The Marble Crusher
(Author) Michael MorpurgoIn "The Marble Crusher," Albert is new at school and believes everything the bully Sid tells him about the principal--Mr. Manners--and his terrifying marble-crushing machine. Albert feels desperate when his marbles are confiscated, but Mr. Manners finds a way to turn the joke on Sid. In "Colly's Barn," Annie must find a way to stop the farm's old barn from being torn down. Nothing, it seems, can save it--until Colly the swallow and Screecher the owl help Annie save their home. In "Conker," it's the time of year when conkers--the hard fruit of the chestnut tree--ripen. That means it's also time for conker fights, and Nick desperately wants to win. With a little help from his grandmother, he becomes a very special conker champion.
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is a British author known for his children's literature, particularly his moving and emotionally resonant stories. He is best known for his novel "War Horse," which was adapted into a successful stage play and later a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Morpurgo's writing often explores themes of war, family, and the natural world, drawing on his own experiences as a teacher and his passion for storytelling. His works have had a profound impact on the genre of children's literature, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Children's Laureate title in 2003. With over 130 books to his name, Morpurgo continues to captivate readers of all ages with his heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling.