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 …
Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL FKC DL is a writer, playwright, performer and librettist. The author of more than 150 children’s books, he has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in almost 40 languages. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children’s Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.
Michael Foreman is one of the world’s best-loved children’s book illustrators. He has written and illustrated a vast range of books and has collaborated with many leading children’s authors including Michael Morpurgo and Terry Jones. His own books include the classics War Boy and War Game, winners of the Kate Greenaway Award and Smarties Book Prize respectively.
