Muck and Magic
Age 7+
Animal Stories Sporting Stories
A contemporary countryside tale about the power of friendship and creativity, from the nation's favourite children's author.
A beautiful countryside story for Michael Morpurgo fans, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill (J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Bonny has always wanted to be a top cyclist, maybe even a future Olympic champion. But her world changes after meeting a sculptor named Lizzie, who gives her a job on her farm. Bonny is introduced to a life-sized sculpture of Lizzie's horse and is allowed to pose as its rider, a completely magical experience. She learns from Lizzie that a true gift is never to be wasted, and that if you "breathe the world in deep", you can do anything.
Creators
Michael Morpurgo has an unparalleled reputation as a children's storyteller. He was Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005, has written over 100 books and is the winner of many awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize, the Blue Peter Award and the Red House Children's Book Award. His books are translated and read around the world and his hugely popular novel War Horse is now both a critically acclaimed stage play and a highly successful film. Michael and his wife, Clare, live in Devon. Visit Michael's website at: www.michaelmorpurgo.com
Olivia Lomenech Gill is an artist and illustrator. She has previously worked with Michael and Clare Morpurgo on Where My Wellies Take Me, which was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway medal, and is the illustrator of the new edition of J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Olivia lives in France. Visit her website at: www.oliviagill.com
Reviews
Thoughtful and validating, the story embraces the idea of change and doing what you love. The refreshing illustrations combine full-color paintings of the Dales with sidebar black-and-white studies of animals, reminiscent of an artist’s sketchbook. In addition to livening up the small, squarish trim size of the book, the illustrative style also mirrors and enhances the storyline of the artist/sculptor who is so formative to Bonny’s path in life. The cast is assumed White. A thoughtfully told, refreshingly illustrated story.
Kirkus Reviews
