Harry Hawkins doesn't like his new step-father Bill Wesley, nor his bossy step grandmother, who constantly finds fault with him. His mother seems to have forgotten his father, a pilot who died in the war, in her new marriage and new baby. Being bullied at school, picked on by teachers, Harry just feels he has no place to go. The day he finds Ocky, an escaped chimpanzee from the circus he decides to look after her in his secret den on the bombsite, glad to have a friend at last. But an unexploded bomb is discovered, and with it, Harry's den and his hiding place for Ocky. Harry trusts Father Murphy with his secret, but Father Murphy passes on the information to the other adults, and Harry and Ocky are forced to run. After a roadside adventure with gypsies, Harry makes his way with Ocky to Aunty Ivy, the owner of a sea-side boarding house where he had his last holiday, where he last felt happy. Ivy too betrays him, calling his parents and the police, who catch up with Harry. To escape their pursuers, Ocky jumps off the pier, and Harry after her, and as Bill jumps in after his step-son, Harry realises how much he's cared for. owner needs her more than he realised - he's a blind clown called Mr Nobody, who can only do his act with Ocky as his eyes.
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.
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