Michael Morpurgo

Retellings of twenty-one classic Aesop fables, including "The Hare and the Tortoise" and "Belling the Cat," in updated language.

"Lizzie and Karl's mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don't run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their garden instead. When the city is bombed, the family flees with thousands of others, but how can they walk the same route when they have an elephant...

"Iris knows everything there is to know about Flying Scotsman. Her dad is the famous train's driver, and nothing makes her prouder than seeing him at work. But each time the Flying Scotsman pulls away, Iris wishes more than anything that she could be with her dad in the driver's cab. Then again, who's to stop her? Our cheeky train enthusiast protagonist hops aboard the Flying Scotsman as it travels from London to Edinburgh, breaking the speed record...

The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind - anything for a quiet life. But then the children - and Mutt the dog - come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad!

In the unique landscape of the Camargue in the South of France during WW2, a young autistic boy lives on his parents' farm among the salt flats and the flamingos that live there. There are lots of things he doesn't understand, but he does know how to heal animals. He loves routine and music too; every week he goes to market with his mother, to ride his special horse on the town carousel. But then the Germans come, with their guns, and take the town....

In 1940 England, stuck in a train tunnel while German fighter jets fly overhead, Barney hears an unlikely story of a highly decorated World War I soldier who once had a chance to kill young Adolf Hitler.

School bully Darren Bishop is furious after he is out paced in the school race. He can't have that now, can he? So when he is challenged to a battle of courage, Darren thinks he can't lose and can't wait to show the class who's boss. But see who turns out to be the chicken...

"This is a story of a life-changing friendship, a lost puffin, and a lonely artist. It's the story of an entire lifetime, and how one event can change a life forever. From masterful storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, and world-class illustrator, Benji Davies, comes a magical new story. This truly beautiful tale will enchant readers of all ages."--

Albert Narracott enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry.