Dear Olly

By Michael Morpurgo, Illustrated by Christian Birmingham

An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow and a young man – about love, family and the determination to follow your calling

‘Excellent’ The Times

As Olly waits to hear from her brother, Matt, she watches the swallows preparing to leave for winter. Hero the swallow is about to embark on his long journey to Africa, not knowing the terrible dangers he will face on the way.

And when Matt meets the children in the African orphanage – sick, injured and lonely – he knows he’s made the right decision, but he never could have dreamed of what might happen to him there …

Format: Paperback
Ageband: 9 to 11
Release Date: 27 Feb 2025
Pages: 128
ISBN: 978-0-00-863879-5
Price: £6.99, £6.99 (Export Price) , €None
Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain\'s best-loved writers for children, and has sold more than 35 million books around the world. He has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

Praise for Michael Morpurgo: -

“Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching” Guardian -

“Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects” Daily Telegraph -

“There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo” Daily Express -

“Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative” Elizabeth Reilly, British Council -

“The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers” Guardian -