Why the Whales Came

A stunning story of friendship and our natural world set against the backdrop of the First World War. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.



Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought.


But his warnings to stay away from the abandoned and cursed Samson Island stay with them. And when those warnings seem to be coming true, Gracie and Daniel must find out what the Birdman knows – before it's too late . . .


Why the Wales Came is a gripping historical tale full of adventure and friendship, from the author of War Horse.


Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.