Complete list of major Michael Morpurgo children's books in order — with age guides and free quizzes.
Michael Morpurgo has written over 150 children's books across five decades. This page covers his most widely read and studied novels — particularly those available with free reading quizzes on freebookquiz.com. Morpurgo was Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and was knighted in 2018.
Morpurgo's masterpiece and the novel that established his reputation beyond children's literature. Joey's first-person narrative of the First World War is unlike anything else in children's fiction. Became a hugely successful stage play and Spielberg film.
KS2 QuizSummaryThemesMichael Morpurgo was born on 5 October 1943. He studied at King's College London and worked as a primary school teacher before becoming a full-time writer. He and his wife Clare founded the Farms for City Children charity in 1976, which has brought over 100,000 urban children to experience farm life.
He was Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005, during which time he campaigned for greater access to books and storytelling for all children. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity. He has won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award for The Butterfly Lion.
War Horse is internationally Morpurgo's most famous book, thanks largely to the stage play and film. In UK schools, Kensuke's Kingdom is arguably used more widely, being on KS2 and KS3 reading lists across the country.
Morpurgo's books range widely in age suitability. The Butterfly Lion and Why the Whales Came work well from age 8. War Horse and Kensuke's Kingdom from age 9–10. Private Peaceful is usually read from Year 9 or Year 10 due to its subject matter and emotional complexity.
Private Peaceful deals with the execution of a soldier for supposed cowardice in WWI — an emotionally demanding subject. It is usually taught at KS3 or GCSE rather than Year 6, though some Year 6 classes use it as a bridge text. Always preview before assigning.