Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo was our Guest Editor in June 2010. Click here to see the books that inspired his writing.

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 and a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael is a tireless champion for children’s books and was formerly the Children’s Laureate. Loved by children, teachers and parents alike, Michael Morpurgo 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. 

Anthony Horowitz on Michael Morpurgo:

'Michael Morpurgo is the most solid, classical of children's authors. He sits outside the series-driven blockbusters so beloved of publishers nowadays: he hasn't created a Harry Potter or an Alex Rider – and I admire him for resisting that. We are opposite sides of the same coin and, although his work has never influenced mine, I admire the eloquent, considered voice of his best books. He has an unerring moral compass – his schoolteacher past has never quite left him – and books such as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion have a strong social concience and an honesty that makes them universal.' (The Guardian)

Why not CLICK HERE to take a peek at Michael’s 10 Rules for Writing.

or Click here to read a Q&A with the author from top children's publisher Egmont.

Michael is the inaugural President of the Historical Writers Association starting from Autumn 2011. The Historical Writers' Association (www.thehwa.co.uk) will celebrate its first anniversary in October.  It was founded to bring social and professional support to writers of historical fiction and non-fiction, publishers, agents and booksellers, all bound both by their common interest in historical books and by the sense of community that comes from a shared obsession.

Since its creation, the Historical Writers' Association has launched the first Festival of Historical Writing in association with English Heritage as part of their Festival of History at Kelmarsh in Northamptonshire this July. In September, a partnership was announced with Goldsboro Books to launch a new literary prize, the HWA/Goldsboro Crown for Debut Historical Fiction, the first of which will be presented at Goldsboro's History in the Court Festival next year on 27th September 2012.

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Featured Books, with extracts by Michael Morpurgo

Not Bad for a Bad Lad
Michael Morpurgo
If you loved War Horse, you'll love this... This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this...
Format: Paperback - Released: 24/02/2012
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War Horse Film tie-in Edition
Michael Morpurgo
Best-selling War Horse, a magnificent First World War story of human and animal courage on the battle field in the face of deadly danger will shortly be a film following its sell-out adaptation as a play. This film tie-in edition...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/11/2011
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The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Michael Morpurgo
Award-winning former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo is an excellent storyteller and here he is at his best. Seen through the eyes of two children, he captures the greed of the wealthy, the abject poverty of the poor and the terrible...
Format: Hardback - Released: 15/09/2011
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Who's a Big Bully, Then?
Michael Morpurgo
A boy beats the school bully in a race on sports day, but the bully wants revenge. Can his victim outwit his tormentor? Thought-provoking story from one of the UK's best loved children's authors.
Format: Paperback - Released: 08/07/2011
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An Elephant in the Garden
Michael Morpurgo
Once again the former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, weaves an intensely moving story about an extraordinary animal caught up in a very human war. It’s World War Two in Germany, the animals in Dresden Zoo are to be killed because...
Format: Paperback - Released: 09/06/2011
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Little Manfred
Michael Morpurgo
Award-winning author and illustrator duo Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have created a touching story about the way lives become entangled during conflict and how, unexpectedly, those ties can lead to enduring friendship. When Alex and her little brother Charlie...
Format: Hardback - Released: 09/06/2011
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Conker
Michael Morpurgo
Prize-winning Michael Morpurgo packs in a range of big emotions in this beautifully written short novel for newly fluent readers and reissued for a new generation of children. Helped by his granny, Nick learns to see off the nasty bully...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/03/2011
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War Horse Special Colour Edition
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo’s tender story of Joey, a brave hearted farm horse who finds himself caught up in the horrors of war, cleverly conveys both the violence and the occasional compassion, which occurs during conflict. A classic story of animal courage...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/11/2010
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Fox Friend
Michael Morpurgo
Reading age 7, interest age 9+. This is a wonderfully touching and beautifully crafted story about growing up and learning about real life from an author who is widely considered to be the best teller of stories for children.  He's...
Format: Paperback - Released: 22/10/2010
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Kensuke's Kingdom Special Colour Edition
Michael Morpurgo
Suffice to say the reading of this book will take you the reader through every emotion you can think of, from great joy and laughter to utter sadness and loss.  At its heart is a story of friendship that will...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/10/2010
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Shadow
Michael Morpurgo
Galaxy Children's Book Award shortlist 2010. As the best-selling War Horse demonstrates, award winning Michael Morpurgo writes about both animals and war with exceptional flair. In this passionate and touching story, the interlinked fortunes of an Afghan boy and the...
Format: Hardback - Released: 30/09/2010
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Running Wild
Michael Morpurgo
Winner of the Independent Booksellers' Prize 2010. Prize-winning author Michael Morpurgo’s new novel is a towering adventure and emotional roller coaster set at the time of a great tsunami. Trying to get over his father’s death, Will and his mother travel...
Format: Paperback - Released: 27/05/2010
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An Elephant in the Garden
Michael Morpurgo
Once again the former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, weaves an intensely moving story about an extraordinary animal caught up in a very human war.  It’s World War Two in Germany, the animals in Dresden are to be killed because of...
Format: Hardback - Released: 27/05/2010
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Not Bad for a Bad Lad
Michael Morpurgo
This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this Michael Morpurgo weaves his story of how...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/05/2010
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Not Bad for a Bad Lad
Michael Morpurgo
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby....
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/05/2010
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The Best of Times
Michael Morpurgo
Beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated, this is a gem of a book. Michael Morpurgo weaves a magical story about the unusual way a prince finds to make his princess happy and so to save her life. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations capture the subtle...
Format: Hardback - Released: 05/10/2009
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Running Wild
Michael Morpurgo
Winner of the Independent Booksellers' Prize 2010. Prize-winning author Michael Morpurgo’s new novel is a towering adventure and emotional roller coaster set at the time of a great tsunami. Trying to get over his father’s death, Will and his mother...
Format: Hardback - Released: 24/08/2009
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Kaspar
Michael Morpurgo
CD Audio edition read by Paul Chequer. A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story...
Format: Cd-audio - Released: 28/05/2009
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Mudpuddle Farm: Six Animal Adventures
Michael Morpurgo
The enjoyable interactions of the animals that live at Mudpuddle Farm are brilliantly brought to life by former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Different animals are highlighted in the six separate adventures. There’s the cunning of Mossop the lazy cat who...
Format: Paperback - Released: 09/02/2009
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The Birthday Book
Michael Morpurgo
This is a sumptuous collection of stories and verse compiled by Michael Morpurgo, beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake and published in aid of The Prince's Foundation for Children and Arts and to celebrate the Prince of Wales's 60th birthday. It's...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/11/2008
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Kaspar
Michael Morpurgo
A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/09/2008
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The White Horse Of Zennor
Michael Morpurgo
From former Children's Laureate and award-winning author Michael Morpurgo comes "The White Horse of Zennor", reissued with a beautiful new cover.
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/05/2008
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Animal Tales: Three in one
Michael Morpurgo
These three fantastic stories in one book from the former Children’s Laureate 2003-2005. These tales all involving animals are gripping, touching and lyrical and should be essential reading for 9-11 age bracket.
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/05/2008
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Little Foxes
Michael Morpurgo
Little Foxes is a touching yet tense account of some small little furry creatures that one small boy has to help survive. This is another Michael Morpurgo story re-released with a new cover. It is about a boy. As a...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/05/2008
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Arthur High King Of Britain
Michael Morpurgo
Nothing strikes strength, courage, and valour into the heart like tales of Arthurian legend. Morpurgo does very well again to get that sense of magical mysticism into the story of the Knights of the Round Table. Will be enjoyed particularly...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/05/2008
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The Mozart Question
Michael Morpurgo
This is one of the most moving and eloquently written novels I've read in while.  For any musically inclined child from 8 or so upwards then they, and indeed you, can't fail to be incredibly moved and gripped all at...
Format: Hardback - Released: 05/11/2007
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Born To Run
Michael Morpurgo
This is a novel that will really pull on the heartstrings and one that will stick in your mind long after you’ve finished it.  But rest assured, anyone who has a love of animals will warm to this story of...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/09/2007
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The Wreck Of The Zanzibar
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo’s name is almost synonymous with the little islands off the toe of Cornwall called The Isles of Scilly for a considerable number of his books are set there.  The Wreck of the Zanzibar is no exception.  Here the...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/08/2007
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Friend or Foe
Michael Morpurgo
March 2010 Guest Editor Michael Foreman: "Towards the end of WWII enemy prisoners of War were brought to our village to help bring in the harvest.  We boys played football with them, the enemy, during their break times.  Children face-to-face with...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/08/2007
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War Horse
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo’s tender story of Joey, a brave hearted farm horse who finds himself caught up in the horrors of war, cleverly conveys both the violence and the occasional compassion, which occurs during conflict. A classic story of animal courage...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/08/2007
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Singing for Mrs Pettigrew
Michael Morpurgo
What better way to learn the craft of storytelling than from one of the best known storytellers around.  Michael Morpurgo has deftly entwined in Singing for Mrs Pettigrew a delightful, even eclectic mix of short stories, for the most part...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/08/2007
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Why The Whales Came
Michael Morpurgo
This is an exciting adventure and friendship story by a much-loved, award winning author. 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...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/2007
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War Of Jenkins' Ear
Michael Morpurgo
Toby Jenkins hates going to Redlands' Boarding School - he gets called 'Jinks' and thinks he'll never make the top rugby team. But then, he meets Christopher who claims to have powers. Christopher promises Toby a miracle. Will Christopher be able to provide...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/2007
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My Friend Walter
Michael Morpurgo
Sir Walter Raleigh laid his cloak in a puddle for Queen Elizabeth I to walk across. Now, Bess meets his ghost and finds out he's her ancestor! How's she going to explain him to her family, especially when he breaks her brother's fishing...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/2007
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Waiting For Anya
Michael Morpurgo
It is World War II and Jo stumbles on a dangerous secret: Jewish children are being smuggled away from the Nazis, close to his mountain village in Spain. Now, German soldiers have been stationed at the border. Jo must get word to his...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/2007
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Twist Of Gold
Michael Morpurgo
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...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/2007
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On Angel Wings
Michael Morpurgo
Double Laureate’s Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake have come together to produce a stunning re-working of the Nativity.  It’s a wonderfully poignant and engaging story told with great warmth and humour coupled with some sparkling illustrations.  This is an absolute...
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/09/2006
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I Believe in Unicorns
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo pulls on the heart strings in a short book into which he has packed a number of strands, richly woven together. Tomas lives for the outdoors: he hates books, reading and stories. But one day, his mother forces...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/09/2006
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Escape from Shangri-La
Michael Morpurgo
A book that is sure to pull at the heart strings whether you’re 10 or 110.  Providing a glimpse back to World War II through the eyes and ears of cessie’s grandfather and to an adventure that she and her...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2006
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King of the Cloud Forests
Michael Morpurgo
Such an accurate protrayal of the Himalayas would be hard to find in fiction.  This wonderful mythical story, epic in scale sees a lost boy befriended and saved by yetis.  Incredible emotions are evoked between them as they are each...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2006
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Long Way Home
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is so clever at putting the reader in the shoes of the character telling the story and this novel is absolutely no exception. Characters are brilliantly drawn and the page-turning plot keeps the reader enthralled. 
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2006
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The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Michael Morpurgo
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Award category, ‘the book I couldn’t put down’ The Story of Adolphus Tips is told in a diary.  It tells the story of one brave cat and movingly brings to life a true story of...
Format: Paperback (b Format) - Released: 06/02/2006
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Billy the Kid
Michael Morpurgo
This is a book for every generation to share but in particular for a grandfather to share with his grandson for this is the story of Billy, a supremely talented footballer who at 19 was picked to play for one...
Format: Paperback - Released: 21/10/2005
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Kensuke's Kingdom
Michael Morpurgo
Age 9+.  Suffice to say the reading of this book will take you the reader through every emotion you can think of, from great joy and laughter to utter sadness and loss.  At its heart is a story of friendship...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/10/2005
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Private Peaceful
Michael Morpurgo
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. One of our 'Must Reads'. It will seem odd when reading this book that the author enjoyed writing it the most of all the 90 or so he has written so...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/08/2004
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The Dancing Bear
Michael Morpurgo
Every girl will devour this incredibly poignant story of a young girl who adopts an abandoned bear cub.  An utter delight.   Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers.  To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant...
Format: Paperback (b Format) - Released: 03/03/2003
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Cool!
Michael Morpurgo
Award winning author Michael Morpurgo crams a great deal of emotion into this beautifully told short novel. Lying in a coma after being knocked down by a car, ten year old Robbie is unable to move or speak or see...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/03/2003
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The Sleeping Sword
Michael Morpurgo
This fantastic tale interweaves the story of a blind boy who lives on the Scilly Isles, with the myth and truth of King Arthur, Michael Morpurgo takes the reader deep inside the mind of a boy who seems ordinary but...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/02/2003
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Mister Skip
Michael Morpurgo
Morpurgo’s talent for writing for different ages shows no bounds and this gritty story that interweaves magic with real life hardship on an Irish council estate will be devoured by both boys and girls who are just beginning to enjoy...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/08/2002
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The Butterfly Lion
Michael Morpurgo
The inspiring magic of a white lion brings friendship and hope to a lonely ten year old. Miserable at his boarding school, Bertie runs away. He is rescued by a kind old lady who tells him of how another Bertie,...
Format: Paperback (b Format) - Released: 07/05/1996
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