War Horse

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This is also a Folio Society edition, meaning it is an illustrated version of the book. And what illustrations! Alan Marks not only added little sketches in some chapters but contributed these wonderful colour illustrations as well: This element of humanity is undeniably prevalent in a pure form to show how humans can only take so much. For a majority of this war, the people didn’t even know what they were fighting for. They didn’t hate each other--they knew they were all equals, and they respected each other in that. They run the course from a loving teenage French girl to cruel Teutonic warriors, from kindly British officers to equally generous German soldiers. Joey bonds with another horse in his tour of duty, as a sort of big brother. Even without dialogue Morpurgo conveys their attachment. This is a book clearly written for a YA reader, maybe even a Y without the A. It is written simply and is easy to read. Joey is presented as a remarkable steed, and is lavished with enough appreciation to make an adult gag at times, but keep the hankies handy as there is very moving heartbreak as well. In addition, Morpurgo offers commentary on war and a look at the horrors entailed in that War To End All Wars. War Horse is a fast, enjoyable, emotion-rich read, even for an old oater like me. Exclusive: War Horse Cast Announced". Empire. 17 June 2010 . Retrieved 17 June 2010. taking the lead (or the reins) is young actor Jeremy Irvine, who has earned his stripes with both the National Youth Theatre and the RSC. At the veterinary hospital, Joey happens to be cared for by Albert, who works there and has a friend named David. Albert realizes that Joey is his old horse only after cleaning all the mud off him, and seeing how he responds to his whistle. Albert starts caring for Joey again like he used to. Later, David and two horses from the hospital are killed by a stray shell, putting Albert in a state of depression, as David had cared for him like a brother. At the end of the war, Major Martin announces that they will auction off all the horses, despite the protests of Sergeant Thunder and the rest of the soldiers. During the auction, Sergeant Thunder loses to an old man for Joey. The man is Emilie's grandfather and was looking for Joey. Emilie's grandfather tells Albert about how Joey and Topthorn came to their farm, and that Emilie had lost the will to live after they were taken from her, with Emilie fading away and dying at just 15 years old. Emilie's grandfather sells Joey to Albert for a cheap price, in return for telling people about Emilie, and keeping her memory alive. Albert and Joey return to England, where they live in peace and Joey meets Albert's girlfriend, Maisie, with whom he does not get along very well.

As well as being a fantastic book, War Horse was also adapted into a well-loved stage play, which premiered in 2007 and has been performed around the world. Shortly after this, War Horse was adapted into a musical, premiering on London’s West End in 2009 and on Broadway in 2011. A film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg was also released in 2011. Most recently, War Horse has been made into an engaging picture book aimed at children aged 5 years and over. Beautifully illustrated, it really brings the story to life and makes it more accessible to younger readers.War Horse is a children's novel by British author Michael Morpurgo. It was first published in 1982.

It was one of the few books I read that was actually about WWI. Since so many books are about the Second World War I was very intrigued about a book that pictured the First one! I loved the way Joey the horse seemed to give hope to the men on the battlefield and while war was all around them the horses gave the soldiers a sense of calm and hope. Since writing ‘It Never Rains’, Morpurgo has written many more children’s stories. Here are just a few of his titles:His first book was published in 1975 and he has since published over 100 titles. His books have been translated into over twenty languages. Michael’s books have also been adapted for film and the stage, including most recently the National Theatre’s enormously successful production of War Horse.