Mister Skip

by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Griff

Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+

Published by HarperCollins, 2012

  • Adventure
  • Classics

About this book

In this modern fantasy/fairytale Jackie and her mum live on an estate surrounded by tower blocks, but dream of a better life in the countryside.

Although Jackie looks after Gran's tatty old donkey, Barnaby, she longs to have her own horse like the local boys.

When she finds an old broken gnome in a skip, and lovingly restores him as a birthday present for her mum, her fortunes start to change. Naming the the gnome Mr. Skip, Jackie confides her fears, hopes and dreams to him - and is stunned when one day he replies!

Mr. Skip has a way of making things happen, and soon the lives of Jackie and her family are transformed beyond their wildest dreams. Short chapters and delightful illustrations make this book an ideal choice for newly confident readers.

About the author

Sir Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children. He has written over 100 books and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, Blue Peter Book Award and the Whitbread Award. His recent bestselling novels include Listen to the Moon, A Medal for Leroy and Shadow. His novel War Horse has been successfully adapted as a West End and Broadway theatre play and a major film by Steven Spielberg. A former Children's Laureate (2003–2005), Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.

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