The Snowman

Author Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Robin Shaw
Narrator Richard Armitage
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Publish Date 18 October 2018
Run Time 1 hours and 26 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Classic fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships, Picture books: character books.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo, inspired by the original story by Raymond Briggs, read by Richard Armitage.

One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling.

He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story.

That night, something magical happens- the Snowman comes to life!

He and James take to the skies on a magical adventure where they meet someone very special.

Inspired by the timeless tale, Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have created the perfect Christmas story for the whole family.

Critics Review

In Raymond Briggs' story, a boy's dream comes true. Somehow, Michael Morpurgo makes Briggs' story come true. It's a delightful magic track. It has all the wonder of reading the Snowman for the first time.

Colin Firth

On seeing the cover for the very first time I felt just as James might have felt as he glanced out of the window at The Snowman for the first time. The magic of The Snowman never truly melts and in this adaptation Michael Morpurgo and Robin Shaw have faithfully honoured the spirit of the original story whilst adding a new magical lustre to appeal to a whole new, very lucky generation.

Emma O'Donovan, The Book Sniffer blog

Just wonderful! Loyal to the first story with fresh elements that flesh it out for older readers. A timeless tale, freshly made but with the same magic at its heart - just like a real snowman. It's rare that a remake is ever as good as the original but in this case, great care has been given to ensure it is both complementary and a tribute to the book that means so much to lots of people.

Alex Lloyd, Books with Baby blog

What a magical book! The Snowman is such a lovely read (for young and old alike) and has already made me excited for Christmas. It's truly heartwarming.

Hannah Timson, First News

The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo not only brings a much-loved tale to a new audience, it brings with it an extra layer of festive magic. We predict this book will fast become as much a part of every family Christmas as snuggling down with a hot chocolate to catch the classic animation on TV.

JUNIOR Magazine

Michael Morpurgo plays homage to the classic tale of The Snowman, bringing James, his family and snowy friend beautifully to life through his words, in a story to melt your heart. All the classic elements of the original story are here, in a book which will surely be at the heart of a magical Christmas for many families, to read alongside the picture book and the film.

Jayne Gould, Ipswich Children's Book Group

More from the same

Narrator

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.