War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
I'll admit I'd never heard of this book until the theatre production came about and there was a huge amount of press around it (I think there's a generation of children's books that passed me by - I can only hope that I get to enjoy some of them now my children are going to bring them home).
Anyway I got the chance to get a copy from a source of cheap books (The Book People if you're in the UK - I love them, especially the box sets which are super value) and I justified it by the knowledge that it would end up in the kids reading pile.
I think it's quite hard to review a children's book when you've only read it as an adult but, for what it's worth, I'd say this is a lovely read. For those not familiar with it the story centres around (and is narrated by) Joey, a farm horse who is sold to the army and sent to France to serve in the cavalry in WW1. Over the course of the war he serves on both sides and the book gives a good (IMO) insight into the conditions faced by horses and men during those times.
If this were an adult book I would say the ending is a little too nicely wrapped up but I think the happy ending is more than justified given its target audience. Having said that it brought a lump to my throat which just goes to show you're never too old for a happy ending LOL. Definitely one to read with the kids.
17 hours ago