- Michael Morpurgo

First Modern Classics - The Butterfly Lion (First Modern Classics)

By Michael Morpurgo

New edition of the Smarties-Prize-winning story from the former Children’s Laureate. Now published into the First Modern Classics list, fantastic stories for young readers.

A lyrical and moving tale of a young boy growing up in Africa, and his lifelong friendship with a white lion.

Bertie rescues an orphaned lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.

Author: Michael Morpurgo
Format: Paperback
Ageband: 9 to 11
Release Date: 25 Jun 2009
Pages: 144
ISBN: 978-0-00-731735-6
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.

”'The Butterfly Lion is unique among animals and books, and will touch all hearts - both young and old.” - Virginia McKenna, Born Free Foundation

”Praise for Michael Morpurgo:'A master storyteller at his best” - The Sunday Times