michael Foreman’s luminous watercolour work, sings an eloquent hymn to the golden age of steam' - Financial Times'A glorious journey through the history of Britain’s railways, wrapped up in a tale of family, adventure and aspiration' - @thelittleliterarysociety'This story will take you on a magical journey' - @the_treasure_outdoors'A beautiful story' - @_tarasteaching'Heart-warming' - @raising_5

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn 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.Trade Review'Michael Morpurgo, aided by Michael Foreman’s luminous watercolour work, sings an eloquent hymn to the golden age of steam' - Financial Times'A spunky heroine and a mighty train combine forces to challenge notions of gender roles and will encourage all readers to hold fast to their dreams. Charming' - School Library Journal'Inspirational' - Daily Express'A glorious journey through the history of Britain’s railways, wrapped up in a tale of family, adventure and aspiration' - @thelittleliterarysociety

Read more less

Book SynopsisA 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.Trade ReviewA book for the whole family to treasure, the artwork shines with a strangely luminous beauty. A truly wonderful book * Guardian *Moments of rage and poignancy . . . Christian Birmingham's atmospheric pictures powerfully expose the terrible beauty of the real world * Junior Education *Beautifully craftered . . . not a word too many, not a word out of place . . . Birmingham's dramatic images hauntingly recreate the spellbinding text. A masterpiece to be reasured by young and old alike * Carousel *An awe-inspiring and poignant glimpse of nature's inner workings * Publishers Weekly *A chokingly moving, unsentimental story of a boy's attachment to a swan * Literary Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ''Black Queen'' is what Billy calls his shadowy next-door neighbour. She always wears a black cloak and a wide-brimmed black hat. She lurks about her garden, alone except for her black cat. Scarily for Billy, the Black Queen befriends him and asks him to look after her cat while she''s away. Billy can''t resist the opportunity to peek inside her house. There are chessboards scattered everywhere. Who is the Black Queen and what sort of game is she playing? Billy thinks he knows...Trade ReviewOne of today's greatest storytellers * Bookseller *Michael Morpurgo is a master of the first person narrative: when he embarks on a story he doesn't keep you waiting - he simply grips your hand and helps you on board * Telling Tale *Morpurgo writes like a dream * Literacy and Learning *

Read more less

Book SynopsisMichael Morpurgo (Author) Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre.In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes.With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999.Ian Beck (Illustrator) IAN BECK has worked as a freelance illustrator for many years (including such notable artwork as the record cover for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album). Ian turned to writing and illustrating children's books when his own children were born.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA wonderful anthology of poems to set fire to the imagination.We only have to ''remember, remember the 5th of November'' to see a dark night filled with fireworks and bonfires. In their many different ways - through their sounds, rhythms, stories, surprises and jokes - these poems will set the fireworks crackling in our own heads.Michael Morpurgo has brought together poems by writers as diverse as Spike Milligan and Louis MacNeice, Stevie Smith and John Lennon, Jo Shapcott and Lewis Carroll. Once read, they won''t be forgotten - some even beg to be learned by heart. This is anthology will form the cornerstone to a lifetime''s enjoyment of poetry.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPrivate 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.

Read more less