An Elephant in the Garden Award-winning by Michael Morpurgo (author)

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.”

Reviews

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What kids think

1. preececlass
   on 6 March 2018

   This amazing book is about an elephant joining a family’s lives during World War two. After the bombing in Dresden, Germany devastates their city, this family is forced to flee with an elephant trailing behind him. This heart-touching story describes the adventures of two kids, their mom, and an elephant, as they fight for survival. I would recommend this book to boy’s and girls, ages 9-14. It’ll leave you hanging on every word, especially if your into adventure and survival stories! I love this book!

   5 out of 5

2. Nashdasher
   on 8 March 2013

   You get a feeling what it is like in world war two although it’s sad there is always some excitement.

3. Justagirlatheartx
   on 7 March 2013

   Loving it so far!! :)

   5 out of 5

4. Magicme11
   on 22 February 2013

   This is so sad but so cool at once.I could not imagine life like this!I like when the solider joins them on their adventure,its really thrilling at the end.Karl,the boy in the hospital,listens to Elizabeth who tells the story.Fantastic!

   Julia,9 years old

   5 out of 5

5. imi264
   on 15 July 2012

   I liked this book because it was exciting and very realistic!

   4 out of 5

6. orangepeach
   on 23 March 2012

   i loved this story its great

   5 out of 5

7. dashernasher
   on 7 March 2012

   very moving and awesome story for chidren from about 7 to 12 years old.cool!!!

   5 out of 5

8. pilgrim55
   on 2 March 2012

   good

9. Hamsterlova88
   on 16 January 2012

   I tried to read this book in class but gave up because its very boring!!!!

10. booksrcul
    on 17 September 2011

    Wow! An interesting, exasperating read!

    5 out of 5

11. blastendedskrewt
    on 14 August 2011

    This book is really fantastic! I love to read Michael Morpurgo’s books, and this one is probably my favourite. If you like this book, I can reccomend ‘Butterfly Lion’, ‘Running Wild’ and also ‘Waiting for Anya’ – all by Michael Morpurgo.

    5 out of 5

12. emilythetiger
    on 9 July 2011

    inmanjan it was abou a reall elephant in your gaderen and made a big pile of stinkey poo i wouldent like that at all. elephants use there trunks to put there food and water in there mouth.

13. mimi2001135
    on 5 July 2011

    THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING BOOK I HAVE EVER READ AND I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMENED IT. FROM MAREA,AGE 10

    5 out of 5

14. bookworm662
    on 23 April 2011

    i think this book is great and the person who wrote the review undernath mine must be a bit slow and boring herself if she thinks this book is boring its the best book in the world 5 stars *

    5 out of 5

15. silver1
    on 5 March 2011

    When I was reading this book I felt like I was in the book

    5 out of 5

16. chatabox01373301482
    on 4 March 2011

    I find this book really sad, enjoyable and AMAZING!! It was the best book in the whole WORLD!!!

17. horsemadkid
    on 3 March 2011

    i LOVE This book, it was reallyreally interesting and kept my attension the whole time. michael is a very very good author who is able to write in a very simple but effective way.i loved the bit where they find the soiler and look after him but i didnt relly like the end

    5 out of 5

18. cherry17
    on 1 March 2011

    It is a great book and it is a really detailed book. When you read just 2 pages you straight a way get into it!

    5 out of 5

19. year5bookclub
    on 28 February 2011

    This book was very exciting. It helps you to understand what it was like in Germany during WWII. There were lots of cliff hangers that kept me wanting more. If you love other Michael Morpurgo books you will love this one.

    5 out of 5

20. Book-Club-Review-Team
    on 24 February 2011

    “It’s a heartfelt story full of perilous adventure and determination, with a hint of romance.I really felt for the characters, particularly Lizzie. I would recomend it for people who can read well and don’t mind sad parts in books. It made me laugh out loud,especially at the elephant who you’ll have to find out about in the story! A top notch book that could only have been written by the wonderful Michael Morpurgo.” Harriette, age 11

    “I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and made me think a lot about how easy I get it when people my age had to survive on practically nothing less than 100 years ago.

    Michael Morpurgo is a fantastic author who is able to write all kinds of stories, whether they are happy or sad!

    I think that this book would be good for people aged about 10+.” Cari, age 12

21. booksmart
    on 27 December 2010

    Loved it :D it was sooooooo interesting, the journey and everything…...

    5 out of 5

22. cutiepie10
    on 11 December 2010

    I think that this book is great. I would strongly recommend it for a person who likes reading stories about the World war.This particular book is my faverouite and the book captures you and makes you feel sorry for all that is happening. This story is a great book and out of a hundred i would give it one hundred

    4 out of 5

23. Cleosly
    on 5 December 2010

    A great book for animal lovers and a touching story. As always ,michael morpurgo has used a war background. Everyone would probaly like this 10/10

    5 out of 5

24. talullah
    on 23 November 2010

    I absolutely love this book. the Elelphant is my favourite animal! I felt really sad when I read the bit when the bombs were hitting dredson I felt sad for lizie! I live on a farm myself.I wish I had my own elephant in my shed! I love to write stories myself this book has gave me enspiration for my books! I cant wait to find out what happens in the end! I give this book 5/5!

25. bellaislovely10
    on 8 November 2010

    Looks interesting. Haven’t read it yet.

26. edk1999
    on 20 October 2010

    I think this book is brillian,I loved it so much.It gives us an Idea what happened in war and what happened the animals.

    5 out of 5

27. cookie4484
    on 30 September 2010

    This book was amazing. I could not put it down it was a really moving story. well done Michael morpurgo keep them coming

    5 out of 5

28. Hannahxx
    on 20 September 2010

    I Just read the begining of it on the book clbs website and it has already intised me into reading it!!

    5 out of 5