book cover

Muck and Magic

by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill

Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+

Published by Walker Books, 2019

  • Chapter books

About this book

Bonny wants to be a world champion cyclist when she is older, so trains every day. After falling off her bike while speeding through the Dales, she notices that she is being observed by three magnificent horses. Mesmerised by their grace and beauty, she plans her future training routes to ride past their field, often stopping to say hello and give them treats.

Over time, Bonny forms a strong bond with the majestic animals, and is delighted when their owner Lizzie offers her a Saturday job in the stables. She spends blissful weekends mucking out the horses and helping sculptor Lizzie in her studio, marvelling at her ability to create spectacular works of art. All the while, Bonny conceals her new life from her parents, fearing they will be disappointed if they learn her focus is shifting away from cycling.

Illustrated throughout with exquisite drawings and beautifully atmospheric paintings, this touching tale about an intergenerational friendship unfolds at a gentle pace. Inspiring young people to follow their dreams and make the most of their natural talents, it poignantly demonstrates how seemingly minor events can have life-changing effects.

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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