Of Lions And Unicorns by Michael Morpurgo: Your Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

“Of Lions And Unicorns” is a collection of short stories by Michael Morpurgo, the celebrated British author best known for War Horse, bringing together some of his finest tales in one volume.
The book is available for delivery across Sri Lanka through bookshopnearme.lk, with island-wide shipping to homes, schools and offices.
It suits readers aged roughly 9 and up, making it ideal for young readers, families reading together, teachers and gift buyers.
Morpurgo writes stories rooted in war, animals, courage and compassion — themes that make his work both entertaining and meaningful.
If you enjoy heartfelt historical and emotional fiction, this collection pairs well with titles like The Nightingale and other story-driven books.

Looking for “Of Lions And Unicorns” in Sri Lanka? This book is a treasured short-story collection by Michael Morpurgo, one of the world’s most loved children’s authors, and you can order it online with convenient island-wide delivery from bookshopnearme.lk. It gathers many of Morpurgo’s most memorable tales — stories of animals, war, kindness and courage — into a single, beautifully readable volume perfect for young readers and adults alike.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know before buying: what the book is about, who Michael Morpurgo is, why the collection is worth your time, and where to get your copy delivered anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Title	Of Lions And Unicorns
Author	Michael Morpurgo
Genre	Short Stories / Children’s & Family Fiction
Recommended Age	Approx. 9+ (also enjoyed by adults)
Format	Paperback (check product page for current edition)
Availability in Sri Lanka	In stock at bookshopnearme.lk
Delivery	Island-wide across Sri Lanka

What is “Of Lions And Unicorns” about?

“Of Lions And Unicorns” is a collection of short stories by Michael Morpurgo that brings together a lifetime of tales from a master storyteller. Rather than a single continuous narrative, the book offers a rich variety of stories — some set during wartime, some centred on animals, and others exploring family, friendship and the quiet acts of courage that shape ordinary lives.

What ties the collection together is Morpurgo’s gift for emotional storytelling. Each tale is short enough to read in one sitting, yet many linger in the mind long after you close the book. You’ll find stories that make you laugh, some that bring a lump to your throat, and others that gently teach empathy without ever feeling preachy.

The title itself hints at Morpurgo’s recurring themes: strength and gentleness, the real and the imagined, bravery and wonder. Because it’s a collection, it’s an ideal way to sample the range of one of Britain’s finest storytellers.

Some of the things you can expect inside:

Stories inspired by real history and wartime experiences
Tales featuring animals and the bonds between animals and people
Shorter reads perfect for bedtime, classroom sessions or reluctant readers
Themes of courage, kindness, loss and hope

You can view the current edition and price on the product page here.

Who is Michael Morpurgo?

Michael Morpurgo is an award-winning British author and former Children’s Laureate, best known for War Horse, which was adapted into a globally successful stage play and a Steven Spielberg film. He has written well over 100 books and is one of the most respected voices in children’s literature worldwide.

Born in 1943 in England, Morpurgo began his career as a teacher before turning to writing full time. Together with his wife Clare, he co-founded the charity “Farms for City Children,” which gives urban children the chance to experience life on a working farm. That deep connection to nature, animals and the countryside runs through much of his work.

Morpurgo served as the UK Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, a role that champions reading for young people. His storytelling is known for being honest about difficult subjects — war, grief, injustice — while remaining warm, hopeful and accessible for young readers.

Other beloved titles from his catalogue include Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom, and The Butterfly Lion. If you enjoy his short stories, you’ll want to explore more of his work — browse his full author page here to discover other titles available in Sri Lanka.

What makes “Of Lions And Unicorns” worth reading?

“Of Lions And Unicorns” is worth reading because it offers the emotional depth and storytelling craft of a master author in a flexible, easy-to-read short-story format. You don’t need to commit to a long novel — you can dip in and out, reading one story at a time, which makes it perfect for busy schedules and shorter attention spans.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Variety: The mix of subjects and settings means there’s something for every mood and every reader.
Emotional resonance: Morpurgo excels at stories that feel true and move you, without ever being heavy-handed.
Reading confidence: Short stories help build reading habits, especially for children or reluctant readers who find long books intimidating.
Discussion value: Teachers and parents love the collection because each story sparks conversations about history, ethics and empathy.
Reread value: The best short stories reward a second reading, and this collection is full of them.

For Sri Lankan families building a home library, a Morpurgo collection is a smart investment — it grows with the reader, works well for read-aloud sessions, and introduces young people to quality literature early.

Who should read this book?

“Of Lions And Unicorns” is ideal for readers aged around 9 and above, including children, families, teachers and adults who enjoy heartfelt short fiction. Its accessible language and self-contained stories make it welcoming for a wide range of readers.

Consider this book if you are:

A parent looking for meaningful bedtime or read-aloud stories for children.
A teacher wanting short, discussion-friendly texts for the classroom.
A young reader ready to move beyond picture books into richer storytelling.
A gift buyer searching for a thoughtful present for a child, student or book-loving friend.
An adult reader who appreciates well-crafted, emotionally honest short stories.

Because it’s a collection, it’s also a low-pressure introduction to Michael Morpurgo. If you’ve never read him before, this is a great place to start, and if you already love his novels, the shorter tales offer a fresh way to enjoy his writing.

Books similar to “Of Lions And Unicorns”

If you enjoy the emotional, history-rich storytelling of “Of Lions And Unicorns,” several other titles at bookshopnearme.lk will appeal to you. Here are a few recommendations based on mood, theme and readability:

If you love stories set during wartime with courage at their heart, read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — a powerful novel of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France.
If you enjoy tales of valour, virtue and timeless lessons, try Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue — a wonderful collection of epic tales for readers who love meaningful storytelling.
If you’d like richly emotional historical fiction with a strong heroine, pick up The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.
If you want something lighter and warm-hearted for a change of pace, the contemporary romance Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood is a fun, feel-good read.

And of course, once you’ve finished this collection, explore more of the author’s work on the Michael Morpurgo author page to keep the reading momentum going.

Where can I buy “Of Lions And Unicorns” in Sri Lanka?

You can buy “Of Lions And Unicorns” in Sri Lanka online at bookshopnearme.lk, with island-wide delivery to your home, school or office. Ordering is simple: visit the product page, add the book to your cart, and check out — your copy is delivered anywhere across the country.

Buying from bookshopnearme.lk means you get:

Island-wide delivery — from Colombo and Kandy to Jaffna, Galle, Batticaloa and beyond.
Genuine, quality editions of the books you want.
A wide catalogue so you can bundle related titles in one order.
Convenient online browsing to discover new authors and categories.

It’s an easy, reliable way for Sri Lankan readers, parents and teachers to build a home or classroom library without leaving the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Of Lions And Unicorns” suitable for children?

Yes. “Of Lions And Unicorns” is generally suitable for readers aged around 9 and above. Because it is a short-story collection, parents and teachers can choose age-appropriate stories to read aloud or assign, making it flexible for a range of younger readers.

Do I need to read Michael Morpurgo’s other books first?

No. “Of Lions And Unicorns” is a standalone collection, so you can enjoy it without having read any of Morpurgo’s other books. In fact, it’s an excellent introduction to his writing before moving on to novels like War Horse or Private Peaceful.

Is “Of Lions And Unicorns” a novel or a short-story collection?

It is a short-story collection. Rather than one continuous plot, the book gathers many of Michael Morpurgo’s tales together, so you can read each story on its own and enjoy them in any order.

Can I get “Of Lions And Unicorns” delivered outside Colombo?

Yes. bookshopnearme.lk offers island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka, so you can have the book sent to any town or city, whether you’re in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Galle or elsewhere.

Would this book make a good gift?

Absolutely. “Of Lions And Unicorns” makes a thoughtful gift for children, students, teachers and book lovers. Its variety of stories and gentle life lessons make it a present that can be enjoyed and revisited for years.

Where can I find similar books in Sri Lanka?

You can find similar titles at bookshopnearme.lk, including The Nightingale, Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue and other story-driven fiction. Browse the Michael Morpurgo author page for more of his work, all with island-wide delivery.

Start Reading Today

“Of Lions And Unicorns” is a wonderful way to experience the storytelling of Michael Morpurgo — heartfelt, memorable and perfect for readers young and old. Whether you’re building a home library, choosing a gift, or looking for classroom stories that spark conversation, this collection delivers.

Ready to get your copy? Order “Of Lions And Unicorns” from bookshopnearme.lk today and enjoy fast, island-wide delivery anywhere in Sri Lanka. Happy reading!