Picture Books
A young boy gets his wish after the other shepherds leave him behind in this golden, heartwarming holiday tale from a leading author and illustrator. "I bring you news of great joy. For tonight, in Bethlehem, a child has been born, a savior who is Christ the Lord." When the shepherds are invited to follow the star to visit the child, one young boy is told to stay and mind the flock. But the Angel Gabriel returns for him, taking the boy on a magical, memorable flight to be the first to witness the Christmas miracle. With a gently wry narration by Michael Morpurgo and expressive illustrations by the extraordinary Quentin Blake, this inviting, uplifting story is destined to become a holiday tradition.
A story about a special relationship between a woodcutter's son and a deer. Illustrated in colour and black and white by Larry Wilkes, a new title in the SIMON AND SCHUSTER STORYBOOKS series. Also available in paperback priced at 3.50, ISBN 0 7500 1364 8.
The classic tale takes on modern themes in a retelling by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, aided by Emma Chichester Clark's bright illustrations. In the town of Hamelin, the rich folk live high off the hog, while the poor and sick must scavenge in the trash that’s left behind. And that trash keeps building up and up until a horde of rats overruns the town. In this lively retelling, a spunky street kid narrates the age-old tale of a piper who offers to rid a town of its rats for a single gold coin, then lures away the town’s children when the greedy mayor reneges on the deal. With a nod to contemporary social and environmental themes, former British Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark team up to charm readers with a compelling — and ultimately hopeful — take on a timeless story.
A lavish, keepsake collection of poetry, beautiful artwork, and unforgettable treasures from acclaimed children’s book author Michael Morpurgo, woven around a girl’s adventures on a countryside walk. Pippa loves staying with her Aunty Peggy. She loves going for walks, whether it is sunny or cold — long, wandering walks where her wellies take her. Follow Pippa into the beautiful countryside as her day unfolds, and the wildlife, animals, and people she encounters are complemented by relevant poems from some of our greatest authors, personally chosen by Clare and Michael Morpurgo. Part poetry anthology, part children’s scrapbook, this is a truly lavish project designed to instill a love of language in young children.
This brilliantly illustrated picture book captures the struggles of a lonely young wombat who must safely find his way back to his mother once again after suddenly being separated from her.
A captivating retelling of the nation’s favourite fairy tale, from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. After encountering a fearsome beast at a mysterious palace, down-on-his-luck merchant Marco is forced to make a promise in exchange for his life: he must persuade one of his three daughters to return to the palace in his place – but she must come of her own free will. Beautiful, kind-hearted Belle agrees at once to return to the palace, and there she and the Beast exist companionably, with the Beast asking of Belle the same question at the end of each day: “Dearest Belle, will you marry me?” After a return home to consult with her father, Belle resolves to follow her heart and return to the Beast, but her plans are thwarted by the trickery of her jealous sisters. When, at last, Belle is able to find her way back to the palace, she finds her beloved Beast lying as still as death on the ground. As Belle’s tears fall on his face, the Beast is transformed into a handsome prince – the ancient spell upon him broken by Belle’s tears of true love… Michael Morpurgo's book 'There Once is a Queen' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 06-06-2022.