Michael Morpurgo

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.

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Winner of The Red House CHildren's Book Award.

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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?

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A stunning story of friendship and our natural world set against the backdrop of the First World War. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. But his warnings to stay away from the abandoned and cursed Samson Island stay with them. And when those warnings seem to be coming true, Gracie and Daniel must find out what the Birdman knows – before it's too late . . .

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Ten stunning Shakespeare retellings from the master storyteller Featuring re-tellings of ten of Shakespeare’s plays, and beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo’s warm, accessible and inimitable style, this wonderful collection offers a new generation of readers the chance to discover the magic of Shakespeare – the perfect introduction to the Bard and an unmissable book for children. Stunningly illustrated throughout with contributions from ten different artists, each with a special connection to the author, and published in a beautiful hardback edition, Tales from Shakespeare is a glorious tribute to both Shakespeare and Michael Morpurgo, making this the perfect gift. A contemporary Lamb’s Tales for a new generation. Featuring: Macbeth, illustrated by Dapo AdeolaThe Taming of the Shrew, illustrated by Joelle AvelinoRomeo and Juliet, illustrated by Peter BaileyThe Tempest, illustrated by BarrouxTwelfth Night, illustrated by Ian BeckHenry V, illustrated by Christian BirminghamA Midsummer Night's Dream, illustrated by Alona MillgramHamlet, illustrated by Tom Clohosy ColeKing Lear, illustrated by Michael ForemanThe Winter's Tale, illustrated by Sam Usher

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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.

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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 …

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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 …

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A 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 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 adapted for screen and stage, including My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came and Kensuke's Kingdom. Michael 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. He started the charity Farms for City Children in 1976 with his wife, Clare, aimed at relieving the “poverty of experience… many young children feel in inner city and urban areas. Michael is also a patron of over a dozen other charities. Living in Devon, listening to Mozart and working with children have provided Michael with the ideas and incentive to write his stories. He spends half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories for children. "For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers." Michael received an OBE in December 2006 for his services to literature.

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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.

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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.

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From beloved writer Michael Morpurgo, comes a new collection of reflections, memoir, stories and wonder.'A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy' KATE MOSSEIn Funny Thing, Getting Older, one of our most beloved 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.A story is like a kite. If I make it right, if I fly it right, it will swoop and soar. And it will please my heart when it's up there, floating on the wind.'Our master storyteller' JOANNA LUMLEY

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From beloved writer Michael Morpurgo, comes a new collection of reflections, memoir, stories and wonder.'A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy' KATE MOSSEIn Funny Thing, Getting Older, one of our most beloved 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.A story is like a kite. If I make it right, if I fly it right, it will swoop and soar. And it will please my heart when it's up there, floating on the wind.'Our master storyteller' JOANNA LUMLEY

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A beautiful second volume of Shakespeare retellings, from the master storyteller. Featuring re-tellings of a further eight of Shakespeare’s plays, and beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo’s warm, accessible and inimitable style, this is the much-anticipated follow up to Michael Morpurgo's highly-acclaimed Tales from Shakespeare, with a brand new collection of re-tellings with stunning artwork from eight different illustrators. This wonderful collection offers a new generation of readers the chance to discover even more of the magic of Shakespeare – the perfect introduction to the Bard and an unmissable book for children. Stunningly illustrated throughout with contributions from eight different artists, and published in a beautiful hardback edition, More Tales from Shakespeare is a glorious tribute to both Shakespeare and Michael Morpurgo, making this the perfect companion to the first collection, and a wonderful gift. Complete the set today! Featuring: Julius Caesar, illustrated by Dapo Adeola Much Ado About Nothing, illustrated by Axel Scheffler Antony and Cleopatra, illustrated by Ed Vere As You Like It, illustrated by Emily Gravett Othello, illustrated by Moera Timon of Athens, illustrated by Tom de Freston The Merchant of Venice, illustrated by Alona Millgram Cymbeline, illustrated by Michael Foreman

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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’ – 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.0

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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.

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THE NO 4 SUNDAY TIMES AND NO 1 SATURDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A GUARDIAN AND TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2025MICHAEL MORPURGO'S FIRST BOOK OF ADULT NON-FICTION IN FORTY YEARS'A joyous meditation on the season of new beginnings' THE TIMES'Uplifting and enchanting. A celebration of life by our master story-teller.' JOANNA LUMLEY'Spring is a delight. His love and knowledge of the countryside are profound. We are all the richer for what he sees.' PHILIP PULLMANMichael Morpurgo has lived on a farm deep in rural Devon for more than forty years. In Spring, he observes the season unfold around him, as fragile new shoots emerge, buds turn to blossom and grey skies give way to blue. As the natural world shakes off a long winter, Michael watches lambs being born on the farm, delights in a fanfare of bluebells in the woods, and sings to the birds, dressed in his wellies and dressing gown. He shares small moments of joy found in the back garden, as well as more dramatic encounters with sparrowhawks, hares and otters. With new poems and reminiscences about childhood and springs gone by, this is an enchanting memoir of a season from one of the world's best-loved authors.'Full of vibrant colour and most of all, heart and soul.' CLARE BALDING'A book full of love for, and gentle humour about, the rural lifestyle amid the most cherished of seasons.' COUNTRYLIFE'A reflective read - a gentle nostalgic step back in time to his life and his observations about how some things change and others don't.' DAILY MIRROR

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A warm and funny story for younger readers, about two foxes, a ghost and one of the biggest archaeological discoveries in living memory… ‘A heartwarming tale for animal lovers and football fans alike’ Guardian In a cosy den under a garden shed lives a family of foxes. They love to watch football, all foxes do. One day, they are surprised by a ghostly voice coming from deep underground. The stranger promises to grant the foxes their dearest wish if they only set him free. With their favourite football team on a losing streak, the foxes know exactly what to wish for. But can they trust the mysterious stranger?

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A 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 ‘Incredibly poignant . . . An utter delight’ LoveReading4Kids High in the mountains, in a tiny village, an abandoned bear cub is adopted by lonely orphan Roxanne. The two soon become best friends: inseparable and beloved by the whole village – until the arrival of a glamorous film crew who are looking for a dancing bear . . .

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A heartwarming story split between 1966 and the Second World War where past and present collide, unlocking memories and reuniting old friends, showing that people can become family, despite the conflicts dividing them. ‘Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly’ Observer Charley and Alex’s mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since Dad broke one of his wheels, Mum has been devastated. Her grief is a mystery to Charley and Alex until one day, when they meet two old men on the beach. As past and present collide, the memories of war come flooding. They tell a story of friends who always find a way back to each other – and, despite their differences, become family.

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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 …

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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 . . .

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A 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. ‘Once again, Morpurgo demonstrates his talent for stories of absolute clarity about big events’ Sunday Times Surrounded by animals on a farm in the Spanish countryside, Antonito’s life is simple but sublime. He and his calf, Paco are inseparable, and the future is an unknown possibility. That is until Antonito sees with his own eyes what happens to bulls in the bullring and resolves to escape with Paco to the hills. But Paco’s is not the only brutal fate they must run from. As civil war engulfs Spain, planes and soldiers arrive, and their bombs and guns may destroy Antonito’s whole world …

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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’ Guardian Jackie 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?

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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…

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Ten stunning Shakespeare retellings from the master storyteller, with an introduction by Benedict Cumberbatch Featuring re-tellings of ten of Shakespeare’s plays, and beautifully written with Michael Morpurgo’s warm, accessible and inimitable style, this wonderful collection offers a new generation of readers the chance to discover the magic of Shakespeare – the perfect introduction to the Bard and an unmissable book for children. Stunningly illustrated throughout with contributions from ten different artists, each with a special connection to the author, and published in a beautiful hardback edition, Tales from Shakespeare is a glorious tribute to both Shakespeare and Michael Morpurgo, making this the perfect gift. A contemporary Lamb’s Tales for a new generation. Featuring: Macbeth, illustrated by Dapo AdeolaThe Taming of the Shrew, illustrated by Joelle AvelinoRomeo and Juliet, illustrated by Peter BaileyThe Tempest, illustrated by BarrouxTwelfth Night, illustrated by Ian BeckHenry V, illustrated by Christian BirminghamA Midsummer Night's Dream, illustrated by Alona MillgramHamlet, illustrated by Tom Clohosy ColeKing Lear, illustrated by Michael ForemanThe Winter's Tale, illustrated by Sam Usher

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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 After his father is killed in Iraq, a surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect escape for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach, Oona, spooks. As Will sees a huge wave 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 . . .

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