Michael Morpurgo
Barney the Horse and Other Tales from the Farm
A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together Full of friendship and adventure, these three uplifting stories capture the wonder, muck and magic of a city child’s week on the farm. Join in the daring rescue of a lost lamb, meet a boy who saves a family of swallows, and discover how Barney the horse forever changes the life of the girl who looks after him. From Michael Morpurgo, co-founder of the charity Farms for City Children, and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, this charming story collection for young readers celebrates the countryside and the way its landscape and animals can leave an impression on a child’s heart forever.
R 148.00
Orchard Aesop's Fables
A timeless collection of over twenty of Aesop's best-loved fables, including favourites such as The Hare and the Tortoise, Town Mouse and Country Mouse, Dog in the Manger and The Lion and the Mouse. The tales are retold with warmth and humour by former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo and brought to life by Emma Chichester Clark's exquisitely playful and distinctive artwork.
R 456.00
Kensuke's Kingdom
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.
R 295.00
Waiting for Anya
A 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 award Waiting 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.
R 210.00
Sleeping Sword
An enchanting take on the legend of King Arthur from the nation’s favourite storyteller ‘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.
R 210.00
Not Bad For A Bad Lad
A powerful and inspiring tale of redemption from the author of WAR HORSE - with a personal introduction to the story from Michael Morpurgo. Includes 'Facts Behind the Story' section."I know a good sort when I see one. That's why I've taken him on. That's why I took you on."When a young lad strays into bad behaviour and thieving, he soon finds himself in Borstal prison for young men, lonely and without hope. But when Mr Alfie, who manages the stables, asks him to care for and tame a damaged horse, both are given a second chance.Could this "bad lad"'s skill with horses help him follow his dreams?
R 188.00
Coming Home
A plucky little robin sets out on an epic journey. Through dark forests, driving rain, clapping thunder and flashing lightning. Across frozen wastes, huge mountains and stormy seas he flies. And all the while he's dreaming of home. Of her. But will he ever get there? Find out in this wonderfully lyrical Christmas story from the brilliant Michael Morpurgo, with stunning illustrations by Kerry Hyndman.
R 215.00
My Friend Walter
A hilarious tale of history come to life. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. 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.
R 210.00
Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever
An 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.
R 285.00
All Around the Year
Originally published in 1979, All Around the Year is a diary following a year at Parsonage Farm, a mixed farm in Devon, close to Dartmoor. The book documented a way of life unchanged for centuries, but which was already remote to most people. In All Around the Year, Morpurgo revealed the daily hardships and rewards of such a life. The accompanying poems were written by Ted Hughes as diary accounts of events on his own farm, not far from Iddesleigh. When Michael and Clare were putting together All Around the Year, they seemed a natural fit with the text and photographs. The book is illustrated with the photographs of James Ravilious from the Beaford Archive. The book has a new introduction by the prize-winning author Katherine Rundell.
R 429.00
Poppy Field
A new illustrated story celebrating the poppy's history. Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have teamed up with the Royal British Legion to tell an original story that explains the meaning behind the poppy. In Flanders' fields, young Martens knows his family's story, for it is as precious as the faded poem hanging in their home. From a poor girl comforting a grieving soldier, to an unexpected meeting of strangers, to a father's tragic death many decades after treaties were signed, war has shaped Martens's family in profound ways - it is their history as much as any nation's. They remember. They grieve. They honour the past. This book also includes a full-colour, illustrated afterword that explains the history that inspired the story. 50p per paperback from the sale of POPPY FIELD in the UK will be paid to Royal British Legion Trading Limited which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (Charity no. 219279)
R 280.00
Farm Boy
The extraordinary sequel to War Horse from the master storyteller The extraordinary sequel to War Horse ‘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 . . .
R 250.00
An Elephant in the Garden
An epic story of determination and love, about one family’s escape from the Allied bombing of Dresden in the Second World War ‘Captivating’ Telegraph 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 . . .
R 210.00
Katerina the Cat and Other Tales from the Farm
A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together Take part in the heroic rescue of a fishing boat in trouble, meet a boy who makes an extraordinary discovery in the vegetable patch, and find out how a farm cat forms a very special connection with a young Ukrainian girl. These three uplifting stories capture the wonder, muck and magic of a city child’s week on the farm. From Michael Morpurgo, co-founder of the charity Farms for City Children, and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, this charming story collection for young readers celebrates the countryside and the way its landscape and animals can leave an impression on a child’s heart forever.
R 220.00
Joan of Arc
In 15th century France, a young peasant girl faces an overwhelming task: to save her beloved France from tyrants and restore the rightful king to the throne. To free her country Joan must leave behind everyone she has ever loved, apart from her faithful sparrow, Belami. But with huge bravery and fierce determination, she follows her calling and is finally granted permission to ride fearlessly into battle, leading the French army against the enemy.Many years later, a lonely girl called Eloise has a very special dream about her heroine, Joan of Arc.In this moving account by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, Joan of Arc’s extraordinary story is brought to life as never before. In collaboration with the celebrated illustrator Michael Foreman, whose art soars from the page, this true tale of a young girl whose courage and perseverance won her a place as the bravest woman in history combines contemporary relevance with dramatic excitement from beginning to end.
Robin of Sherwood
‘Tell everyone in Nottingham that the Outlaws rule here in Sherwood, that we rule in the king’s name ... I am Robin Hood.’After a fierce storm, a boy of today discovers an arrowhead and a human skull, buried beneath the roots of an ancient oak tree. A skull with a legendary past: the heroic story of Robin Hood...Lost in a dark, strange forest, his father captured and his mother murdered, young Robin is rescued by a motley crew of misfits – the Outcasts. Among them he finds Marion, his most constant friend and the love of his life. And as the courageous band of warriors grows ever stronger – joined by the jovial Friar Tuck and the mighty Little John – Robin seeks to unite them all in a common aim: to bring relief and justice to the poor and to punish the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.In this magical, spine-tingling account, the heroic tale of Robin Hood is retold as never before by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo. In collaboration with the celebrated illustrator Michael Foreman, whose art soars from the page, this retelling of the classic story combines contemporary relevance with dramatic excitement from beginning to end.
R 456.00
Arthur, High King of Britain
No one believed that he could make it there and back again alive, so when a boy sets out to hike across the sea bed at low tide to an island not too far offshore, he is determined to prove a point. A short doze in the sunshine on the island and a fast-moving fog, however, leaves him in dire straits.Trapped on a sandbank, he fears for his life as the sea closes in all around him. He is a strong swimmer, but the sea current is certain to drag him down into its depths. The last thing that he remembers in the cold, dark water is hoping that Heaven will be warm, dry and bright. Then he awakens in a bed covered with animal skins, a roaring fire burning in a grate that is framed by walls of stone. He is in a grand hall and sitting by the fire is an old man with his dog. The old man is the legendary warrior King Arthur, and as he recovers by the fire, the boy hears the most magnificent stories of heroic knights and deeds of great chivalry, but also bewitchment, evil and betrayal at the king’s court in Camelot.Michael Morpurgo’s captivating and imaginative retelling of the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table is accompanied by the stunning illustrations created by Michael Foreman. Together they succeed in presenting the well-known legends in a way that is both captivating to read and a delight to the eye.
Itchy Coo Book o Aesop's Fables in Scots
Here are twenty-one of Aesop's best-loved fables, translated into Scots by Sanjeev Kohli, Elaine C. Smith, Kathleen Jamie, Liam McIlvanney and others.They include favourites such as The Lion and the Moose, The Dug in the Byre and The Wolf and the Shepherd's Laddie. Based on Michael Morpurgo's lively retellings, and with glowing illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark, these fables are as entertaining and full of truth today as they were when first told more than two thousand years ago.'An honour to have Aesop coming out in Scots. He'd be pleased too!'Michael Morpurgo
Where My Wellies Take Me
Pippa loves staying with her Aunty Peggy. She loves going for walks, whether it's sunshiney or cold - long, wandering walks where her wellies take her. Follow Pippa into the beautiful countryside as her day unfolds, and the wildlife, animals and people she encounters are complemented by relevant poems from some of our greatest authors. Part poetry anthology, part child's scrapbook, this is a truly lavish project designed to instil a love of language in young children.
R 402.00
Dolphin Boy
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?
R 215.00
I Believe in Unicorns
Back by popular demand, for a second magical West End season, this intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas loves playing in the mountains where he lives and hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library...An enchanting and interactive show, I Believe in Unicorns sparks the imagination of both young and old. You too will believe in unicorns after joining Tomas's spellbinding journey!Suitable for a family audience and children aged 6+
R 479.00
946 : The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Imagine being told to leave your home…Imagine American soldiers occupying your house and land…Imagine being 12 and angry, with only a cat to tell your secrets to…Well it all happened (most of it anyway) in Slapton Sands, Devon, in 1944. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, this play explodes everything we thought we knew about the D-Day landings. With signature Kneehigh sorcery, 946 uses music, puppetry and foolishness to tell this tale of war, prejudice and love. Tender, political and surprisingly romantic, this story speaks to us all and will finally reveal the secrets the US and British governments tried to keep quiet.
R 423.00
Elephant in the Garden
An Elephant in the Garden is Simon Reade’s new adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s novel.1945. Dresden, Germany. Lizzie, her mother – and an elephant from the zoo, flee the Allied fire-bombing in the end-game of the Second World War.Escaping the Allies’ advance from the West – and also the advancing Russian armies from the East – this extraordinary trio of refugees meet: a downed RAF officer, cowering in a barn; a homeless school choir on the run and their Countess saviour, harbouring them from the Nazis; and the mechanised American cavalry, appearing over the horizon.It is Lizzie’s story – but Marlene, the elephant, is the heroine. Plodding, obdurate, opportunistic, loadbearing, indestructible, cheering – Marlene embodies the stubbornness of the human will and how it will do everything to survive.
R 479.00
We Are Not Frogs!
The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind - anything for a quiet life. But then the children and Mutt the dog come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 5+
R 188.00
Who's a Big Bully Then?
Class bully Darren is challenged to a face-off with Olly the bull. Darren has no idea that Olly's a gentle giant. And the boy who set the challenge has no idea it's not Olly in the field! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Fox Friend
Clare has lived her whole life on a farm, but she's never seen a fox ... until she finds a tiny, injured cub who's lost his mum. Clare cares for him herself, but has to keep him hidden from her father, who thinks foxes are vermin. Can she keep the cub safe?Beautifully crafted story from a multi award-winning and bestselling author, now with stunning cover artwork by Catherine Rayner. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 9+
