Cobweb

A powerful, moving adventure inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo, COBWEB is a stunning tale of courage and kindness - a book about humanity, animals, and the heartbreak of war, from a writer at the height of his powers.

'Thank goodness for Michael Morpurgo' ????? The Telegraph

'Moving, unique and utterly charming. This is why Michael Morpurgo is the nation's favourite storyteller' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear

"They call me Cobweb. I'll tell you why later. I may be a dog, but I know and understand a lot more than people think I do."

Britain. 1815. After years of loss and sacrifice, the end of the war with Napoleon is approaching.

Cobweb knows nothing of the war - he loves being a young puppy and playing with his owner, Bethan, exploring the countryside and chasing rabbits.

But when he is taken away from Bethan and sold, Cobweb must learn to become a Drover's Dog - herding sheep and cattle for hundreds of miles on the long, treacherous journey to London.

And after the Napoleonic wars finally come to an end with the Battle of Waterloo, Cobweb meets an unexpected stranger with an incredible tale to tell on his journey home ...

In this top juvenile fiction, Michael Morpurgo, the Sunday Times bestselling author, takes us on a wild journey through the eyes of Cobweb, a dog who experiences the harsh realities of the post-Napoleonic era. The historical and military aspects of the story are intricately woven into the narrative, making it a must-read for kids and adults alike.

For fans of S. E. Hinton (S.E. Hinton's The Puppy Sister #0), Madeleine L'Engle (A Wrinkle in Time), Katherine Rundell (The Explorer), Katherine A. Applegate (The Predator), and Elizabeth Laird (Song of the Dolphin Boy).

HarperCollins Children's 2024