Michael Morpurgo

Stories for everyone


Running Wild

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Age: 9+

Published: June 2010

ISBN: 9780007267026

Format: Paperback

When 10-year-old Will’s father dies in the Iraq war, his mother surprises him with a trip to Indonesia. But little could she have known what awaited them both there.

At first Will knows that something is wrong is when Oona, the elephant he is riding along the beach, begins to spook. Then, suddenly, she takes off into the jungle with Will on her back. And that’s when Will sees the wave come crashing in! With his mother almost certainly drowned, with nothing to cling on to but an elephant and nothing to help him but the clothes on his back, Will faces a terrifying future. But maybe the jungle and Oona the elephant, can help him!

An epic and heart-rending jungle adventure.

The Collector's Club

Awards:

  • Shortlisted Independent Booksellers’ Week Book Award
  • Shortlisted Oxfordshire Book Award Primary
  • Nominated The CILIP Carnegie Award
  • Nominated Best Adventure Book Ever – National Geographic Kids

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Buying options

Buy Running Wild on Amazon.co.uk

Other editions

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Related Videos

Behind the Book - Running Wild

Michael tells you the true story behind his new book Running Wild, of how one remarkable elephant saved the life of a child.

Michael introduces Running Wild

Michael Morpurgo introduces you to the story of his new book Running Wild - the epic jungle adventure, set in Indonesia.

Michael reading from Running Wild

Michael reads an extract from his book, Running Wild

Related Activities

Running Wild Word Search

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Can you find the words from Running Wild in this word search?

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Running Wild Book Quiz

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Now you've read Running Wild see how much you can remember from the story.

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Related Resources

Running Wild Poster

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Print out this Running Wild poster and stick it on your walls!

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Related News

Announcing the Michael Morpugo Collector’s Club

Wednesday, 7th December 2011

Announcing the Michael Morpugo Collector’s Club

Get exclusive access to the new Michael Morpurgo Collector’s Club when you buy beautiful Collector’s Editions of Michael Morpurgo favorites.

Read more ›

TV Star Ben Fogle announces the winners of the National Geographic Kids Adventure Awards 2011

Tuesday, 25th October 2011

Ben presented nine-year-old Jake Allen-Brunn, from Ludlow in Shropshire, with the National Geographic Kids Young Adventurer Of The Year award. Jake also wins a holiday in Nepal from family adventure travel specialists The Adventure Company.

Read more ›

Reviews

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hen says:

it looks good.

Aidan says:

I think this book is amazing. I think its one of the best.  But War Horse is the best. I love ho the elephant is always there for Will.


                                  THANKS!

stacie emery says:

i think that this is a good book and a lovley setting to it and i have read this 1000 times and i havnt got bored!

GABRIEL says:

Wow, this the most beautiful book I have ever read! Definitely Morpurgo’s best. It made me almost cry. It was one of those books you just cant put down. THANKS.

Ella (11) says:

I have read this book so many times I have lost count. It is my favourite book and always makes me cry. I think I will love this book forever, as it is so amazing.

Janani says:

Amazing book. I couldn’t put it down! Everyone should read it.

lilymae says:

I think this is the best book you’ve made so far. Keep on writting!
Your fan,
Lilymae

Lee says:

I loved Oonna and her love and protection for Will. Great story! I’ve just discovered Michael Morpurgo at my school’s junior campus where l work. I’ve read 4 of his books now and have loved them all! I have a new found love for elephants and l’m reading Elephant in the Garden now.
Thanks Michael, your’re the best story teller ever and l adore Charles Dickens so this a real compliment. l hope you enjoy.
Lee

Shorty says:

I think it is an amazing book, I've read it three times and it gets better every time, I love how the animals feel a connection with Will and that he cares for them as much as they care for him. You just can't put it down once you've started!

Finlay McCallum says:

It is the greatest book I have ever read. I could not put it down and read it all in a day! Will is amazing,Oona is great and the Oranga-tangs perfect. My sister will have a read of this book next...and I will start the War Horse.....which also looks interesting (but possibly sad).

julia:) says:

Awesome book can you make a sequel???

Aiyana says:

This the best book ever ! My favorite book of all time ! I love how much will and oona love eachother . I wish the book never ended .Michal Morpurgo you are awsome !!

Alyssa Wren says:

I it is a very good book. Very sad at the begining but got better. I love how Oona was so caring and very respectful to Will. It is now my favourite book. I will hope that lot's of people will read this. BEST BOOK EVER! smile

Maggie says:

I'm passonate about elephants and the thought of a frightened child and a wild animal helping each other is wonderful and beautiful

Mouse says:

It is an excellent book, because I found it a great read. I am profoundly dyslexic, so reading for me is very difficult. Therefore, any book that I can read without too much difficulty is a great book.

Aimee says:

This is an amazing book, it had what I love all jammed into it. It made me feel like I never felt before and Michel Morpurgo is an amazing writer who puts emotions that capture hearts and words that put you there. I love the way he describes Oona, Will's tiger and the many things he saw and Will's experience has changed not just his life but the worlds. If there is a world with out the amazing Michel Morpurgo I would never be any good at my compelling stories I have started to write, which has improved my English a lot. When I grow up I would love to meet him or any of his family.