Book description
Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse
and the nation's favourite storyteller
Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion
greyhound's journey through life - and from owner to owner…
“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it
was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it,
struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking
and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it
was alive and in danger of drowning.”
When Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, he
can't bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with his
parents: couldn't he just keep one of them? But nothing will convince
them and Patrick cries himself to sleep - only to be woken by a
greyhound puppy licking his face!
Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that's what he becomes.
Patrick's favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch
on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Until one day Best Mate
is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and begins a new life as a champion
race dog. Suzie, the greyhound trainer's step-daughter, loves Best Mate
on first sight and gives him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will
happen when he can't run any more?
Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content
that appeared in the original print version. Praise for Born to Run:
“Pitch perfect… this hardened book reviewer kept having to wipe away
the tears” Daily Mail
Praise for The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips:
"…a succinctly engaging tear-jerker, it is also full of happiness
and affection and has a joyful ending… It is also about people who care
enough to look after each other, offering a lesson in life as well as
history. Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week
"From the first sentence of a Michael Morpurgo book, you know you
are in the hands of a natural storyteller." Guardian
"As always, Morpurgo writes with solid confidence in a voice
that's gentle yet spellbinding." Evening Standard
"Classic Morpurgo brilliance" Bookseller's choice, Publishing News
"…Michael Morpurgo weaves a touching tale that's full of
surprises. A master storyteller at his best." Funday Times
Multi-award-winning author Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's
best-loved writers for children and has won many prizes, including the
Smarties Prize, The Writers Guild Award and the Blue Peter Book Award.
From 2003 to 2005 he was the Children's Laureate, a role which took him
all over the UK to promote literacy and reading, and in 2005 he was
named the Booksellers Association Author of the Year.
