Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

Longer novels from Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo are always a particular treat, and Private Peaceful is no exception. Tragic, surprising and engaging in equal measures, Morpurgo's novel charts both the childhood of young Thomas Peaceful in the early years of the 20th century, and his eventual underage enlistment in the British army to help fight the First World War.

It is, above all, a poignant story of war and about all of its many life-changing effects on those involved--also the brutality of the commanding regimes and the relentless squalor of trench warfare. It's not for the squeamish--Morpurgo tells it like it was and his honest insight is on every page for all to appreciate.

"Tommo" Peaceful is recalling his childhood from those terrible battlefields. He remembers his big brother Charlie taking him to his first day of school, the death of his father, his mum working hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table. He remembers his brother Joe, who some called simple, but who to Tommo was very special. He also recalls the only girl in his life, Molly, and how Charlie somehow took her away from him. But as the World turned to War, he had to grow up fast. Together Charlie and Tommo enlist and are sent to France, almost immediately, to what could only be described as pure hell on Earth. Bullets, bombs, death. Shells, noise, dirt. Disease, rats, stench. Charlie and Tommo fight for their lives and to stay together--facing certain death in the face every time they try to advance the British lines.

Morpurgo rattles through his narrative at some speed, gracefully capturing both the horror of war and the ecstasy of life. The ending is shocking and memorable. This is difficult, emotionally draining but highly recommended reading. (Recommended for ages 10 and over.) --John McLay

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

Winnie the Pooh: The Complete Collection of Stories and Poems was originally published in 1994, but this beautifully produced slip-cased edition has been specially created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the publication of the very first stories about Winnie the Pooh.

It consists of the classic, well-loved, tried-and-tested stories by AA Milne, from "Winnie the Pooh" (1926), "The House at Pooh Corner" (1928) and the poetry from "When We Were Very Young" (1924) and "Now We Are Six" (1927).

Here is Edward Bear coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it. And then he feels that perhaps there isn't. Anyhow, here he is at the bottom, and ready to be introduced to you. Winnie-the-Pooh.

So begins the opening sentences of chapter one of this wonderful book "in which we are introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh... and the stories begin".

Although the stories are aimed at young children, older children (i.e.,adults!) of all ages will be able to recapture the wonderful Pooh stories of their childhood, remembering once again playing at Pooh sticks, reading about Hundred Acre Wood and finding out why Edward Bear is called Winnie-the-Pooh. Was he really named after a swan?

The poems are not as well-known as the Pooh stories, but nevertheless some of them are ones to which children can still relate today, even though they were written 75 years ago when, in some circles, nannies and nurseries were commonplace.

Half Way Down
Half way down the stairs
Is a stair
Where I sit
There isn't any
Other stair
Quite Like
It
I'm not at the bottom
I'm not at the top
So this is the stair
Where
I always
Stop

This exquisite book will make an excellent gift for young and old alike. --Susan Naylor

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

The mirror of us all, 23 Jul 2008
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

Pooh and You, 14 Jun 2008
This lovely collection of Pooh Bear is superbly presented and includes all things Pooh! Perfect for anyone who is a fan or wishes to read to someone who is just starting out as a pooh fan. excellent

A Classic that every home should have..., 23 Feb 2008
Ahhh Winnie the Pooh! One of the GREATEST classics of our time. When i was young, my mum gave me her old collection of Winnie The Pooh stories. I never put it down. Until the age of 17 I continued to read the same book. Now at 18, when i saw that they had released this...i was over the moon. I still read it whenever i can and never get bored of it. This is defiantly a classic that every house should have a copy of...my copy will be handed down to my kids/neices and nephews. :)

Wonderful book, 26 Nov 2007
My daughter is 2 and I will not allow her to have any of the Disney Winnie the Pooh books, toys etc, so I was delighted when she was given this book for her birthday yesterday. We sat down last night after her bath and read the first few pages - it brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood.

The colour pictures bring the stories very much to life, although I agree with a previous reviewer that the book is a bit heavy for a younger child to read on their own, but that will only encourage me to read this with my daughter which can only be a good thing!

Beautifully presented in the sleeve. A truly thoughtful present. Thanks Grandad!

Very nice book to own, 10 Jan 2005
Whether you have been brought up on Pooh or not it's good to have all the stories you knew, and even some you didn't, in one book.
Nice and big and good bedtime reading, maybe a bit heavy for kids to take to bed, but I'd say if you wanted to get Mum or Dad a present for having read them to you a few years ago, this nicely presented book with it's solid slide-in box cover would be perfect!

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

The mirror of us all, 23 Jul 2008
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

Pooh and You, 14 Jun 2008
This lovely collection of Pooh Bear is superbly presented and includes all things Pooh! Perfect for anyone who is a fan or wishes to read to someone who is just starting out as a pooh fan. excellent

A Classic that every home should have..., 23 Feb 2008
Ahhh Winnie the Pooh! One of the GREATEST classics of our time. When i was young, my mum gave me her old collection of Winnie The Pooh stories. I never put it down. Until the age of 17 I continued to read the same book. Now at 18, when i saw that they had released this...i was over the moon. I still read it whenever i can and never get bored of it. This is defiantly a classic that every house should have a copy of...my copy will be handed down to my kids/neices and nephews. :)

Wonderful book, 26 Nov 2007
My daughter is 2 and I will not allow her to have any of the Disney Winnie the Pooh books, toys etc, so I was delighted when she was given this book for her birthday yesterday. We sat down last night after her bath and read the first few pages - it brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood.

The colour pictures bring the stories very much to life, although I agree with a previous reviewer that the book is a bit heavy for a younger child to read on their own, but that will only encourage me to read this with my daughter which can only be a good thing!

Beautifully presented in the sleeve. A truly thoughtful present. Thanks Grandad!

Very nice book to own, 10 Jan 2005
Whether you have been brought up on Pooh or not it's good to have all the stories you knew, and even some you didn't, in one book.
Nice and big and good bedtime reading, maybe a bit heavy for kids to take to bed, but I'd say if you wanted to get Mum or Dad a present for having read them to you a few years ago, this nicely presented book with it's solid slide-in box cover would be perfect!

Bittersweet but brilliant., 20 Oct 2008
I've just finished reading this book with my 8-yr-old and can't recommend it highly enough. As one would expect of a Michael Morpurgo book, it is wonderfully written, but the story is very real and deeply moving. As dog owners, we often meet rescue greyhounds and they sometimes have backgrounds tinged with sadness or exploitation. Luckily there are people out there who do rescue or adopt them, just like Patrick and Joe in the story. No, don't buy this book if you want a factual book about greyhounds. Don't buy it if you want a fairytale ending. Buy it because it's a beautiful and affecting story that will make you smile, cry and maybe think about things a little differently. Both of us, child and parent, really looked forward to finding out what happened next in this dog's eventful life.

Good story - BAD ENDING!!!!!!, 08 May 2008
The story idea is great, the writing is great but the ending, BAD!!! I love dogs and as i own a two, and one of them is a grey hound I was immediately
attracted to this book, so after long last I got it from the library. I found everything brilliant in the first chapter. (the chapter was 68 pages) It starts where Patrick finds 5 puppies in a sack that had been drifting in some water and then he keeps a puppy. Then it gets kidnapped and the story goes on. But strangely it is written in such a way you want Patrick to get Best Mate (The dogs name) back, instead of wanting it to just drift between owners. And it all ways seems Patrick is his rightful owner and thats where the end ruins it. I won't tell you the end but I'll say this: The end I thought was just sad and stupid!Patrick never finds out things I personally thought he should have found out, and So, good story but ruined by the ending!!!!

Mookster age 11

Cute Story, 19 Feb 2008
I bought this book because the picture on the jacket could have been my rescue dog down to the last whisker. Only then did I find out it was a childrens book and fictional. However Michael Morpurgo captured the spirit of the greyhound and I was hooked from page one. It is a charming superbly written book. My only criticism is that I was a bit miffed by the ending.

Wufferful!, 26 Jan 2008
`Born to Run' is written by my all time favourite author, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written over a hundred books, short stories and musicals which are well loved by children and adults alike. My favourite book by him is `Little Foxes' but `Born to Run' is close behind.
This book starts with Patrick who has to walk past a brown sauce factory and one day on his way he hears a sound from within a plastic bin bag floating gently on top of the dirty stream...
It finishes with Best Mate meeting Patrick again after a long time but he has been replaced with another greyhound.
This story is brilliant! Michael Morpurgo has got a talent of writing stories that really touch hearts and this is one of them.
Rating and recommendation: 10000000000000/ 10 and recommended for all!



Don't judge a book from it's cover, 11 Jan 2008
I bought this book because I own two whippets, and I expected a fairly serious book about the life of the dog, and racing. However, it is a child's book, with an adults cover, so don't be fooled. I was very disappointed with this purchase.

A lot of Michael Morpurgo's novels for young readers have shared a common theme recently, and to a canon of work about the two World Wars that has included War Horse and Private Peaceful he adds the quietly impressive The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. His backdrop, meticulously researched and recreated as ever, is the evacuation of several South Coast villages in early 1944 to make way for American troops as they practice for the imminent D-Day landings.

Morpurgo focuses on the impact this upheaval has on one young twelve-year-old girl, Lily Tregenze, who lives on a farm in the village of Slapton with her mum and grandfather. Her world is made up of her local school, currently filled to bursting with London evacuees, and her adoration for Tips, her faithful cat companion. Tips is forever having litters of kittens and Lily is distraught when her dad, who's away in the army, then her mum, drowns successive litters because they would be too many to keep and feed.

The biggest shock of the reality of living in Wartime Britain, however, comes when they find out they have to move to their Uncle George's farm to make way for the army exercises. On the eve of their move, Tips goes missing. And for months afterwards it is only the kindness of a young American soldier and his army friend who help look Lily look for Tips that helps her get through the many changes and challenges in her life.

The reader is forewarned that there is a twist at the end of this story, that Lily has gone and done something amazing and maybe a little foolhardy, and half the fun of this book is guessing what that might turn out to be. Morpurgo is a genuinely talented storyteller. There is always the kernel of a great idea in his books that make him one of the best writers for children around today. (Age 8 and over) --John McLay

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

The mirror of us all, 23 Jul 2008
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

Pooh and You, 14 Jun 2008
This lovely collection of Pooh Bear is superbly presented and includes all things Pooh! Perfect for anyone who is a fan or wishes to read to someone who is just starting out as a pooh fan. excellent

A Classic that every home should have..., 23 Feb 2008
Ahhh Winnie the Pooh! One of the GREATEST classics of our time. When i was young, my mum gave me her old collection of Winnie The Pooh stories. I never put it down. Until the age of 17 I continued to read the same book. Now at 18, when i saw that they had released this...i was over the moon. I still read it whenever i can and never get bored of it. This is defiantly a classic that every house should have a copy of...my copy will be handed down to my kids/neices and nephews. :)

Wonderful book, 26 Nov 2007
My daughter is 2 and I will not allow her to have any of the Disney Winnie the Pooh books, toys etc, so I was delighted when she was given this book for her birthday yesterday. We sat down last night after her bath and read the first few pages - it brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood.

The colour pictures bring the stories very much to life, although I agree with a previous reviewer that the book is a bit heavy for a younger child to read on their own, but that will only encourage me to read this with my daughter which can only be a good thing!

Beautifully presented in the sleeve. A truly thoughtful present. Thanks Grandad!

Very nice book to own, 10 Jan 2005
Whether you have been brought up on Pooh or not it's good to have all the stories you knew, and even some you didn't, in one book.
Nice and big and good bedtime reading, maybe a bit heavy for kids to take to bed, but I'd say if you wanted to get Mum or Dad a present for having read them to you a few years ago, this nicely presented book with it's solid slide-in box cover would be perfect!

Bittersweet but brilliant., 20 Oct 2008
I've just finished reading this book with my 8-yr-old and can't recommend it highly enough. As one would expect of a Michael Morpurgo book, it is wonderfully written, but the story is very real and deeply moving. As dog owners, we often meet rescue greyhounds and they sometimes have backgrounds tinged with sadness or exploitation. Luckily there are people out there who do rescue or adopt them, just like Patrick and Joe in the story. No, don't buy this book if you want a factual book about greyhounds. Don't buy it if you want a fairytale ending. Buy it because it's a beautiful and affecting story that will make you smile, cry and maybe think about things a little differently. Both of us, child and parent, really looked forward to finding out what happened next in this dog's eventful life.

Good story - BAD ENDING!!!!!!, 08 May 2008
The story idea is great, the writing is great but the ending, BAD!!! I love dogs and as i own a two, and one of them is a grey hound I was immediately
attracted to this book, so after long last I got it from the library. I found everything brilliant in the first chapter. (the chapter was 68 pages) It starts where Patrick finds 5 puppies in a sack that had been drifting in some water and then he keeps a puppy. Then it gets kidnapped and the story goes on. But strangely it is written in such a way you want Patrick to get Best Mate (The dogs name) back, instead of wanting it to just drift between owners. And it all ways seems Patrick is his rightful owner and thats where the end ruins it. I won't tell you the end but I'll say this: The end I thought was just sad and stupid!Patrick never finds out things I personally thought he should have found out, and So, good story but ruined by the ending!!!!

Mookster age 11

Cute Story, 19 Feb 2008
I bought this book because the picture on the jacket could have been my rescue dog down to the last whisker. Only then did I find out it was a childrens book and fictional. However Michael Morpurgo captured the spirit of the greyhound and I was hooked from page one. It is a charming superbly written book. My only criticism is that I was a bit miffed by the ending.

Wufferful!, 26 Jan 2008
`Born to Run' is written by my all time favourite author, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written over a hundred books, short stories and musicals which are well loved by children and adults alike. My favourite book by him is `Little Foxes' but `Born to Run' is close behind.
This book starts with Patrick who has to walk past a brown sauce factory and one day on his way he hears a sound from within a plastic bin bag floating gently on top of the dirty stream...
It finishes with Best Mate meeting Patrick again after a long time but he has been replaced with another greyhound.
This story is brilliant! Michael Morpurgo has got a talent of writing stories that really touch hearts and this is one of them.
Rating and recommendation: 10000000000000/ 10 and recommended for all!



Don't judge a book from it's cover, 11 Jan 2008
I bought this book because I own two whippets, and I expected a fairly serious book about the life of the dog, and racing. However, it is a child's book, with an adults cover, so don't be fooled. I was very disappointed with this purchase.

Ver good worth reading, 16 Oct 2008
I dont want to give the book away but it is a very good book i read when i was about 11-12 and enjoyed it, good storyline.

Beautiful , 21 Sep 2008
This is a truly wonderful little book - which I would guess is aimed at age 9 - 13 children. It's only short and easily readable in an afternoon.

It's a beautiful story and very well written and shows the war and how it affected this small farming community from a young girl's perspective. It's not just about a missing cat - it is much more than that. It covers Lily's relationship with her family, with an evacuee who is sent to live with them and with the American soldiers based nearby. We also learn about Lily's guilt - she doesnt feel that she misses her Dad (who is away at war) enough, and feels closer to her new friends, the American soldiers.

The book starts as a letter to Michael from his grandmother Lily - enclosed with the letter is her childhood diary which tells the story of the evacuated village and her search for her cat Tips. We know that there is going to be a twist at the end of the book, and the twist is quite surprising but brings a lump to the throat.

As a postscript, Michael Murpurgo explains that the people of Slapton were actually evacuated during the war, and the village and it's beach used as a training ground for the Americans in preparation for the D Day landings.

I would recommend this book to all; adults and children alike.

A heartwarming story - I couldn't put it down., 20 Aug 2008
Michael Morpurgo has written yet another brilliant story with 'The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips'.

It's the story of Lily Tregenza who, in 1943, lives on the family farm on the coast of Devon with her mum and grandfather. Her dad's away in the army. Lily has a cat called Tips, and when the family are forced to move from their home for several months while the army take over the area as a training ground Lily's beloved Tips runs away and gets left behind. Lily is heartbroken but will not give up her search for Tips and she enters the cordoned-off Danger Zone to look for Tips herself - a very dangerous place to be...

It's a lovely story. Written in a simple, easy-to-read style, yet granting the reader a true insight into the Second World War from a child's perspective in the countryside. We also learn at the outset of the story that there's going to be a twist to Lily's tale right at the end, so as long as you don't cheat and peek at the end, it makes for a really compulsive read.

Michael Morpurgo reminds us that 3000 people really were evacuated from their homes around Slapton Sands in Devon, so that the troops could practice landing exercises along the beaches. The beaches there were similar there to the landing beaches in Normandy, used for the D-Day landings of June 1944.

I can highly recommend the story of Adolphus Tips for all ages from 8+.

Continues to keep us entertained on car journeys..., 15 Jul 2008
I and my two children (5 +7) love this audio version of this wonderful story - what a gifted writer Michael Murpurgo is. It's a quietly dramatic story, uplifting and profound in some places and a fascinating insight into a child's life during the second world war. I'm always in tears at the end!

Morpurgo classic, 04 Dec 2007
Brilliant book, I really like world war II story's , very exiting. I especially like tips the cat

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

The mirror of us all, 23 Jul 2008
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

Pooh and You, 14 Jun 2008
This lovely collection of Pooh Bear is superbly presented and includes all things Pooh! Perfect for anyone who is a fan or wishes to read to someone who is just starting out as a pooh fan. excellent

A Classic that every home should have..., 23 Feb 2008
Ahhh Winnie the Pooh! One of the GREATEST classics of our time. When i was young, my mum gave me her old collection of Winnie The Pooh stories. I never put it down. Until the age of 17 I continued to read the same book. Now at 18, when i saw that they had released this...i was over the moon. I still read it whenever i can and never get bored of it. This is defiantly a classic that every house should have a copy of...my copy will be handed down to my kids/neices and nephews. :)

Wonderful book, 26 Nov 2007
My daughter is 2 and I will not allow her to have any of the Disney Winnie the Pooh books, toys etc, so I was delighted when she was given this book for her birthday yesterday. We sat down last night after her bath and read the first few pages - it brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood.

The colour pictures bring the stories very much to life, although I agree with a previous reviewer that the book is a bit heavy for a younger child to read on their own, but that will only encourage me to read this with my daughter which can only be a good thing!

Beautifully presented in the sleeve. A truly thoughtful present. Thanks Grandad!

Very nice book to own, 10 Jan 2005
Whether you have been brought up on Pooh or not it's good to have all the stories you knew, and even some you didn't, in one book.
Nice and big and good bedtime reading, maybe a bit heavy for kids to take to bed, but I'd say if you wanted to get Mum or Dad a present for having read them to you a few years ago, this nicely presented book with it's solid slide-in box cover would be perfect!

Bittersweet but brilliant., 20 Oct 2008
I've just finished reading this book with my 8-yr-old and can't recommend it highly enough. As one would expect of a Michael Morpurgo book, it is wonderfully written, but the story is very real and deeply moving. As dog owners, we often meet rescue greyhounds and they sometimes have backgrounds tinged with sadness or exploitation. Luckily there are people out there who do rescue or adopt them, just like Patrick and Joe in the story. No, don't buy this book if you want a factual book about greyhounds. Don't buy it if you want a fairytale ending. Buy it because it's a beautiful and affecting story that will make you smile, cry and maybe think about things a little differently. Both of us, child and parent, really looked forward to finding out what happened next in this dog's eventful life.

Good story - BAD ENDING!!!!!!, 08 May 2008
The story idea is great, the writing is great but the ending, BAD!!! I love dogs and as i own a two, and one of them is a grey hound I was immediately
attracted to this book, so after long last I got it from the library. I found everything brilliant in the first chapter. (the chapter was 68 pages) It starts where Patrick finds 5 puppies in a sack that had been drifting in some water and then he keeps a puppy. Then it gets kidnapped and the story goes on. But strangely it is written in such a way you want Patrick to get Best Mate (The dogs name) back, instead of wanting it to just drift between owners. And it all ways seems Patrick is his rightful owner and thats where the end ruins it. I won't tell you the end but I'll say this: The end I thought was just sad and stupid!Patrick never finds out things I personally thought he should have found out, and So, good story but ruined by the ending!!!!

Mookster age 11

Cute Story, 19 Feb 2008
I bought this book because the picture on the jacket could have been my rescue dog down to the last whisker. Only then did I find out it was a childrens book and fictional. However Michael Morpurgo captured the spirit of the greyhound and I was hooked from page one. It is a charming superbly written book. My only criticism is that I was a bit miffed by the ending.

Wufferful!, 26 Jan 2008
`Born to Run' is written by my all time favourite author, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written over a hundred books, short stories and musicals which are well loved by children and adults alike. My favourite book by him is `Little Foxes' but `Born to Run' is close behind.
This book starts with Patrick who has to walk past a brown sauce factory and one day on his way he hears a sound from within a plastic bin bag floating gently on top of the dirty stream...
It finishes with Best Mate meeting Patrick again after a long time but he has been replaced with another greyhound.
This story is brilliant! Michael Morpurgo has got a talent of writing stories that really touch hearts and this is one of them.
Rating and recommendation: 10000000000000/ 10 and recommended for all!



Don't judge a book from it's cover, 11 Jan 2008
I bought this book because I own two whippets, and I expected a fairly serious book about the life of the dog, and racing. However, it is a child's book, with an adults cover, so don't be fooled. I was very disappointed with this purchase.

Ver good worth reading, 16 Oct 2008
I dont want to give the book away but it is a very good book i read when i was about 11-12 and enjoyed it, good storyline.

Beautiful , 21 Sep 2008
This is a truly wonderful little book - which I would guess is aimed at age 9 - 13 children. It's only short and easily readable in an afternoon.

It's a beautiful story and very well written and shows the war and how it affected this small farming community from a young girl's perspective. It's not just about a missing cat - it is much more than that. It covers Lily's relationship with her family, with an evacuee who is sent to live with them and with the American soldiers based nearby. We also learn about Lily's guilt - she doesnt feel that she misses her Dad (who is away at war) enough, and feels closer to her new friends, the American soldiers.

The book starts as a letter to Michael from his grandmother Lily - enclosed with the letter is her childhood diary which tells the story of the evacuated village and her search for her cat Tips. We know that there is going to be a twist at the end of the book, and the twist is quite surprising but brings a lump to the throat.

As a postscript, Michael Murpurgo explains that the people of Slapton were actually evacuated during the war, and the village and it's beach used as a training ground for the Americans in preparation for the D Day landings.

I would recommend this book to all; adults and children alike.

A heartwarming story - I couldn't put it down., 20 Aug 2008
Michael Morpurgo has written yet another brilliant story with 'The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips'.

It's the story of Lily Tregenza who, in 1943, lives on the family farm on the coast of Devon with her mum and grandfather. Her dad's away in the army. Lily has a cat called Tips, and when the family are forced to move from their home for several months while the army take over the area as a training ground Lily's beloved Tips runs away and gets left behind. Lily is heartbroken but will not give up her search for Tips and she enters the cordoned-off Danger Zone to look for Tips herself - a very dangerous place to be...

It's a lovely story. Written in a simple, easy-to-read style, yet granting the reader a true insight into the Second World War from a child's perspective in the countryside. We also learn at the outset of the story that there's going to be a twist to Lily's tale right at the end, so as long as you don't cheat and peek at the end, it makes for a really compulsive read.

Michael Morpurgo reminds us that 3000 people really were evacuated from their homes around Slapton Sands in Devon, so that the troops could practice landing exercises along the beaches. The beaches there were similar there to the landing beaches in Normandy, used for the D-Day landings of June 1944.

I can highly recommend the story of Adolphus Tips for all ages from 8+.

Continues to keep us entertained on car journeys..., 15 Jul 2008
I and my two children (5 +7) love this audio version of this wonderful story - what a gifted writer Michael Murpurgo is. It's a quietly dramatic story, uplifting and profound in some places and a fascinating insight into a child's life during the second world war. I'm always in tears at the end!

Morpurgo classic, 04 Dec 2007
Brilliant book, I really like world war II story's , very exiting. I especially like tips the cat

I Havent...But Amazon's...., 12 Sep 2008
I havent read this book yet, as i have only recived it today (12th september 08), but amazon sent it to me and it arived exactly when it should. Thankyouu! xThe Butterfly Lion

butterfly lion, 20 Aug 2008
the book makes you feel that you are in the achual in the story when you get into it. it has a mixture of sad times happy times and even some funny times.

THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ *****, 13 Jun 2008
Im 12 And I Read This Book When I Was 11 It Is Heart Warming And A Truely Moving Story, I Felt So Involved With The Story As If It Was Happening Infront Of Me, It Made Me Cry And 2 Parts, And I Advise EVERYBODY To Read It x
The Best Book Ever Made x

You won't be disappointed!, 04 Jun 2008
The Butterfly Lion is a book about a boy, Bertie, who lives in Africa. It is a great read because it is well written, the words flow and make you feel that you are part of the story. Also, the descriptions are so good that you can picture in your head what Africa looks like!

The story is exciting and mysterious; it really starts after a couple of chapters when one day, at the waterhole somewhere in South Africa around 1904, Bertie sees a mummy lion with her cubs (one of the babies is white). When he goes home to he tells his parents that he has seen a white lion, they do not believe him because they do not know that they exist. Determined to prove that he did not lie, he goes back the next day and everyday after that, but without luck.

One day, his dad comes back and says "We've got her!" as he puts the body of the dead lioness down. Bertie realizes straightaway that it is the cubs' mother. He is devastated, thinking the cubs will die without her. But that night, he sees the white cub and that is where their friendship starts...

My favourite part is when Bertie is in the Army; he is at the battlefield all alone in the middle of the enemy's gunfire and rescues two wounded soldiers for which he will get a medal. I thought it was dead exciting: I was scared that Bertie was going to die and I felt really tense and sweaty!

I also loved the characters: Bertie (the hero), Millie ( his friend who later on becomes his wife) and the boy who runs away from school (who I think is Michael Morpugo himself). They are all are all very captivating because of what happens to them and we share with them moments that are funny, exciting, scary and sometimes sad. I have a soft spot for Bertie because he is adventurous, brave and a very good man, and I wish I had a friendship as strong as his with the lion.

The book is also interesting because different people tell the story: at first it is the boy who I think is Michael Morpugo who explain why he is running away from school, then he meets the old lady and she becomes the narrator when she tells him Bertie's story. Both of them describe things with a lot of emotion and they make you feel happy and also very sad at times.

I would recommend this book to any child aged between 8 and 14 because it is a very exciting read: there is more than one story, and it keeps on bouncing from a moment in somebody's life to another, but most of all, it moves you and that means it is a great book!
Review written by Sevaan G, aged 9





Georgia Humbert's book review, 30 Apr 2008
The butterfly lion is one of the best books I have read and I couldn't stop reading it!
The story has a boy called Bertie, and he rescued a white lion cub but his father is going to sell the lion. Bertie thinks the only thing he can do is set him back into the wild. Then Bertie is sent to Boarding School in England and he will have to leave his home in Africa. When Bertie grows up he has to go to war and got injured but saved two people by carrying them back to camp and wins the lifesaving badge. To unfold the magic and wonder read it or miss out!!! Written by Georgia Humbert - aged 8

This Big Book edition of Jill Murphy's classic picture book is ideal for sharing with groups of children.

It's late at night and Mr Bear is desperately trying to sleep--but Mrs Bear snores so he tries Baby Bear's room, but Baby Bear is pretending to be an aeroplane so there's no peace there. Room by room Mr Bear goes through the house trying to find somewhere to sleep.

Bright colourful pictures accompany the simple, repetitive text of this delightful storybook. Children will delight in all the wonderful sound effects and Mr Bear's reaction--"TICK-TOCK...went the living room clock...TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK. CUCKOO! CUCKOO! "Oh NO!" said Mr Bear, "I can't stand THIS." So he went off to sleep in the kitchen." And parents will have plenty of empathy for poor Mr Bear's predicament. (Ages 3 and over)

A Big Book edition of this story is also available.

Go War Horse!!!, 11 Oct 2008
Hi I am only 10 but this is the best book i have read in 10 years.I love the story it can get sad at times and make you cry but it is very enjoyeble. This is a book for keeps a must read.if you like this book then you will also like Born to run.WAR HORSE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

HEARTBREAKING STORY FOR HORSE LOVERS, 20 Sep 2008
LOVELY STORY FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS, VERY SAD 2! LOVE THIS BOOK, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE ON MY SHELF FOR THIS SAD, HEARTBREAKING BOOK!



~ BUY IT ~

Fascinating Story, 23 Feb 2008
I am 10 years old and this book made me cry. It is the third book in my whole life that I have given 10/10. Everyone who reads this book will love it.
It is about a horse who went to the First World War in France and tells you all the horrors that he went through. A beautiful story about friendship and courage.

Anti-war novel, 28 Dec 2007
Joey the horse is sold to the army and witnesses the horrors and absurdity of the First World War, and the terrible things humans do to each other to control a piece of land. It is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a classic for children and adults, now being adapted to the stage at the National Theatre in London. For something more up-to-date see also 'My Brother Johnny' by Francesco D'Adamo which deals with the stress and guilt of a young returning war-hero, forced to carry out inhuman and unnecessary acts of cruelty in the name of a modern hi-tech war very much like Afghanistan on Iraq.

I am nearly 33 and i have not cried like this for a long time!, 22 Jul 2006
What a fantastic brilliant book, it deserves more than 5 stars beleive me! I read this book in the school Libarary when I was approx 13years old and never really forgotten about it since. My daughter is having terrible trouble with her reading at school so the teachers asked me to do some more home learning with her. I instantly thought of this book I read from 20years ago and bought it off amazon. I arrived this morning and as soon as I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. Ive spent the whole morning and even now 2 hours after I completed the book am I still in tears!! A combinantion of a fantastic storyline, sadness and happiness - I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and ensure my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren read this!!!!!

Another beautifully written masterpiece, 14 Nov 2008
My eight year old daughter and I are devoted Michael Morpurgo fans and Kaspar is undoubtedly our favourite so far. Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception. Even so he kept us both gripped and the ending brought a lump to my throat. Whether you are a devotee or a first time reader you will not be disappointed.

remember, 07 Nov 2008
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a normal boy who went off to fight in the war. It is the journey to his death. The story made me cry so much and even as i'm writing this it brings a lump to my throat. It made me to realise even more so, that we have to remember all those brave people who gave their lives for their country.

compelling and moving, 19 Oct 2008
I read this book one Saturday when I was in bed with 'flu. I was totally gripped by the compelling story and at the end I wailed so loudly that my husband came running in from the bathroom where he had been shaving to see if I was actually dying. I managed to reassure him through sobs that I wasn't actually dying, but that my book was very sad! Once I was better I did some research on the internet and saw that that kind of thing really did happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Best Book Ever!!!, 07 Jul 2008
This book is apsolututely brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in WW2, it is an exciting, but very sad story, of 2 brothers. A definite read for everyone! Morpurgo's best!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable..., 19 May 2008
Though written for children, and being a grown up :o), I found this tale wonderfully written and very powerful.
Narrated from the trenches of WWI by Tommo Peaceful, the story is set over just a few hours with an intriguing insight into what the future holds at the start of every chapter. Jumping backwards and forwards in time is a style I love anyway and that is what makes this book what it is - it is not a complexly layered plot that keeps you entertained, the writing is enough to do that and I read it from cover to cover in just a few hours.
I will most definately be reading it to my son in a few years time!

Another fantastic Morpurgo book, 22 Apr 2008
Read this book as I am about to teach "stories with historical settings" to my class. Once again Michael Morpurgo failed to disappoint. The book made me laugh and cry and there's a little twist in the story as something (I wont tell you what) is not what it seems.
Suitable for adults & children alike.

The mirror of us all, 23 Jul 2008
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

Pooh and You, 14 Jun 2008
This lovely collection of Pooh Bear is superbly presented and includes all things Pooh! Perfect for anyone who is a fan or wishes to read to someone who is just starting out as a pooh fan. excellent

A Classic that every home should have..., 23 Feb 2008
Ahhh Winnie the Pooh! One of the GREATEST classics of our time. When i was young, my mum gave me her old collection of Winnie The Pooh stories. I never put it down. Until the age of 17 I continued to read the same book. Now at 18, when i saw that they had released this...i was over the moon. I still read it whenever i can and never get bored of it. This is defiantly a classic that every house should have a copy of...my copy will be handed down to my kids/neices and nephews. :)

Wonderful book, 26 Nov 2007
My daughter is 2 and I will not allow her to have any of the Disney Winnie the Pooh books, toys etc, so I was delighted when she was given this book for her birthday yesterday. We sat down last night after her bath and read the first few pages - it brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood.

The colour pictures bring the stories very much to life, although I agree with a previous reviewer that the book is a bit heavy for a younger child to read on their own, but that will only encourage me to read this with my daughter which can only be a good thing!

Beautifully presented in the sleeve. A truly thoughtful present. Thanks Grandad!

Very nice book to own, 10 Jan 2005
Whether you have been brought up on Pooh or not it's good to have all the stories you knew, and even some you didn't, in one book.
Nice and big and good bedtime reading, maybe a bit heavy for kids to take to bed, but I'd say if you wanted to get Mum or Dad a present for having read them to you a few years ago, this nicely presented book with it's solid slide-in box cover would be perfect!

Bittersweet but brilliant., 20 Oct 2008
I've just finished reading this book with my 8-yr-old and can't recommend it highly enough. As one would expect of a Michael Morpurgo book, it is wonderfully written, but the story is very real and deeply moving. As dog owners, we often meet rescue greyhounds and they sometimes have backgrounds tinged with sadness or exploitation. Luckily there are people out there who do rescue or adopt them, just like Patrick and Joe in the story. No, don't buy this book if you want a factual book about greyhounds. Don't buy it if you want a fairytale ending. Buy it because it's a beautiful and affecting story that will make you smile, cry and maybe think about things a little differently. Both of us, child and parent, really looked forward to finding out what happened next in this dog's eventful life.

Good story - BAD ENDING!!!!!!, 08 May 2008
The story idea is great, the writing is great but the ending, BAD!!! I love dogs and as i own a two, and one of them is a grey hound I was immediately
attracted to this book, so after long last I got it from the library. I found everything brilliant in the first chapter. (the chapter was 68 pages) It starts where Patrick finds 5 puppies in a sack that had been drifting in some water and then he keeps a puppy. Then it gets kidnapped and the story goes on. But strangely it is written in such a way you want Patrick to get Best Mate (The dogs name) back, instead of wanting it to just drift between owners. And it all ways seems Patrick is his rightful owner and thats where the end ruins it. I won't tell you the end but I'll say this: The end I thought was just sad and stupid!Patrick never finds out things I personally thought he should have found out, and So, good story but ruined by the ending!!!!

Mookster age 11

Cute Story, 19 Feb 2008
I bought this book because the picture on the jacket could have been my rescue dog down to the last whisker. Only then did I find out it was a childrens book and fictional. However Michael Morpurgo captured the spirit of the greyhound and I was hooked from page one. It is a charming superbly written book. My only criticism is that I was a bit miffed by the ending.

Wufferful!, 26 Jan 2008
`Born to Run' is written by my all time favourite author, Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written over a hundred books, short stories and musicals which are well loved by children and adults alike. My favourite book by him is `Little Foxes' but `Born to Run' is close behind.
This book starts with Patrick who has to walk past a brown sauce factory and one day on his way he hears a sound from within a plastic bin bag floating gently on top of the dirty stream...
It finishes with Best Mate meeting Patrick again after a long time but he has been replaced with another greyhound.
This story is brilliant! Michael Morpurgo has got a talent of writing stories that really touch hearts and this is one of them.
Rating and recommendation: 10000000000000/ 10 and recommended for all!



Don't judge a book from it's cover, 11 Jan 2008
I bought this book because I own two whippets, and I expected a fairly serious book about the life of the dog, and racing. However, it is a child's book, with an adults cover, so don't be fooled. I was very disappointed with this purchase.

Ver good worth reading, 16 Oct 2008
I dont want to give the book away but it is a very good book i read when i was about 11-12 and enjoyed it, good storyline.

Beautiful , 21 Sep 2008
This is a truly wonderful little book - which I would guess is aimed at age 9 - 13 children. It's only short and easily readable in an afternoon.

It's a beautiful story and very well written and shows the war and how it affected this small farming community from a young girl's perspective. It's not just about a missing cat - it is much more than that. It covers Lily's relationship with her family, with an evacuee who is sent to live with them and with the American soldiers based nearby. We also learn about Lily's guilt - she doesnt feel that she misses her Dad (who is away at war) enough, and feels closer to her new friends, the American soldiers.

The book starts as a letter to Michael from his grandmother Lily - enclosed with the letter is her childhood diary which tells the story of the evacuated village and her search for her cat Tips. We know that there is going to be a twist at the end of the book, and the twist is quite surprising but brings a lump to the throat.

As a postscript, Michael Murpurgo explains that the people of Slapton were actually evacuated during the war, and the village and it's beach used as a training ground for the Americans in preparation for the D Day landings.

I would recommend this book to all; adults and children alike.

A heartwarming story - I couldn't put it down., 20 Aug 2008
Michael Morpurgo has written yet another brilliant story with 'The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips'.

It's the story of Lily Tregenza who, in 1943, lives on the family farm on the coast of Devon with her mum and grandfather. Her dad's away in the army. Lily has a cat called Tips, and when the family are forced to move from their home for several months while the army take over the area as a training ground Lily's beloved Tips runs away and gets left behind. Lily is heartbroken but will not give up her search for Tips and she enters the cordoned-off Danger Zone to look for Tips herself - a very dangerous place to be...

It's a lovely story. Written in a simple, easy-to-read style, yet granting the reader a true insight into the Second World War from a child's perspective in the countryside. We also learn at the outset of the story that there's going to be a twist to Lily's tale right at the end, so as long as you don't cheat and peek at the end, it makes for a really compulsive read.

Michael Morpurgo reminds us that 3000 people really were evacuated from their homes around Slapton Sands in Devon, so that the troops could practice landing exercises along the beaches. The beaches there were similar there to the landing beaches in Normandy, used for the D-Day landings of June 1944.

I can highly recommend the story of Adolphus Tips for all ages from 8+.

Continues to keep us entertained on car journeys..., 15 Jul 2008
I and my two children (5 +7) love this audio version of this wonderful story - what a gifted writer Michael Murpurgo is. It's a quietly dramatic story, uplifting and profound in some places and a fascinating insight into a child's life during the second world war. I'm always in tears at the end!

Morpurgo classic, 04 Dec 2007
Brilliant book, I really like world war II story's , very exiting. I especially like tips the cat

I Havent...But Amazon's...., 12 Sep 2008
I havent read this book yet, as i have only recived it today (12th september 08), but amazon sent it to me and it arived exactly when it should. Thankyouu! xThe Butterfly Lion

butterfly lion, 20 Aug 2008
the book makes you feel that you are in the achual in the story when you get into it. it has a mixture of sad times happy times and even some funny times.

THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ *****, 13 Jun 2008
Im 12 And I Read This Book When I Was 11 It Is Heart Warming And A Truely Moving Story, I Felt So Involved With The Story As If It Was Happening Infront Of Me, It Made Me Cry And 2 Parts, And I Advise EVERYBODY To Read It x
The Best Book Ever Made x

You won't be disappointed!, 04 Jun 2008
The Butterfly Lion is a book about a boy, Bertie, who lives in Africa. It is a great read because it is well written, the words flow and make you feel that you are part of the story. Also, the descriptions are so good that you can picture in your head what Africa looks like!

The story is exciting and mysterious; it really starts after a couple of chapters when one day, at the waterhole somewhere in South Africa around 1904, Bertie sees a mummy lion with her cubs (one of the babies is white). When he goes home to he tells his parents that he has seen a white lion, they do not believe him because they do not know that they exist. Determined to prove that he did not lie, he goes back the next day and everyday after that, but without luck.

One day, his dad comes back and says "We've got her!" as he puts the body of the dead lioness down. Bertie realizes straightaway that it is the cubs' mother. He is devastated, thinking the cubs will die without her. But that night, he sees the white cub and that is where their friendship starts...

My favourite part is when Bertie is in the Army; he is at the battlefield all alone in the middle of the enemy's gunfire and rescues two wounded soldiers for which he will get a medal. I thought it was dead exciting: I was scared that Bertie was going to die and I felt really tense and sweaty!

I also loved the characters: Bertie (the hero), Millie ( his friend who later on becomes his wife) and the boy who runs away from school (who I think is Michael Morpugo himself). They are all are all very captivating because of what happens to them and we share with them moments that are funny, exciting, scary and sometimes sad. I have a soft spot for Bertie because he is adventurous, brave and a very good man, and I wish I had a friendship as strong as his with the lion.

The book is also interesting because different people tell the story: at first it is the boy who I think is Michael Morpugo who explain why he is running away from school, then he meets the old lady and she becomes the narrator when she tells him Bertie's story. Both of them describe things with a lot of emotion and they make you feel happy and also very sad at times.

I would recommend this book to any child aged between 8 and 14 because it is a very exciting read: there is more than one story, and it keeps on bouncing from a moment in somebody's life to another, but most of all, it moves you and that means it is a great book!
Review written by Sevaan G, aged 9





Georgia Humbert's book review, 30 Apr 2008
The butterfly lion is one of the best books I have read and I couldn't stop reading it!
The story has a boy called Bertie, and he rescued a white lion cub but his father is going to sell the lion. Bertie thinks the only thing he can do is set him back into the wild. Then Bertie is sent to Boarding School in England and he will have to leave his home in Africa. When Bertie grows up he has to go to war and got injured but saved two people by carrying them back to camp and wins the lifesaving badge. To unfold the magic and wonder read it or miss out!!! Written by Georgia Humbert - aged 8


Lovely Bed Time Story, 30 Nov 2008
This is a lovely bed time story which I have enjoyed telling my sons time and time again. I love the pictures and the detail in them and the rhyming rhythm of the text. Its a really lovely story and my boys always laughed at the end when Father Bear gets to sleep and is then woken by the alarm clock because its time to get up!

A timeless classic!

Best toddler book ever., 24 Nov 2008
My children (now 22 and 23) loved this so much, I had to memorise it with all the correct intonations so they could still hear it even when we we did not have the book with us.

Great book, 19 Oct 2008
This but is simple but effective. My daughter loves it and I think it is really old fashioned and sweet.

No peace until we've read it...again!, 17 Oct 2008
A beautifully illustrated book which my daughter just adores! Such a simple concept but the book is full of things to learn. All the sounds, the repetitive language, telling the time, finding the noises at home etc and its fun! We have to stop by the fridge on the way to bed and listen to it hum!
An excellent book.

Our favourite, 09 Aug 2008
My 2 year old loves this book especially as he can interact do the different noises on each page. We're now on our second copy as the original was so tatty and even his carer in nursery is finding it difficult to get him to read a different book in quite time.