Synopses & Reviews
Michael Morpurgo, the British Childrens Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and the recipient of many awards, has written more than one hundred books, including
Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew, illustrated by Peter Bailey;
The Mozart Question, illustrated by Michael Foreman; and
I Believe in Unicorns, illustrated by Gary Blythe. His hugely popular novel
War Horse was made into both a critically acclaimed stage play and a highly successful film. Michael Morpurgo lives in Devon, England.
Gemma OCallaghan is an illustrator and printmaker. This is her first book for children. She lives in England.
About the Author
Revered author Michael Morpurgo evokes the post-war Britain of his childhood in this unflinching and deeply poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war.From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpas ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare, he must not make too much noise, he must not ask Grandpa any questions about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays and learns the story behind Grandpas injuries, finally getting to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing scars that have divided his family for so long.