A picture of several children's books that are perfect for fans of Disney's Frozen on a pink and blue ombre background with snowflakes

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Reading lists

Books for kids who are obsessed with Disney’s Frozen

There are things we can all do to improve the way we read to our kids.

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How to read out loud to your children, according to audiobook narrators

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Michael Morpurgo retells The Snowman: ‘I’ve told it my way, and I’ve loved doing it’

The Snowman: A full-colour retelling of the classic

A stunning new gift edition of The Snowman, re-imagined by beloved author Michael Morpurgo for a whole new generation of readers - now with beautiful full-colour illustrations. 
 
One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling. 
 
He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story. 
 
That night, something magical happens - the Snowman comes to life! 
 
He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special. 
 
Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect story for the whole family to share together as a new Christmas tradition. 
 
Also available for 0-6yrs: 
The Snowman - the classic wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs 
The Snowman: Book of the Film - a picture book based on the classic film 
The Snowman and the Snowdog - a picture book based on the classic film sequel 
 
Praise for The Snowman: 
 
'In Raymond Briggs' story, a boy's dream comes true. Somehow, Michael Morpurgo makes Briggs' story come true. . . it has all the wonder of reading The Snowman for the first time.' - Colin Firth 
 
'If anyone was going to give words to this classic, it had to be Morpurgo. A perfect book, perfect story, perfectly told.' - Angels & Urchins 
 
'The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo not only brings a much-loved tale to a new audience, it brings with it an extra layer of festive magic. We predict this book will fast become as much a part of every family Christmas as snuggling down with a hot chocolate to catch the classic animation on TV.' - JUNIOR magazine

Michael Morpurgo (Author) 
Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre. 
 
In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes. 
 
With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999.

A stunning gift edition of The Snowman, re-imagined by beloved author Michael Morpurgo for a whole new generation of readers - now with beautiful full-colour illustrations. 
 
One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling. 
 
He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story. 
 
That night, something magical happens - the Snowman comes to life! 
 
He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special. 
 
Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect story for the whole family to share together as a new Christmas tradition. 
 
Also available for 0-6yrs: 
The Snowman - the classic wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs 
The Snowman: Book of the Film - a picture book based on the classic film 
The Snowman and the Snowdog - a picture book based on the classic film sequel

The Puffin Keeper

Michael Morpurgo (Author) Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best-loved storymakers. He has written over 150 books loved by readers around the world. His best-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg and into a widely acclaimed play by the National Theatre. In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped to create with the poet Ted Hughes. With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999. In 2017 he was awarded a knighthood for services to literature and charity. Benji Davies (Illustrator) Benji Davies is an award-winning illustrator and author. Creator of the bestselling, acclaimed The Storm Whale, Grandad's Island, and The Grotlyn, Benji's books have been co-editioned in over thirty-five languages and countries, gaining recognition worldwide. Benji is also the illustrator of the internationally successful Bizzy Bear board book series, which recently topped three million sales globally.

It was Benjamin Postlethwaite's job all his long life to make sure the light shone brightly high up in the lighthouse on Puffin Island. Not once in all his years as the lighthouse keeper had he ever let his light go out. But sometimes even the brightest light on a lighthouse cannot save a ship. 
 
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.

Inspired by the original story by Raymond Briggs

The Snowman

Beloved children's author Michael Morpurgo has re-imagined Raymond Briggs' classic The Snowman for a new generation of readers. 
 
One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling. 
 
He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story. 
 
That night, something magical happens- the Snowman comes to life! 
 
He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special. 
 
Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect Christmas story for the whole family. 
 
The Snowman is the perfect festive read for ALL the family! 
 
Also available for 0-6yrs: 
The Snowman - the classic wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs 
The Snowman: Book of the Film - a picture book based on the classic film 
The Snowman and the Snowdog - a picture book based on the classic film sequel

In Raymond Briggs' story, a boy's dream comes true. Somehow, Michael Morpurgo makes Briggs' story come true. It's a delightful magic track. It has all the wonder of reading the Snowman for the first time.

On seeing the cover for the very first time I felt just as James might have felt as he glanced out of the window at The Snowman for the first time. The magic of The Snowman never truly melts and in this adaptation Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have faithfully honoured the spirit of the original story whilst adding a new magical lustre to appeal to a whole new, very lucky generation.

Just wonderful! Loyal to the first story with fresh elements that flesh it out for older readers. A timeless tale, freshly made but with the same magic at its heart - just like a real snowman. It's rare that a remake is ever as good as the original but in this case, great care has been given to ensure it is both complementary and a tribute to the book that means so much to lots of people.

What a magical book! The Snowman is such a lovely read (for young and old alike) and has already made me excited for Christmas. It's truly heartwarming.

If anyone was going to give words to this classic, it had to be Morpurgo. A perfect book, perfect story, perfectly told.

The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo not only brings a much-loved tale to a new audience, it brings with it an extra layer of festive magic. We predict this book will fast become as much a part of every family Christmas as snuggling down with a hot chocolate to catch the classic animation on TV.

Michael Morpurgo plays homage to the classic tale of The Snowman, bringing James, his family and snowy friend beautifully to life through his words, in a story to melt your heart. All the classic elements of the original story are here, in a book which will surely be at the heart of a magical Christmas for many families, to read alongside the picture book and the film.

Jayne Gould, Ipswich Children's Book Group

Only Remembered

A timeless and seminal anthology of First World War literature for children fronted by the master of the period, Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated by acclaimed illustrator, Ian Beck

Michael Morpurgo (Author) 
Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre. 
 
In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes. 
 
With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999. 
 
Ian Beck (Illustrator) 
IAN BECK has worked as a freelance illustrator for many years (including such notable artwork as the record cover for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album). Ian turned to writing and illustrating children's books when his own children were born.

Published to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, this beautiful anthology collects favourite extracts, poems and images from some of the UK’s leading cultural, political and literary figures. 
 
Poems, short stories, personal letters, newspaper articles, scripts, photographs and paintings are just some of the elements of this astonishing collection, with cover and artwork by renowned illustrator, Ian Beck. 
 
Among the many contributors are Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, Sir Andrew Motion, Miranda Hart, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Anthony Horowitz, Eoin Colfer, Antony Beevor, Emma Thompson, David Almond, Dr Rowan Williams, Richard Curtis, Joanna Lumley, Raymond Briggs, Shami Chakrabarti and Sir Tony Robinson. 
 
Royalties from the publication will be spilt between the Royal British Legion and projects for soldiers' children and families at SSAFA.

A BBC Radio Drama

Private Peaceful

A powerful BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of a novel set in the First World War by the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, who also features in the cast.

A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the powerful novel set in the First World War, from the author of War Horse. 
 
This is the story of Thomas ‘Tommo’ Peaceful, a young soldier who finds himself in Belgium, in the trenches of the First World War, with his brother Charlie. It is also the story of Tommo’s life, growing up in Devon with his brothers, and of his love for Molly, the beautiful girl he met on his first day at school. 
 
As the story unfolds, from past to present, so approaches the hour when Tommo and Charlie will be separated for ever. The horrors of the First World War, and the injustice meted out to the soldiers who fought in it, are movingly described. 
 
Recorded on location Iddesleigh, the Devon village where the book is set, this radio dramatisation features among its cast Paul Chequer, Nicholas Lyndhurst and author Michael Morpurgo himself. 
 
It also features; Ted Allpress, Harvey Allpress, Amy Reade, Daniel Houghton, Paul Chequer, Mark Quartley, Annette Chown, Ben Allen, Alison Reid, Nick Brimble, Christopher Bianchi, Peter Ellis, Jonathan Keeble, Terence Mann, Simon Reade and Susan Roberts.

War Horse

Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn and Bob Hoskins star in this BBC Radio drama based on the number one bestselling book by award-winning author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo.

The music, folk inspired, brings depth and resonance, hooking the narrative into a wider perspective, of generations unnamed who have fought and died

Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre. 
 
In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes. 
 
With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999.

This production - adapted by John Tams and Sally Ward at the behest of the author - is a moving tale of a boy's extraordinary bond with his horse during World War One. The story of a farm horse sold from Devon into the mire, wire and machine guns of the Great War of 1914-1918 brings together a stellar cast, including Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn and Bob Hoskins, with music and songs from some of the UK's finest folk musicians. This drama was directed by John Tams, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for his work on the phenomenally successful War Horse stage epic at the National Theatre ('the theatrical event of the decade' - Times) and which also inspired the Steven Spielberg film. 'Sublime' - Michael Morpurgo, on hearing this completed drama.

Little Albatross

From the award-winning partnership of Michael Morpurgo and Michael Forman comes this gorgeous thrilling picture book.

Foreman and Morpurgo are the high priests of collaboration, understanding how to grab the reader tight from the first page

A breathtaking collaboration of words and pictures builds the suspense up to a nerve-wracking climax

This story, with its stunning illustrations, will delight all animal lovers

This is a satisfying adventure-tale of a seldom-featured species . . .

It's an exciting tale, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman.

A breathtaking collaboration of words and pictures builds the suspense up to a nerve-racking climax.

Featured in Christmas round up: Comes beautifully illustrated...there's always depth to Morpurgo's writing, always an enticing richness, and this little exploration of independence and growing up should delight time and time again.

Michael Morpurgo's choice of words is so satisfying for a small child to listen to...Michael Foreman provides exciting and simple pictures.

Enchanting words equally matched with pictures by Michael Foreman.

...this successful partnership has come up with yet another fine story...

The tale is carefully and beautifully told in language that at times reads almost like poetry.

Michael Morpurgo (Author) Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre. 
 
In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes. 
 
With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999. Michael Foreman (Illustrator) Michael Foreman is one of the most talented and popular creators of children's books today. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal two times and has been the UK nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award twice. His highly acclaimed books are published all over the world. He is married and has three sons. He divides his time between St Ives in Cornwall and London.

The last snows of winter are melting away and Little Albatross sits snug in the warmth of Mother Albatross' feathers. He grows bigger and stronger until one day Mother and Father Albatross go fishing together, leaving Little Albatross alone for the first time. Will they return in time to save him from the killer bird who is watching, waiting . . .?

The Rainbow Bear

Written by the author of WAR HORSE, this is the poignant story of a polar bear who longs to soak himself in all the colours of the rainbow.

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children and has won many prizes, including the Whitbread Prize, the Red House Children's Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award. From 2003 to 2005 he was the Children's Laureate, a role which took him all over the UK to promote literacy and reading, and in 2005 he was named the Booksellers Association Author of the Year. 
 
Michael Foreman is one of the most talented and popular illustrators of children's books today. Twice winner of the Kate Greenaway medal, his highly acclaimed books are published all over the world. He has illustrated over 300 books, many of which he has written himself. He frequently collaborates with 'the other Michael'.

The polar bear is bored of his white environment and his hard life. He dreams of soaking himself in all the luminous colours of the rainbow. But when his wish is granted, he realises to his cost that his arctic camouflage no longer works and he needs the advice of others to escape his prism... 
 
A moving tale of hopes and dreams from an award-winning picture book team. The lyrical text is complemented by beautiful watercolours in which the joy and pain of the Rainbow Bear sing out.

Snow Tales (Rainbow Bear and Little Albatross)

Two classic animal tales by one of the greatest storytellers of our time, War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, and beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman.

Two beautiful, snowy animal stories, The Rainbow Bear and Little Albatross, by internationally bestselling War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo. Collected together for the first time and featuring Michael Foreman's original stunning illustrations, this is a gem of a book to be enjoyed over and over again.

Magic Beans: A Handful of Fairytales from the Storybag

Beautiful retellings of favourite fairytales by the best-loved writers for children.

An entrancing collection of classic fairtyales retold by leading storytellers such as Philip Pullman, Adele Geras, and Malorie Blackman. Elegant line drawings add to the magic

A wonderfully entertaining sampler of 14 great storytellers, who include Anne Fine, Phillip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson. It's rich retellings range from Aesops Fables to the Little Mermaid

With wonderfully told stories by brilliant writers including Alan Garner, Linda Newbery, Anne Fine, Gillian Cross, Berlie Doherty and Philip Pullman, parents will love it every bit as much as their kids

If you don't have a collection, then Magic Beans: A Handful of Fairytales from the Storybag is as good a place to start as any . . . Even bought as a reference guide to fantastic writers for your kids to explore, it'll be money well spent

With comfortable print and decorative embellishments by well-known illustrators, this rich kaleidoscope of stories is a book for keeps

Much nicer and more accessible than a traditional keepsake edition, this anthology will actually be read and enjoyed rather than resting on the shelf. The whole clutch of stories is beautifully, clearly written, and adults will relish reading them aloud to children

Brims with elegant prose, enchantment, comedy and mischief . . . It's the perfect gift but also a book to squirrel away for yourself and enjoy on a rainy afternoon

Smartly written, the tales can be enjoyed afresh, imbued with a love of words that will no doubt excite and delight your child. The new hardback collection is printed in large type so should be a good first read. It would also make a lovely gift

Each of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous take that will capture your imagination. Lovingly crafted by some of the finest authors and illustrators in the business . . . these 'magic beans' will delight and thoroughly entertain

All the stories give a fresh and immediate version of the often cruel but funny originals where the darkest sides of human nature are contrasted against innocent honesty; magic intervening first on one side, then the other, until virtue triumphs. Skilful writing from modern storytellers

A bright cover and good sized print are attractive but the irresistible factor is the list of 14 authors . . . Amazing, brilliant and a comparative bargain

Magic beans. Sow them. Plant them. Watch children grow. 
 
'If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer. If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!' - Shel Silverstein, Poet 
 
Each and every one of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous tale that will capture your imagination. Prepare to be dazzled by Rapunzel's golden tresses. Prepare to be moved by the suffering of the Little Mermaid. Prepare to laugh yourself silly as 'Mr Sultana' struggles to get the better of a little red rooster! 
 
Lovingly crafted by the finest authors and illustrators, these 'magic beans' will delight, thrill and thoroughly entertain.

Tom's Sausage Lion

A magical tale of a little boy who meets a lion.

Morpurgo writes with a fine mixture of clarity, depth and feeling

There is often something of the traditional storyteller about Michael Morpurgo. As a reader, we feel part of an audience, spell-bound by the unfolding tale . . . one of the most confident and accomplished writers for children today

Michael Morpurgo is a master of the first person narrative: when he embarks on a story he doesn't keep you waiting - he simply grips your hand and helps you on board

Michael Morpurgo is one of today's most popular and critically acclaimed children's writers, author of KENSUKE'S KINGDOM and THE WRECK OF THE ZANZIBAR amongst many other titles.  He has won a multitude of prizes including the Children's Book Award, the Smarties Prize and the Writer's Guild Award.

But it's true,' Tom shouted. 'It was a real lion, I know it was.' 
 
No-one believes Tom when he says he has seen a lion - padding around the orchard with a string of sausages in its mouth! No-one, that is, except for Clare, the cleverest girl in the class. Together, she and Tom plan to prove his story is true - by catching the lion!

The Last Wolf

A beautiful and lyrical tale of the last wolf in Scotland.

Michael Morpurgo has a knack of taking one small fact and weaving around it a vibrant tale that brings a slice of history to life

The deceptively simple narrative style . . . conveys hope and despair, love and hate, and finally peace . . . Satisfying, thoughtful and ultimately heart-warming

This is a beautifully produced book, with a striking peephole cover and pen-and-wash illustrations by Michael Foreman that serve to dramatise the emotional depth of this touching story about friendship in adversity

A stirring tale of loyalty and bravery, superbly illustrated

Michael Morpurgo has created a sweeping and dramatic story in the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie. This spellbinding tale is complemented perfectly by Michael Foreman's illustrations. 
 
Robbie McLeod and a wolf cub, both orphaned, venture far from their birthplace, a land of rebellious fighters and vicious redcoats. There is little constancy in Robbie's adventurous life, save for the companionship of his wolf. But when at last Robbie finds a place where he can peacefully make his home, he knows in his heart that the wolf must find his own natural home too . . .

The Silver Swan

An exquisite picture book, telling the romantic story of a family of swans and the boy who watches over them.

A book for the whole family to treasure, the artwork shines with a strangely luminous beauty. A truly wonderful book

Moments of rage and poignancy . . . Christian Birmingham's atmospheric pictures powerfully expose the terrible beauty of the real world

Beautifully craftered . . . not a word too many, not a word out of place . . . Birmingham's dramatic images hauntingly recreate the spellbinding text. A masterpiece to be reasured by young and old alike

An awe-inspiring and poignant glimpse of nature's inner workings

A chokingly moving, unsentimental story of a boy's attachment to a swan

A boy living by a Scottish loch sees a beautiful silver swan land on the water. She remains at the loch, mates and there are soon five cygnets too. The boy watches them in awe and pride. When snowy winter sets in, all the birds and animals around the loch must scavenge desperately for food. The fox also has cubs to feed... 
 
A remarkably dramatic and compassionate story about Nature, magnificently told and stunningly illustrated with sweeping pastel landscapes.

Black Queen

A clever and suspense filled story from an award winning author.

The 'Black Queen' is what Billy calls his shadowy next-door neighbour. She always wears a black cloak and a wide-brimmed black hat. She lurks about her garden, alone except for her black cat. Scarily for Billy, the Black Queen befriends him and asks him to look after her cat while she's away. Billy can't resist the opportunity to peek inside her house. There are chessboards scattered everywhere. Who is the Black Queen and what sort of game is she playing? Billy thinks he knows...

Michael Morpurgo

Abridged Edition

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. 
 
The Puffin Keeper, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages. 
 
Five-year-old Allen Williams arrives on Puffin Island and meets an old man, Benjamin Postlewaite. Ben is the lighthouse keeper, and Allen is soon friends with him. Allen travels back to the island many years later and finds Ben is keeping a puffin. Allen helps Ben to change from lighthouse keeper to puffin keeper.

Michael Morpurgo

Books by Michael Morpurgo

Articles featuring Michael Morpurgo

Books for kids who are obsessed with Disney’s Frozen

How to read out loud to your children, according to audiobook narrators

Michael Morpurgo retells The Snowman: ‘I’ve told it my way, and I’ve loved doing it’

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