When Fishes Flew Award-winning author by Michael Morpurgo (author)

This first new novel in two years from the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller is a sweeping story of love and rescue – an unforgettable journey to the Greek island of Ithaca, and back in time to World War Two…

Australian-Greek girl Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, and discovers – through a friendship with an extremely unusual flying fish – the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena; of how she fell in love, in the hardest of times, and how of how she became an unsung hero of World War Two.

But Elena has gone missing, and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is…

Nandi’s story is a beautiful and inspiring tale of personal discovery, of love and place and belonging, threaded through with the quiet heroism of everyday people. Stunningly illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist George Butler, and full of magic, myth and mystery, it is a classic Morpurgo novel that will move and thrill every reader who loved Private Peaceful and War Horse, and combines all the hallmarks of this beloved Master Storyteller.

Our November 2021 Ages 11+ Book of the Month

My October Book of the Month for children aged 11 and above is When Fishes Flew. When Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home on a Greek island, she discovers the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena. Who fell in love, in the hardest of times, and how she became an unsung hero of World War Two. But now Elena has gone missing, and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is…

This is the first novel in two years from previous Children’s Laureate and from the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Michael Morpurgo. Nandi’s story is an inspiring tale of personal discovery and belonging, threaded through with the quiet heroism of everyday people. Full of magic, myth and mystery, journey from Australia to the Greek island of Ithaca, and back in time to World War Two… And in true animal-lover Morpurgo fashion, our protagonist forms a friendship with an unusual flying fish.

The stunning illustrations throughout by acclaimed artist George Butler will engage all readers. Plus, we have an exclusive early paperback edition that you won’t find anywhere else, along with a price you can’t beat.

Su – Book Club Editor, Ages 7–11+

Product Details

Catalogue number

341 in Primary 2024

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9780008520342

Date published

August 5th, 2021

Condition

New

Available in these packs

5books
Michael Morpurgo Older Fiction Pack

New

usd prices

Offer price: $52.35

RRP: $61.52

gbp prices

Offer price: £34.00

RRP: £39.95
5books
What to Read After: Goodnight Mr Tom Pack

usd prices

Price: $58.45

gbp prices

Price: £37.95

Author/Illustrator

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, weaving captivating stories full of drama and intensity that are coming to be regarded as true classics. Exploring the most profound subjects with a light yet powerful touch, his books tell unforgettable stories in simple, direct words.

Michael Morpurgo discovered his talent for writing while working as a teacher. “We had to read the children a story every day and my lot were bored by the book I was reading. I decided I had to do something and told them the kind of story I used to tell my kids – it was like a soap opera, and they focused on it. I could see there was magic in it for them, and realised there was magic in it for me.”

Living in Devon, listening to Mozart, and working with children have provided most of the stimulae Michael needs to discover and write his stories. He spends about half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories. “For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers.”