War Horse
by
Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Francois Place
Joey is a young farm horse, sold to the army at the beginning of the First World War. Through his eyes the reader experiences the devastation of the Western Front, his capture by the Germans and his entrapment in No Man's Land.
Joey's tremendous courage touches soldiers of both armies; in turn, he experiences warmth and kindness amid the carnage of war, and homesickness for his old life on the farm.
Morpurgo has approached this bitter conflict from an unusual and moving perspective, focusing on the valuable role that animals played throughout the war, and the dignity that both creatures and men showed in the face of suffering.
Publisher: Egmont
-
Michael Morpurgo
Children's Laureate 2003-2005
Award-winning children's writer Michael Morpurgo was born in 1943 in St Albans, Hertfordshire. He is the author of many award-winning books for children, including Kensuke's Kingdom, My Friend Walter and Private Peaceful. Many of his books have been successfully adapted for the stage or for film and television including War Horse and Private Peaceful (due to be released in 2012)
As well as writing, Michael runs the charity Farms for City Children with his wife Claire. In 2003 he became the third Children's Laureate (2003-2005), taking on a role he helped to establish together with the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. During his time as laureate he toured extensively, concentrating on sharing the power of stories.
(Credit Richard Cannon)
More like this
-
-
The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
HarperCollins Children's BooksA tragic episode during the Second World War is the... -
-
The Kites are Flying
Walker BooksWhen television reporter, Max, visits communities on either side of... -
-
Reading Age: 9+
Interest level: 9+
Send an e-card
