Why the Whales Came
Michael Morpurgo
Subjects
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
- Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
- History Time - blasts from the past
Average rating
An exciting historical adventure from War Horse author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo.
Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. They build up a lovely friendship with him, but when the children get stranded on Samson Island they don’t know whether to believe the birdman’s story that the island is cursed. Set against the backdrop of the First World War, in the tradition of Friend or Foe and Private Peaceful Michael Morpurgo brings the emotional reality of conflict to life in a way that is accessible to younger readers. Look out for his other historical adventures including An Eagle in the Snow and Listen to the Moon.Reviews
Could put this book down!
Judge Panther Dangerous 04.09.2023
I enjoyed this book I have only ever read one other Michael morpurgo : cool. I usually find them too sad. Wtwc(why the whales came.) isn't that sad apart from somebody (not saying who.) Gets on a boat and never comes back I really recommend this book.
Senorita Candyfloss Hammersmith 30.08.2023
I really enjoyed this book but, it was a little scary, so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone under the age of ten.
Empress Esmerelda Waltzer 28.07.2023
There were two boys Gracie and Daniel and when they sailed to get some fish for Gracie's mum they got lost in a fog. Yes, I would recommend it to someone
Anonymous 24.08.2022
My favourite part was when they all started leaving messages in the sand
Doctor Pinky Teacup 17.07.2022
I lived the level of realism, believable but not boring.
Viscount Adolpho Quarantine 03.08.2021
You should read this book because it is not what you think it is. It has whales and people
Empress Birthday-cake Gravy 01.10.2020
I would recommend this book for kids in the 3 to 4 . My favourite character is Daniel because he is brave and he is very disobedience
Anonymous 01.09.2020
This book is good it is all about a little girl and and boy who make friends with someone called the birdman, and they go to an island that was not supposed to be visited. This book was a bit boring so wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.
Anonymous 30.08.2020
My favourite character was Daniel. I enjoyed how the book dragged me in.
General Kipper Pineapple 05.08.2020
Brilliant Amazing Fantastic Adventure with gracie and daniel
Dame Iggy Gravy 05.08.2020
I think the Bird Man sacrificed his life so Bryher did not have the curse of Samson I really enjoyed reading the book because Daniel and Gracie made friends with the Bird Man and their Parent's said to keep away from him as everyone was scared
Anonymous 29.07.2020
It had such a good story line and was hard to put down. Different to other stories and then has a deep meaning
Anonymous 22.07.2020
It was good and interesting. I learnt a lot about WW2. My favourite character is Gracie.
Anonymous 22.07.2020
I liked that the children didn’t judge the Birdman by what everyone else said. It was nice that the children wrote messages in the sand to the Birdman. It was good that they didn’t listen to everyone’s rumours because when they needed help to rescue the whales, he helped them.
Anonymous 06.07.2020
I like it how the dad comes back at the end and how the bird-man is nice
Queen Candyfloss Legend 29.06.2020
Brilliant book definitely recommended
Dona Honeycomb Haystack 28.08.2019
This book is extremely addictive and helps people who aren't intrested in books , start reading straight away. Two children - Gracie and Daniel - live in the island of Scilly. They are often warned to keep away from the "mad" birdman. One mysterious day, the two children find a message from the birdman thet proves his innocence. Next , the children get stranded on the "cursed" Samson Island. Will they ever return unharmed to their worried families?
Anonymous 11.08.2019
I love any book by Michael Morpurgo but 'why the whales came' is my favourite. I read it all in one day and couldn'tput the book down for second .
Anonymous 24.07.2019
It was OK, I guess. The first parts were rather boring. It wasn’t until the last couple of chapters when things began to get good, and the book became gripping and one you just didn’t want to put down. I liked Gracie best, because she relates to me. She always wants to help, and she can get up to a lot of mischief. I would probably not recommend it to someone, however, because only the end was good, and the entire book should be good.
Anonymous 12.12.2018
