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.

Canon Fire

Ten stunning Shakespeare retellings from the master storyteller, with an introduction by Benedict Cumberbatch

Michael Morpurgo’s Tales from Shakespeare

The perfect read for all ages, Pinocchio as you’ve never seen him before: telling his own story through the master storyteller and award-winning author of WAR HORSE.

Pinocchio

Michael Morpurgo's inspiring new story of Robbie, a boy in a coma -- victim of a car accident. Locked inside his own head, able to hear but not move or speak, Robbie tries to keep himself from slipping ever deeper into unconsciousness. Robbie, football fan and animal lover, runs after his dog Lucky one day when he chases a cat and is hit by a car. Unconscious, Robbie lies in hospital, unable to speak, move or eat. But he can hear; he is aware, even though his family and friends don't know this. Inside his head, we hear Robbie's thoughts; on his Mum and sister, why his parents are separated. His friends and family try desperately to reach him -- even Zola, his favourite Chelsea footballer, comes to see him. And still Robbie can't 'wake up'. Until one day, against hospital rules, Dad brings Lucky into the hospital. Can Lucky bring Robbie back to life?

Cool!

Michael Morpurgo - Three Powerful Stories

Michael Morpurgo Stories

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo Pack

Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound's journey through life -- and from owner to owner!

Born to Run

In fifth-century Denmark, a murderous monster stalks the night, and only the great prince of the Geats has the strength and courage to defeat him. This work retells and illustrates Beowulf's terrifying quest to destroy Grendel, the foul fiend, a hideous sea-hag and a monstrous fire-dragon.

Beowulf

When 10-year-old WIll's father dies in the Iraq war, his mother surprises him with a trip to Indonesia. But little could she have known what awaited them both there. The first Will knows that anything is wrong is when Oona, the elephant he is riding along the beach, begins to spook. Ages 10+.

Running Wild

Michael Morpurgo Adventure Pack

Five of award-winning author Michael Morpurgo's best-loved stories, brought together in this beautiful gift collection. The perfect present for any child. A mini-library from a master storyteller.

Michael Morpurgo's Collection

A collection of six magical and heart-warming animal stories, specially for World Book Day, by the nation’s favourite storyteller.

Best Mates

MICHAEL MORPURGO'S FIRST BOOK OF ADULT NON-FICTION IN FORTY YEARS. A GUARDIAN AND TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2025 '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 PULLMAN 'Full of vibrant colour and most of all, heart and soul.' CLARE BALDING And there, as I struggle to open the gate, I happen to glance down and see it. Frog spawn! Clumps of it, floating like grey slimy sponges on the surface of the puddle. I crouch down to be close to it, to the beginning of new life. Michael 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.

Spring

'A beautiful, thoughtful book that brims with joy' KATE MOSSE 'Our master storyteller' JOANNA LUMLEY In Funny Thing, Getting Older, one of our most belove 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. 'For me, a story is like a kite. It will swoop and soar, and it will be please my heart when it's up there, floating on the wind. It is the same with the making of the pieces in this book, every one of them. I have to keep making and flying my kites, and to teach others, if I can, to fly theirs.' MICHAEL MORPURGO

Funny Thing, Getting Older

Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse and the nation’s favourite storyteller A moving story of a brother, a sister and a swallow, and how all are in some way victims of the horrors of landmines.

Dear Olly

Ranging from eerie ghost stories to gritty realism, this collection includes a wide variety of subjects: What does it feel like? Sofia is late for school when she sees tanks arrive in the village square. She manages to hide, only to witness horrific events. The Owl and the Pussycat An abandoned owlet seems to be on the road to recovery when it is rescued and fed. But why is the large ginger cat so interested? Silver Ghost A young Canadian comes to Britain to visit his ancestral home. Who is the strange old man he meets at the house and how can he explain to the police the events which follows?

From Hereabout Hill

“There once is a Queen ever constant to her people...” From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our Queen and longest reigning monarch, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman. Created in partnership with the Jubilee Pageant Committee

There Once is a Queen

Three war plays by Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, dramatised by Simon Reade. Private Peaceful relives the short life of Tommo growing up in rural Devon before fighting the battles and facing the injustices of the First World War. In Toro! Toro! young Antonito liberates his favourite bull from the ritualised killing of the bullfight as he tries to escape the Spanish Civil War. In The Mozart Question Paolo Levi discovers the astonishing truth about his parents’ flight to Venice from the gas chambers of the Second World War. Each play is accompanied by an introduction from Michael Morpurgo.

Morpurgo: War Plays

A young journalist goes to Venice, Italy, to interview a famous violinist, who tells the story of his parents' incarceration by the Nazis, and explains why they can no longer listen to the music of Mozart.

The Mozart Question

Revered author Michael Morpurgo evokes the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war. From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpa’s ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare, he must not make too much noise, he must not ask Grandpa any questions about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays and learns the story behind Grandpa’s injuries, finally getting to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing scars that have divided his family for so long.

Half a Man

Contains BPB editions of the following titles: ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN ALONE ON WW SEA RUNNING WILD BILLY THE KID DANCING BEAR FARM BOY SHADOW RRP Valued at $101.95

Michael Morpurgo 7 Copy Shrinkwrap Set

The gripping story of a boy who risks his life to take Jewish refugees to safety during World War II. A reclusive widow’s farm has become a haven for a growing band of Jewish children hiding from the Nazis. Jo knows he must keep the secret, and help out any way he can. But when German soldiers move into town, the danger suddenly becomes much more real. As Jo knows all too well, the penalty for helping these children escape is death. "In its understated style and gentle telling of a harsh lesson, the story is reminiscent of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars." —School Library Journal “Action-packed . . . Morpurgo’s characters rise above the two-dimensional, giving young people much to ponder in the areas of good versus evil and hero versus villain.” —The Horn Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Waiting for Anya

A bind-up of two classic stories about the Arthurian legend from a master storyteller. In "The Sleeping Sword," when Ben is struck blind, he discovers a mythic sword that changes him forever. Marooned on a sandbank and facing certain death, a boy awakes in a strange bed, and hears the legend of Camelot from Arthur himself in "Arthur: High King of Britain."

Stories of King Arthur

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.

My Heart Was a Tree

The stunning novel set during World War One from Michael Morpurgo, the nation’s favourite storyteller and multi-million copy bestseller.

Listen to the Moon

This is a read-along edition with audio synced to the text, performed by Michael Morpurgo. A captivating retelling of the nation’s favourite fairy tale, from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

Beauty and the Beast (Read aloud by Michael Morpurgo)

An e-book edition of War Horse with movie stills, behind-the-scenes photos, storyboards, and more! In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

War Horse

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.

Private Peaceful

When the shepherds are invited to follow the star to visit the Christ child, a young boy is left behind to watch the flock until the Angel Gabriel returns for him so that he can be the first to witness a true Christmas miracle.

On Angel Wings

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.

War Stories

PICTURE STORYBOOKS. This is a collection of Michael's existing Christmas books (The Best Christmas Present in the World, On Angel Wings and The Best of Times) with a new story, The Goose is Getting Fat. You can curl up by the fireside and let Michael Morpurgo envelop you in stories of faraway lands and unexpected adventures. The Best Christmas Present in the World - A mysterious letter in a secret drawer brings one night in the Great War vividly to life. Writing home from the front, a soldier has an incredible story to tell. On Angel Wings - 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...The Best of Times - When the Prince and Princess marry, joy rings out across the land. But all too soon it fades away and a shadow hangs over the royal palace. As Christmas approaches, Prince Frederico must find a way to warm his new bride's aching heart. Ages 3+

Michael Morpurgo Christmas Stories

Pinocchio: In His Own Words

Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, former Children's Laureate and multi-award winner. This is a fresh reissue of a much-loved story with a beautiful new cover. Turned away by his own son, Cessie's long-lost grandfather finds himself in the place he fears most - a nursing home called Shangri-La. Only Cessie loves him and is determined to help him escape and unravel the truth of his past - a past that comes to him only in glimpses - a lifeboat, a tin of condensed milk, and, a terrifying night on the beaches of Dunkirk in World War II.

Michael Morpurgo Escape from Shangri-La

Originally published: London: HarperCollins Children's Books, 2012.

A Medal for Leroy

A spellbinding tale of survival and self-discovery from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, who is poised for breakthrough U.S. success. When Michael's parents lose their jobs, they buy a boat and decide to sail around the world with their son and their beloved dog. It's an ideal trip - until Michael is swept overboard. He's washed up on an island, where he struggles to survive. Then he discovers that he's not alone. His fellow-castaway, Kensuke, keeps his distance at first. But when Michael's life is threatened, he slowly lets the boy into his world. The two teach and learn from each other until, inevitably, they must part ways.

Kensuke's Kingdom

A stunning collection of classic Morpurgo novels set in World War I, World War II and the Afghanistan conflict.