“All my life I’ll think of you, I promise I will. I won’t ever forget you.”
A lyrical and moving tale of a young boy growing up in Africa, and his lifelong friendship with a white lion.
Bertie rescues an orphaned lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.
Reviews
“The Butterfly Lion is unique among animals and books, and will touch all hearts – both young and old.” Virginia McKenna, Born Free Foundation
Praise for ‘The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips’:
"…Michael Morpurgo weaves a touching tale that's full of surprises. A master storyteller at his best." Sunday Times
"As always, Morpurgo writes with solid confidence in a voice that's gentle yet spellbinding." Evening Standard
'Praise for ‘Private Peaceful’:
Tommo’s journey from agricultural labourer to cannon fodder is movingly told…Michael Morpurgo is expert at getting through to his readers. He writes here about events that should never be forgotten nor forgiven, and does so most effectively. Independent
…full of warmth as well as grief, conveying vividly how precious it is to be alive… Sunday Times
About the author
Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL FKC DL is a writer, playwright, performer and librettist. The author of more than 150 children’s books, he has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in almost 40 languages. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children’s Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.