A moving story of a brother, a sister and a swallow, and how all are in some way victims of the horrors of landmines. Olly's brother Matt wants to go and work with children who have been made orphans, through war, in Africa. He wants to be a clown and make them laugh. His mother and sister want him to stay in England and go to university. Hero, a swallow, has a journey to make too. He must fly to Africa for the winter to join all the other swallows. His journey is difficult and fraught with danger. Three separate stories are woven into one powerful and moving novel whose central theme not only exposes the horrors of war and of landmines, but also the endurance of the human spirit.
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is a British author known for his children's literature, particularly his moving and emotionally resonant stories. He is best known for his novel "War Horse," which was adapted into a successful stage play and later a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Morpurgo's writing often explores themes of war, family, and the natural world, drawing on his own experiences as a teacher and his passion for storytelling. His works have had a profound impact on the genre of children's literature, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Children's Laureate title in 2003. With over 130 books to his name, Morpurgo continues to captivate readers of all ages with his heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling.