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Why the Whales CameMichael Morpurgo
Why the Whales Came
by Michael Morpurgo
On a Scilly island two children befriend the deaf man everyone calls cursed, and learn why he will not let anyone go to the neighbouring island.
A story about children and a grown-up hero, thoughtful and moving in tone. We would put it with children of 9–12, and at a reading age of about 10 for reading alone.
Worth knowing before you buy
- Wartime separation
None of this makes it a bad book — often the opposite. It is here so you can decide whether it is right for your child now or in a year or two.
If they like this, try these
Chosen by matching age, reading age, tone and subject — not by what is selling.
Waiting for AnyaMichael Morpurgo
War HorseMichael Morpurgo
Alone on a Wide Wide SeaMichael Morpurgo
Goodnight Mister TomMichelle Magorian
Listen to the MoonMichael Morpurgo
Private PeacefulMichael Morpurgo
Or let them write their own.
Nothing gets a child reading like a story they invented themselves. Your child plans the characters and the plot, and we write, illustrate and print it as a real book with their name on the cover as the author.
Find another book
Tell us the age, the reading age and what they like, and we will suggest a handful.