Author Profile
Michael Morpurgo
3 Books
Michael Morpurgo is an English author, poet, and playwright who served as the third British Children's Laureate. He has written dozens of novels for children and young adults, often exploring profound themes related to history, nature, and the bonds between humans and animals. His deeply moving storytelling is showcased in historical adventures like Kensuke's Kingdom and An Elephant in the Garden. His books frequently place young protagonists in challenging situations where they must find inner resilience and compassion.
Growing up on a remote farm in the vast African veld, young Bertie feels completely isolated from the world until he makes an extraordinary discovery. He finds and rescues a rare, orphaned white lion cub, and the two quickly become inseparable best friends. But their perfect world is shattered when Bertie is sent far away to a strict boarding school in England, and his beloved lion is sold to a French circus.
Though oceans separate them, Bertie makes a solemn vow that he will never forget his incredible friend and that they will one day be reunited. Years later, as the chaos of the First World War sweeps across Europe, Bertie joins the army and stumbles into a chance encounter that could fulfill his childhood promise. This beautifully moving story explores an unbreakable bond between a boy and a wild animal that defies time and distance.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
119 Pages
Tomas is a boy who loves nothing more than running wild in the mountains, and he absolutely hates school, reading, and books. But when his mother finally forces him to visit the local library, he is unexpectedly captivated by what he finds. Sitting astride a beautiful, lifelike wooden unicorn is the Unicorn Lady, a mysterious librarian who spins the most enchanting and magical tales.
Her stories draw Tomas in, completely changing his mind about the power of books and sparking a vivid imagination he never knew he had. However, the peace of their village is shattered when war sweeps across the countryside, threatening to destroy the library and all its precious contents. Driven by his newfound love for stories, Tomas and his friends must find a way to rescue the books from the flames.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
26 Pages
By
Michael Morpurgo
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Based on work by
Hans Christian Andersen
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Pictures by
Brad Sneed, Elsa Beskow, Michael Foreman, Catherine Babok, Susan Jeffers, Stacy Peterson, and Lin Utzon
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With
Deborah Morse, L. Spencer Humphrey, Kyowon Co., Kimberley Reynolds, Susannah Mary Paull, and Amy Ehrlich
Enter a massive world through the eyes of a hero who is no bigger than your thumb. Born from a beautiful flower, Thumbelina is tiny, delicate, and completely unprepared for the dangers lurking outside her window. When she is suddenly kidnapped by a giant, ugly toad who wants her as a bride, her quiet life is turned upside down. As you travel alongside her, you will navigate rushing rivers on lily pads, survive freezing winters underground, and meet a cast of fascinating animal friends and foes. From a helpful field mouse to a grumpy mole, every creature she encounters brings a new challenge to her journey. But Thumbelina never gives up hope of finding a place where she truly belongs. Join this tiny girl on her grand adventure and discover how bravery, kindness, and a warm heart can help you overcome the most giant obstacles in your path.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
