War Horse

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The third inspiration for the book, was an old oil painting that belonged to Morpurgo's wife Clare: "It was a very frightening and alarming painting, not the sort you'd want to hang on a wall. It showed horses during the First World War charging into barbed wire fences. It haunted me." The painting - by artist F. W. Reed - is dated 1917, and depicts a British cavalry charge on German lines, with horses entangled in barbed wire. Morpurgo mentions a fictionalised version of this painting in his 'Author's Note' at the start of the book. In this version, the painting shows a red bay (horse) with a white cross on his forehead, and the painting bears the legend: "Joey. Painted by Captain James Nicholls, Autumn 1914."

On its first publication in 1982 the book was only translated into a 'handful' of languages. As a side effect of the interest in the film adaptation by Steven Spielberg, the publishers of the book have recently been "inundated" with requests for translation rights for the book to coincide with the film's release in late 2011. [20]Topthorn and Joey become artillery horses, pulling heavy guns. One by one, the work takes its toll on the horses. Topthorn dies from heart failure one day, along with the man taking care of both Topthorn and Joey. Joey stays by Topthorn's side all night and into the next day, until he is faced with a tank. He panics and runs deep into No Man's Land. He is found by a British soldier and a German soldier, and they flip a coin to see who'll get Joey. The British side wins and Joey is brought to a veterinary hospital. There he is reunited with Albert and his friend David. However, Joey has a severe case of tetanus and many people around the hospital believe that he will not survive. But, thanks to Albert, David, and a few others, Joey makes a full recovery.

Families can talk about what it means to write a wartime book from the perspective of a horse. What does Joey tell us about war? Does Joey understand why he is taught to perform the tasks he does? Does anyone in the war? Albert's father, troubled by his inability to keep his farm financially sound, drinks to excess weekly. He is normally a loving husband and father, but when he drinks he abuses his loved ones verbally, and mistreats Joey the horse. A young man called Albert embarks on a dangerous quest to locate his beloved horse in the First World War and bring him safely home. Life Imitating Art. The book starts by describing a painting of Joey that Captain Nicholls made, which is hanging in the Iddesleigh town hall. Many readers if the book have believed that this painting, which Morpurgo made up, was real and went in search of it. Finally, following the stage play and film adaptations, Morpurgo commissioned an old-fashioned painting of a horse matching Joey’s description to hang in the town hall for the benefit of his fans. Joey is a young farm horse, sold to the army at the beginning of the First World War. Through his eyes the reader experiences the devastation of the Western Front, his capture by the Germans and his entrapment in No Man's Land.Morpurgo has approached this bitter conflict from an unusual and moving perspective, focusing on the valuable role that animals played throughout the war, and the dignity that both creatures and men showed in the face of suffering. Sir Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children. He has written over 100 books and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, Blue Peter Book Award and the Whitbread Award. His recent bestselling novels include Listen to the Moon, A Medal for Leroy and Shadow. His novel War Horse has been successfully adapted as a West End and Broadway theatre play and a major film by Steven Spielberg. A former Children's Laureate, Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.

Soon, however, Germans pass by their farm, and take away the horses to pull their artillery wagon. The two meet Friedrich, who befriends them and tries to care for them, growing to love Topthorn and telling them that he did not want to be a soldier. Joey and Topthorn are two of the last few survivors of the artillery-pulling team. One day, after drinking water with Joey, Topthorn dies from heart failure. The Allied artillery starts shelling right after the Germans and Friedrich is killed. After seeing an Allied tank for the first time, Joey runs in terror and is wounded by barbed wire before breaking free. Both the Allied and German soldiers see the wounded Joey in no-man's-land, and a British soldier wins possession of him by flipping a coin with a German soldier and winning. However, their few minutes of friendly peace create a bond between the two before they separate. Morpurgo, Michael (1 January 2014). "First world war centenary is a year to honour the dead but not to glorify". The Guardian. Once upon a life: Michael Morpurgo". The Observer. London. 11 July 2010 . Retrieved 4 February 2011.Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close Brooke, Simon (29 January 2010). "My perfect weekend: Michael Morpurgo". The Daily Telegraph. London.

At the start of the story, Joey is a colt. Find out the words that we use to describe other young animals. Watch this interview with the author, Michael Morpurgo. What questions would you ask him if you had the opportunity? In May 2010, it was announced Steven Spielberg would direct the movie adaptation with Richard Curtis and Lee Hall writing the screenplay. [12] Jeremy Irvine was cast in the lead role. [13] The full cast was revealed on 17 June 2010. [14] It was released on 25 December 2011. [15] Retell the story from Tophorn’s point of view. How did he come to be involved in the war? How did he feel about taking part and meeting Joey? Albert's mother supplies the quiet strength that underpins the Narracott family, but her hands are tied by the rules and traditions of the time that prevented a woman from overriding the sway of her husband. Her work ethic is deeply ingrained and she is matter-of-fact in most situations. She is very demonstrative in her love for Albert and is clearly a loving, encouraging, and protective mother. Albert's Father

What can you find out about World War I? How did it start / end? What were the main events? Who was involved? How were they affected? Zoey is a sweet older farm horse who takes Joey under her wing and helps him to learn the skills necessary for success as a farm horse. She is placid, obedient, and very much trusted. She and Joey have a close, almost mother/son type of bond. Captain Nicholls Undaunted Author of ‘War Horse’ Reflects on Unlikely Hit," New York Times (US). 12 April 2011, retrieved 17 April 2011. I think it is very good because Joey the horse has love in a boy called Albert. Joey has lots of adventures during the first world war and also has a very hard life. I like how it shows you what it was like in WW1.