Why the Whales Came

Story

Ten year old Gracie and her friend Daniel live in the Scilly Isles off Cornwall. They have been warned not to go near the ‘Birdman’ who lives alone in his cottage but slowly they come to make friends with him. When Gracie and Daniel get stuck on Samson Island, should they believe the Birdman’s story that it is cursed? Can they get home safely?

Why we chose it

A historical adventure about friendship and trust.

Where it came from

Set during the First World War, Michael Morpurgo (1943 - ) weaves another story about how people behave in the extraordinary time of conflict. Morpurgo’s books also often feature animals, and a perspective on the relationship that people and animals have, especially when life is difficult. Michael Morpurgo was a teacher before he turned to writing full-time, having read his stories to his pupils. In 1976 he and his wife started a charity called Farms for City Children. Over 100,000 children have visited the three farms since 1976 to experience life in the countryside.

Where it went next

Why the Whales Came was made into a film in 1989, renamed as When the Whales Came and aimed at a family audience. In 2003 a stage play based on the book was first produced, and has since been staged at various theatres, including the Oxford Playhouse.

Associated stories

Michael Morpurgo has written other famous stories about children growing up wartime. Others include Waiting for Anya, An Eagle in the Snow, Friend or Foe, The Story of Adolphus Tips, Flamingo Boy, Listen to the Moon and The Butterfly Lion.