Why the Whales Came Award-winning author/illustrator Save 20% on everything in our School Catalogue selection

Author/Illustrator

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, weaving captivating stories full of drama and intensity that are coming to be regarded as true classics. Exploring the most profound subjects with a light yet powerful touch, his books tell unforgettable stories in simple, direct words.

Michael Morpurgo discovered his talent for writing while working as a teacher. “We had to read the children a story every day and my lot were bored by the book I was reading. I decided I had to do something and told them the kind of story I used to tell my kids – it was like a soap opera, and they focused on it. I could see there was magic in it for them, and realised there was magic in it for me.”

Living in Devon, listening to Mozart, and working with children have provided most of the stimulae Michael needs to discover and write his stories. He spends about half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories. “For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers.”

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What kids think

1. 

   Ibizarocks
   on 15 November 2015

   A classic Michael Morpurgo book. A sad, funny and magical story. Altogether a fantastic book.

2. 

   bookmad3
   on 28 October 2015

   This book is really good. All Michael Morpurgo fans should read it!

   5out of 5
3. 

   Ibiza1000
   on 1 July 2015

   Great Book!!!!

   5out of 5
4. 

   loobyloulou123
   on 9 March 2014

   loved it

   5out of 5
5. 

   bookaholic202
   on 7 March 2014

   This really made me think about how cruel people can be to animals, It is a lovely book and i give it 8 out of 10

6. 

   Macarw
   on 6 March 2014

   It was pretty boring about a girl and a boy. The only exciting bit was the birdman.

   3out of 5
7. 

   Emerald5
   on 20 October 2013

   Right now i am reading this book. Its weird why the man is called birdman.

   3out of 5
8. 

   Nashdasher
   on 8 March 2013

   A great mystery the start was bit confusing but it did clear up at the end

9. 

   Sherlock25
   on 8 March 2013

   I really enjoyed this book, we read it in school and it was really interesting and a good read

10. 

    ninjastickman
    on 7 March 2013

    Two siblings, gracie and daniel, in a village are told to keep away from the crazy bird man. But they go out to sail a boat and they find a message in the sand and they become friends with the birdman. But then the whales come! I would recommend as an age rating for the book 9-12

    4out of 5
11. 

    smileitsfriday
    on 4 March 2012

    This book confused me, but then i carried on and it finally made sense! * * * *

12. 

    dashernasher
    on 4 March 2012

    A great mystery adventure I enjoy it a lot. 5*

13. 

    twistofgold11
    on 1 March 2012

    I liked the era it was set in, the mystery and the sheer enjoyment of it all! Could’nt put the book down- though a few parts were a bit dull for me…

    4out of 5
14. 

    pawprint2
    on 4 January 2012

    this is a great book!!!I love it

    3out of 5
15. 

    popstar19631961
    on 9 June 2011

    I knew i was gong to like this book form the star but we had to reed surtan chapters each week because we were reading as a group and had to answer qustions but the tike is a bit pointless because it say’s Why the Whales came but the Whales don’y come to the end of the book and are only in about 4 chapters but other than that it was still great

16. 

    kelandab
    on 3 March 2011

    I loved this book. its good at the end when you find out why it is called what it is.

    4out of 5
17. 

    elsdon
    on 3 March 2011

    this cahn be a little sad at times but is a great read if you can get to the happy end

    5out of 5
18. 

    pianostar412
    on 24 January 2011

    I’ve just started reading this book, and so far its brilliant! I think this book is for anyone who wants an aventure. M.J.M :)

19. 

    Molly13579
    on 2 December 2010

    I love this book because the whales are set free. From KIm Rawlings

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