Books to celebrate Michael Morpurgo month
Date Added: 03/02/2022
Best loved children's author
Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best-loved children's authors. He was Children's Laureate from 2003-2005, a role that took him across Britain to inspire children with his love of stories. He has written more than 100 books for children from the very young to teenagers. He has won the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award, and most recently the Blue Peter Book Award for Private Peaceful. His novel War Horse has been turned into a Broadway play, and is also a feature film.
February is Michael Morpurgo Month where you are encouraged to enjoy reading his wonderful stories. You can request them for free or choose one at your local Central Bedfordshire Library. We also have a selection of his books which you can download on your device through to our E Books on Libby. If you are not a member you will need to first join, request a pin.
Picture books for youngest readers
A song of gladness - reminds us of our connection with nature, and with each other, and the environment.
Coming home – A plucky little robin sets out on an epic journey whilst the call in his heart says come home!
The Birthday duck - Sam is a city boy and isn’t looking forward to his school trip to Nethercott Farm and when he finds a duck about to be dinner, he is determined to save him. But how?
Short chapter stories for developing readers
The Puffin Keeper - This is a story of a life-changing friendship of a lost puffin, and a lonely artist.
Snug – As Lisa’s cat Snug grows up, he spends more time away from home and one night returns home beaten up.
We are not frogs - The frogs always beat the toads at long jump, but then the children come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see this as an opportunity to get their own back.
Homecoming - when plans are made to build a nuclear power station on the marshes, Michael finds himself caught up in the fate of Mrs Pettigrew and the landscape of his boyhood
Snow Tales -Two beautiful animal stories Rainbow Bear and Little Albatross.
Hansel and Gretel - No child will ever forget the story of the witch, the breadcrumb trail, and the gingerbread house in the forest.
Animal and Wartime stories
Nine lives of Montezuma - A cat's nine lives are full of adventure and excitement and none more so than Montezuma, the farmyard cat.
The Wreck of the Zanzibar - Life on the Scilly Isles in 1907 is bleak and full of hardship. During a storm the Zanzibar is wrecked on the island’s rocks, and everything changes.
Running wild - Oona, the elephant which Will is riding on the beach, begins acting strangely, shying away from the sea. When the tsunami comes crashing in, Oona begins to run and just keeps on running.
A Medal for Leroy - Auntie Snowdrop gives Michael a medal, followed by a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden history of his father an RAF pilot lost in the war
War horse - Joey tells a powerful story of the true friendships, one horse who has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace.
Shadow - Never have Aman and his mother needed a friend more than when a Springer Spaniel named Shadow appears, as they become refugees on a journey bound for England.
Born to run - Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal. He pleads with his parents can he keep one of them, to be woken by a greyhound puppy licking his face!
Farm boy - set in Devon this tale lovingly evokes the bonds between farm and farmer; grandson and grandfather.