This special editon of War Horse commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, and features a brand new introduction by Michael Morpurgo and cover artwork by Rae Smith, designer of the National Theatre's production of War Horse. In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story. From Michael Morpurgo, former children's laureate, comes this thrilling and epic tale of one horse's journey through the trenches of the First World War. War Horse was adapted by Steven Spielberg as a major motion picture, and shown on stage in London's West End and on Broadway.
War Horse Series
This poignant saga follows a horse's extraordinary journey from his youth in the English countryside to the harrowing battlefields of World War I. Told from the animal's perspective, the narrative explores the bonds between humans and creatures amidst immense hardship. The compelling tale highlights courage, friendship, and an indomitable spirit, touching on themes of war, loss, and hope.
Recommended Reading Order
Farm Boy
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set on a farm in rural Devon, Farm Boy is a collection of Grandpa's reminiscences and stories touchingly told to his grandson. Superbly told by a master storyteller and stunningly illustrated by Michael Foreman - an exquisite book. Joey was the last working horse on the farm, and the apple of Grandpa's eye. In War Horse, published twelve years ago, 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 - Grandpa has never learned to read and write. 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. The title was first published in full colour by Pavilion.