Farm Boy

The magical sequel to ‘War Horse’, now a major motion picture.

Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse and the nation’s favourite storyteller

Joey was the last working horse on the farm, and the apple of Grandpa’s eye. In War Horse, Joey was sent away from the farm to be a warhorse in WWI. Grandpa had joined the cavalry in order to find, and fight, with Joey. Farm Boy brings us forward fifty years with Grandpa not only telling his grandson, Joey’s story but also a ‘shameful secret’ which he has held for years…

The story is set in Iddesleigh in Devon and lovingly evokes the bonds between farm and farmer; grandson and grandfather. The spirit of rural life is superbly captured in both Michael Morpurgo’s writing and Michael Foreman’s illustrations. An irresistible title from acclaimed author-illustrator partnership.

Reviews

‘Here is a very important book, combining the very best of storytelling and illustration.’
Junior Education

‘If there are such things as contemporary classics, then this, surely is one of them.’
Daily Mail

'Rich with historical detail and beautifully illustrated, this is a touching and inspirational portrayal of farming life and familial ties' BookTrust

'Well-crafted . . . Offers a satisfying glimpse into a bygone era, while delivering quiet messages about the value of hard work, family, and the tragedies of war' Publishers Weekly

'[An] expertly crafted reminder that stories can link generations' Kirkus Reviews

Praise for SHADOW:
“As ever, Morpurgo's warmth and humanity suffuse a story of courage, love and hope.” – Amanda Craig, The Times

“passionate and touching” – Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading

Praise for AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN:
"This is a handsome, very pickupable book. Brightly and informatively jacketed, its text punctuated by lovely, fluid ink and wash illustrations by Michael Foreman, it deserves a prominent place on school library bookshelves and, if there is any justice in the world, in bookshops."
Guardian

"A thrilling and moving new novel about an extraordinary animal caught up in a very human war, for anyone who loved The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips or The Butterfly Lion!" Waterstones

"For readers aged eight and over, this captivating novel offers an insight into how Hitler came to power, refracted through the gaze of the young narrator."
Telegraph

"Following the stage success of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo returns with another gem in his animals in war series, An Elephant in the Garden."
Telegraph

About the author

Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children, and has sold more than 35 million books around the world. He has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.