Search results for ""Author Michael Morpurgo""

Full of friendship and adventure, this charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees is perfect to read together, and celebrates the way the countryside and its animals can leave an impression on a child's heart forever.

Read more less

Believing in magic makes dreams come true… Jackie dreams of having a horse of her own, one that’ll be the fastest on the estate, the fastest in all Ireland and the fastest in the world. Mum dreams of a little cottage in the country for her and Jackie to live in. What they get is a garden gnome that Jackie finds in a rubbish skip; one she lovingly repairs and paints; a gnome she calls Mr Skip. And Jackie soon discovers that with Mr Skip, anything is possible.

Read more less

Winner of The Red House CHildren's Book Award.

Read more less

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.

Read more less

Eloise has always loved Joan of Arc. Noble, honest and brave, she was everything Eloise wishes to be. And on a bright sunny day in Orleans, Eloise has a very special daydream… A superb re-imagining of Joan of Arc by master storyteller and author of War Horse. “There was only one creature on this earth who really knew Joan. He was a sparrow, just an ordinary sparrow…He was her best friend on this earth, maybe her only friend, too.” A young girl faces an impossible task – to save her beloved France from tyrants. To free her country, Joan will lose everyone she has ever loved. But she listens to her heart and believes in her calling. Through patience, perseverance and unbreakable spirit, Joan of Arc leads armies to victory and finds the strength to face the cruellest of destinies.

Read more less

A delightful tale of victory against all odds from master storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, lavishly illustrated by Michael Foreman. “Every fox in the whole town, in the whole country just about, is a football fan… And we all have an impossible dream.” In a cosy den under a garden shed lives a family of foxes. They love to watch football – all foxes do. But their favourite team keeps losing and losing, and it seems like things will never look up. That is, until Daddy Fox finds the ghost of a king, buried underneath a car park. A king who wishes only to be free. “Release me,” says the Ghost King, “and I can do anything. Just tell me your greatest wish.” For these football-loving foxes, might everything be about to change…?

Read more less

Specially commissioned by Michael Morpurgo to mark the 60th anniversary of VE day, this deeply moving collection features stories of war from the most well-loved voices in children's literature, including Michelle Magorian, Celia Rees, George Layton, Robert Westall, Joan Aiken, Eva Ibbotson, Geraldine McCaughrean and other top children's authors.From World War II to the Crusades, 1970s Beirut to the modern-day Middle East, these vivid stories explore wars throughout history. They examine not only the immediate consequences of war, but also what happens after the fighting is over. Waiting for Peace: War Stories was originally published as War: Stories of Conflict.

Read more less

Michael Morpurgo is one of the most successful children's authors in Britain, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Former Children's Laureate, he has written more than forty books for children, including the global hit War Horse, which was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg in 2011 and the much loved Private Peaceful. He has won many prizes including 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. He received an OBE in December 2006 for his services to literature.Emily Gravett has a rare talent indeed for creating exceptional books for children. The winner of two CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals, her skill and wit are second to none. Emily first sprang into the limelight with the ground-breaking Wolves, which has been followed by such modern classics as Meerkat Mail, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears, Monkey and Me an

Read more less

A 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

A spellbinding animal story from War Horse author and former Children''s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.Bullied at school, nagged in Aunty May''s tenth-floor council flat, there''s only one place ten-year-old Billy really feels alive in the wilderness by the canal. There he watches a cygnet on the water and protects a family of fox cubs. Then his secret place is discovered and the fox family decimated. Unwanted and unloved, Billy and the last fox run for their lives 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. Former Children''s Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful children''s authors in the country, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books for children including the global hit War Horse, which was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg in 2011.Several of his other stories have been

Read more less

A 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.

Read more less

A sweeping story of love and rescue and an unforgettable journey back in time to the Second World War – from the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller At her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, Australian-Greek girl Nandi discovers – through a friendship with a very unusual flying fish – the extraordinary story of her Auntie Elena; of how she fell in love and how she became an unsung hero of the Second World War. But Elena has gone missing and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is . . . Stunningly illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist George Butler, When Fishes Flew is a classic Morpurgo novel that will move and thrill readers of all ages.

Read more less

A 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

From tiny heroes and talking frogs to meddling fairies and mysterious sea creatures, all the wonders of the magical world are here.A treasure trove of magical delights, chosen by the UK's best-loved storyteller.

Read more less

How far would you go to find yourself? The lyrical, life-affirming novel from the bestselling author of Private Peaceful and War Horse. There were dozens of us on the ship, all up on deck for the leaving of Liverpool, gulls wheeling and crying over our heads, calling good-bye…That is all I remember of England. When six-year-old orphan Arthur Hobhouse is shipped to Australia after WWII he loses his sister, his country and everything he knows. Overcoming enormous hardships with fellow orphan Marty, Arthur is finally saved by the extraordinary people he meets and by his talent for boat-design and sailing. Now he has built a special boat for his daughter Allie – a solo yacht designed to carry her to England in search of his long-lost sister. Will the threads of Arthur's life finally come together? I was there on the quayside to see Allie take her out for the first time, saw her dancing through the waves, and I knew I'd never built a finer boat.

Read more less

I disappeared on the night before my twelfth birthday. 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 the internationally acclaimed War Horse, this is a spellbinding adventure story about friendship and survival. Kensuke’s Kingdom was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and won the FCB Award. ‘A dazzling adventure’ – The Times

Read more less

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

Read more less

DISCOVER AND CHERISH THIS BEAUTIFUL HARDBACK 40th ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF THE BELOVED MODERN CLASSIC, WAR HORSE. Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic and nation’s favourite children’s novel… 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. With a stunning new cover from fine arts photographer, Nine Francois and chapter illustrations from award-winning war artist, George Butler. National treasure, Michael Moropurgo’s, 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.

Read more less

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. From master storyteller Michael Morpurgo comes "The Ghost of Grania O'Malley". 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.

Read more less

The charming tales of one mischievous cat from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. A cat's nine lives are full of adventure and excitement and none more so than Montezuma, the farmyard cat. From a young kitten to a grand old cat, he is cunning and proud while establishing his kingdom, but to Matthew, he's always loving and adorable. A great read that kids aged 9+ will love. Michael Morpurgo, again demonstrates why he is considered to be the master story teller with this collection of stories. Famed for animal stories such as Little Foxes, Shadow, The Butterfly Lion and An Eagle in the Snow, The Nine Lives of Montezuma is every bit as enthralling. 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. 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

A 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

An 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.

Read more less

This is a 'New Windmills Collection' of stories from the literary heritage paired with stories by contemporary writers. Based 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. The book is divided into four sections each of which introduces readers to a different genre. A six lesson scheme of work and assessment task accompanies each genre. Each contemporary story is paired with a story from the literary heritage to help make classic literature more accessible. The pairing of stories encourages comparisons between texts, helping students to develop an important skill required at GCSE.

Read more less

After a fierce storm, a boy discovers a human skull, buried beneath the roots of an ancient tree. A skull with a legendary story… Vivid re-imagining of the legendary hero Robin Hood by bestselling author of War Horse. “Tell the sheriff, tell Sir Guy of Gisbourne, tell everyone in Nottingham, that the Outlaws rule here in Sherwood, that we rule in the king’s name… I am Robin Hood.” Homeless and lost in a dark, strange forest, young Robin is rescued by a motley crew of misfits. He yearns to avenge his father and seek justice against cruel oppressors, to finally defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham, once and for all. And through his friends, Robin Hood finds the courage to become a legendary hero.

Read more less

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.The Puffin Keeper, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.Five-year-old Allen Williams arrives on Puffin Island and meets an old man, Benjamin Postlewaite. Ben is the lighthouse keeper, and Allen is soon friends with him. Allen travels back to the island many years later and finds Ben is keeping a puffin. Allen helps Ben to change from lighthouse keeper to puffin keeper.

Read more less

The story of a young boy's fantastic adventure after being washed up on a Pacific island – adapted for the stage by acclaimed dramatist Stuart Paterson from the best-selling novel by Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. Michael embarks on a round-the-world sailing voyage with his parents, only for their dream to become a nightmare when Michael falls overboard. Washed up on an island in the Pacific populated with orang-utans, Michael soon makes a startling discovery: the island is already home to one extraordinary man, and this is Kensuke's Kingdom... Stuart Paterson's stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's Kensuke's Kingdom was first staged by Birmingham Stage Company in 2005.

Read more less

Travel the globe 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 gift for any animal and nature lover.

Read more less

Michael Morpurgo and Helen Stephens' classic Christmas story, now in a brand-new larger gift format – the perfect Christmas gift! High in the mountains of Switzerland, lives a terrible dragon.In the village below, the people do everything they can to keep the dragon away.But one day, a little girl called Mimi finds a baby dragon. The little creature is lost and frightened but how did he get there and what if his mother comes looking for him? Mimi must be extremely brave if she is going to help the little dragon find his way home … A wonderful story about friendship, courage and adventure, perfect for sharing with the whole family.

Read more less

Private 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. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by the third Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War. This edition also includes introductory essays by Michael Morpurgo, Associate Director of Private Peaceful production Mark Leipacher, as well as an essay from Simon Reade, adaptor & director of this stage adaptation of Private Peaceful.

Read more less

When he lands a starring role in the school Christmas play of The Owl and the Pussycat, Michael is over the moon. He is going to be Owl - Too-wit-too-woo! And when his best friend, Belinda, is chosen to be Cat, Michael can't believe his luck - Miaow! But will it be all right on the night? Find out in this true story of first love and first-night nerves.

Read more less

"Light-hearted and rambunctious [this] is a fairytale with a difference" — Guardian Best Children's Books of 2023The fresh and funny story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden. A classic fairytale with a twist, celebrating animals and adventure, from the award-winning duo Sir Michael Morpurgo 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 . . .The Ogre Who Wasn't is a lesson in kindness and a celebration of the natural world written by Sir Michael Morpurgo, the Children's Laureate 2003-4, and illustrated by the award-winning Emily Gravett: the marvellous partnership who also created the bestselling picture book, A Song of Gladness.

Read more less

It 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

Discover this spellbinding story from former Children's Laureate and author of War Horse Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated by multi-award-winning Michael Foreman. Jim lives in a Cornish fishing village – but since the fish disappeared, no one goes fishing any more. One day, Jim spots a dolphin beached on the sand, and soon the whole village is working together to return the dolphin to the water. The dolphin stays in the harbour, playing with Jim and the swimmers, but then the dolphin disappears... will Jim ever see him again?

Read more less

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 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. –- Michael Morpurgo has written over one hundred books and won many awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play.Michael is a tireless champion for children's books and was formerly the Children's Laureate. Born in Paris, Barroux spent much of his childhood in North Africa. He later attended art school in France. He received widespread critical acclaim for Line of Fire, Diary of An Unknown Soldier (Phoenix Yard) and Alpha (Barrington Stoke). In 2015 Barroux won the first Parents, Babies, a Book competition for his work Chuut! which will be given to every baby in the north of France. His stunning book Where's the Elephant? (Egmont) has been longlisted for the Kate Greenway Medal 2016.

Read more less

Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake's classic Christmas story, now in a brand-new larger gift format – the perfect Christmas gift! A singing of wings, a glorious light, and a sudden beacon of brightness. It can only mean – can it really? – a visit from the Angel Gabriel himself … One cold Christmas night, a shepherd recounts the magical story of how he came to be the first visitor to the newborn Christ child – ahead of the other shepherds, and in complete secret. This magical reworking of the nativity by the bestselling author of War Horse Michael Morpurgo is beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake. A wonderful Christmas gift to treasure and share.

Read more less

A moving story of a brother, a sister and a swallow, and how all are in some way victims of the horrors of landmines. Olly’s brother Matt wants to go and work with children who have been made orphans, through war, in Africa. He wants to be a clown and make them laugh. His mother and sister want him to stay in England and go to university. Hero, a swallow, has a journey to make too. He must fly to Africa for the winter to join all the other swallows. His journey is difficult and fraught with danger. Three separate stories are woven into one powerful and moving novel whose central theme not only exposes the horrors of war and of landmines, but also the endurance of the human spirit.

Read more less

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. “We were the truth of our own story.Me, and the two tiny people on my shoulder, in the middle of the sea…” War has forced Omar and his mother to leave their home in Afghanistan and venture across the sea to Europe. When their boat sinks, and Omar finds himself alone, with no hope of rescue, it seems as if his story has come to an end. But it is only just beginning. Because in the end, a little hope makes a big difference… A thrilling adventure inspired by the classic story of Gulliver’s Travels, this is also a gripping modern narrative of rescue and refuge, from a writer at the height of his powers. A book about breaking down walls, at a time when many are trying to build them. And a timeless reminder of humanity’s infinite capacity for good… even when those humans are very small indeed. Perfect for fans of David Walliams, Michelle Magorian and Katherine Rundell!

Read more less