Michael Morpurgo Turns 80!

Shadow

A stunning and moving novel from a master storyteller – featuring the bravest dog in the world . . .

Never has Aman needed a friend more than when a springer spaniel appears before him one day. The dog becomes a constant companion, a shadow, and that's what Aman decides to call her.

But life in Afghanistan is becoming more dangerous by the moment, and eventually Aman and Shadow must find the courage to leave. But how far can Shadow lead them? And in this terrifying new world, is anywhere really safe?

The Butterfly Lion

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

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.

Private Peaceful

Heroism or cowardice? A stunning story of the First World War from a master storyteller

As young Thomas Peaceful looks back over his childhood from the battlefields of the First World War, his memories are full of family life deep in the countryside.

But the clock is ticking, and every moment Tommo spends remembering how things used to be, means another moment closer to something that will change his life for ever.

Why the Whales Came

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 . . .

Why the Wales Came is a gripping historical tale full of adventure and friendship, from the author of War Horse.

Kensuke's Kingdom

An utterly magical of one boy’s desert island adventure – full of friendship, trust and humanity. From the nation’s favourite storyteller.

Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up and closes his eyes ready for the end. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone …

Kensuke's Kingdom is a gripping adventure of survival and true friendship from the author of War Horse.

War Horse

Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic children’s novel – War Horse.From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story.

A great way of introducing young readers to the realities of WWI. Look out for Morpurgo’s other war fiction including Friend or Foe, Waiting for Anya, King of the Cloud Forests and An Eagle in the Snow.

An Eagle in the Snow

A fictionalised account of the real-life British soldier who let Hitler live in the First World War, and his attempt to put right his mistake – from a master storyteller

Billy Byron was one of the most decorated privates of the First World War, recognised for his unrivalled bravery. But what if it were possible to save one too many lives?

As a soldier, Billy spared the life of a man after a battle in 1918. But when he later recognises him as Hitler, Billy is haunted by his own kindness and attempts to change the course of history. But going against his nature might prove harder than Billy expected, even when it means stopping evil in its tracks. . .

Born to Run

A tale of kindness triumphing over cruelty, of resilience, friendship and the value of looking forward rather than behind you – from a master storyteller

When Patrick saves a greyhound puppy from drowning in the canal, he gives his beloved new pet the only name that feels right: Best Mate.

But despite Patrick’s promise to look after Best Mate forever, it isn't long before the greyhound is thrust into a new life and threatened with a fate he will have to fight to escape. In the face of constant danger, Best Mate finds a way to survive. The real challenge will be finding a home . . .

The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

A heartwarming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about a deserted village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat!

It’s 1943. Lily lives in a seaside village and her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day when the villagers are all told to move out of their homes.

Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the allied forces prepare to invade France. But Tips, Lily’s cat, has other ideas – and returns to the forbidden area. Lily decides to enter the danger zone to look for Tips herself...

From Hereabout Hill

Explore 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.

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.

King of the Cloud Forests

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.

The Wreck of the Zanzibar

A sweeping story of danger, adventure and the high seas. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

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.