- Michael Morpurgo

Why the Whales Came: 2017 David Dean illustrated cover edition

By Michael Morpurgo
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An exciting historical adventure from War Horse author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo.

Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. They build up a lovely friendship with him, but when the children get stranded on Samson Island they don’t know whether to believe the birdman’s story that the island is cursed.

Set against the backdrop of the First World War, in the tradition of Friend or Foe and Private Peaceful Michael Morpurgo brings the emotional reality of conflict to life in a way that is accessible to younger readers. Look out for his other historical adventures including An Eagle in the Snow and Listen to the Moon.

Praise for Why the Whales Came:

‘The Scilly Islands off the English coast provide the setting for this well-written historical novel … good readers will find this a memorable adventure, no less immediate for its setting in the past.’ Booklist

Author: Michael Morpurgo
Format: Paperback
Ageband: from 10
Release Date: 15 Jul 2021
Pages: 192
ISBN: 978-0-00-850344-4
Detailed Edition: 2017 David Dean illustrated cover edition
Michael Morpurgo: The Master Storyteller. Former Children\'s Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. One of the most successful children\'s authors in the country, and loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children\'s Book Award and has been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal four times. His novels have been adapted for film (My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came) and stage (most recently, Kensuke\'s Kingdom for the Polka Theatre and Why the Whales Came by for Alibi.)

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