In 15th century France, a young peasant girl faces an overwhelming task: to save her beloved France from tyrants and restore the rightful king to the throne. To free her country Joan must leave behind everyone she has ever loved, apart from her faithful sparrow, Belami. But with huge bravery and fierce determination, she follows her calling and is finally granted permission to ride fearlessly into battle, leading the French army against the enemy. Many years later, a lonely girl called Eloise has a very special dream about her heroine, Joan of Arc. In this moving account by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, Joan of Arc's extraordinary story is brought to life as never before. In collaboration with the celebrated illustrator Michael Foreman, whose art soars from the page, this true tale of a young girl whose courage and perseverance won her a place as the bravest woman in history combines contemporary relevance with dramatic excitement from beginning to end. AGES: 8 plus AUTHOR: Michael Morpurgo, OBE, is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children. He has written over 100 books and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Whitbread Award. Michael Foreman's numerous books for children have earned him widespread recognition as one of the world's best-loved illustrators. SELLING POINTS: ? A perennial Bookscan bestseller ? Over 80 original illustrations by Michael Foreman ? Beautiful new gift edition