A heartwarming story split between 1966 and the Second World War where past and present collide, unlocking memories and reuniting old friends, showing that people can become family, despite the conflicts dividing them.

'Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly' Observer

Charley and Alex's mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since Dad broke one of his wheels, Mum has been devastated. Her grief is a mystery to Charley and Alex until one day, when they meet two old men on the beach.

As past and present collide, the memories of war come flooding. They tell a story of friends who always find a way back to each other - and, despite their differences, become family.

About the Author

Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children, and has sold more than 35 million books around the world. He has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

Reviews

"Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly" Independent

"[Morpurgo] really is a master at this sort of thing; not a word is wasted" Telegraph

"Morpurgo is a virtuoso at conjuring vibrant stories that draw on historical events" Observer

"This is a very touching, absorbing story vividly bringing events to life" Primary Times

"This book is perfect for anybody who wants to find out about the Second World War and how it affected real people" First News

Book Information
ISBN 9780008638764
Author Michael Morpurgo
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 11mm