And interesting book for children about what it must been like from a horses point of you during World War I. ( )

This is one of Morpurgo's most famous books now thanks to film and stage versions, but the book came out back in 1982. Obviously aimed at younger readers, it nevertheless tells the story from Joey the horse's point of view without undue sentimentality, his life on a farm in Devon, his being taken by the British Expeditionary Force to France in summer 1914, and how young Albert follows him to war when he is old enough. Joey is owned by various groups of soldiers on both British and German sides, hauls gun carriages, rescues the wounded and sees a lot of action and, of course, death and destruction. The narrative brings across the necessary historical background without undue effort and tells a great story where the reader is keen to know what happens next. ( )

Small Books can often leave big impressions and this is the case with War Horse by Michael Morpurgo.

Michael Murpurgo writes wonderful children's novels and I had loved some of his books very much and War Horse is one of those books that leaves a lasting impression.

This is not a novel with a complicated plot or twists and turns but a beautiful story simply told and I find sometimes these can be the best.

Warhorse is a moving story about a horse called Joey and his experiences during service in the first world war. Joey a farmhorse is sold to the army and witnesses battle from both side of the trenches.

This book is aimed at the 9-12 year old market(but can be enjoyed by readers of any age) and the author really knows how to tell a story and how to educate his reader while doing so. I found the war scenes appropriate for the age group this book was aimed at and yet enough to make the reader feel the horrors of war.
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.

I bought this book for my ten year old and as the film War Horse is now showing in the cinema I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie and I really enjoyed this book.

One of my favourite books by Michael Murpurgo is [b:Private Peaceful|1048645|Private Peaceful|Michael Morpurgo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328868065l/1048645._SY75_.jpg|2454980]. ( )

p. 57 May 2022. Phil Jensen's review says it better. But, basically, it's too easy and too superficial. Better for less jaded readers, and for those who like movies and best-sellers. For related books with some meat on 'em, read Black Beauty and All Quiet on the Western Front.

Joey, half Irish draft horse and half thoroughbred, is purchased as a yearling at auction to be a farm horse. 13 year old Albert falls in love with the horse and becomes his caretaker; breaks him to saddle and hunt and eventually to pull a plow. When the war breaks out in 1914 and times on the farm get bad, Albert's father sells Joey to the Calvary. Albert vows to locate Joey when he's old enough to join up. Joey is then train as a Calvary horse and shipped to France where he proves his bravery. He is captured by the Germans and becomes an ambulance horse, then pulls cannon and munitions. Along the way he meets a kindly French farmer and his granddaughter. Near the end of the war he eventually does meet up with Albert. This is a nice children's story told from the viewpoint of the horse. ( )