The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips: A classic wartime children’s story about a cat who survives against the odds

by Michael Morpurgo

A heart-warming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the second world war, about an abandoned village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat!‘Classic Morpurgo brilliance’ – Publishing News

"Something's up. Something big too, very big. At school, in the village, whoever you meet, it's all anyone talks about. It's like a sudden curse has come down on us all. It makes me wonder if we'll ever see the sun again."

It's 1943, and Lily Tregenze lives on a farm, in the idyllic seaside village of Slapton. Apart from her father being away, and the 'townie' evacuees at school, her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day, Lily and her family, along with 3000 other villagers, are told to move out of their homes – lock, stock and barrel.

Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the Allied forces practise their landings for D-day, preparing to invade France. But Tips, Lily's adored cat, has other ideas – barbed wire and keep-out signs mean nothing to her, nor does the danger of guns and bombs. Frantic to find her, Lily makes friends with two young American soldiers, who promise to help her. But will she ever see her cat again? Lily decides to cross the wire into the danger zone to look for Tips herself…

Now, many years later, as Michael is reading his Grandma Lily's diary, he learns about The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips – and wonders how one adventurous cat could still affect their lives sixty years later.

Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content that appeared in the original print version.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, War, Middle Grade, Historical, Animals

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.

Reviews

[Charlotte May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little story.
A young girl is forced out of her home in order for the army to practice for the impending war with Germany. During the move she loses her pet cat Tips.
The story involves her search for Tips - the friends she makes along the way and the impact the war had on local farming communities.
Its a sweet British story - I finished in a few hours, if you enjoy something that portrays a light story out of a historical event then this is one for you.

[Ji-ann O'Driscoll Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for children really. It is for Adults and teenagers. Most of Michael Morpurgo's books are based on the World War! II. I really love this book. I read this book when I was 10. I was in my old school, and we had to read this book for Guided Reading. At first I thought it looked extremely boring by the cover. But never judge a book by its cover. It is a wonderful book. It nearly as wonderful as the book," Alone on a Wide Wide Sea".

It is about a teenage boy who has a lot of probkems. It is during the war, his grandmother and him are very close. His grandmother moves and gives him a letter. The letter is her diary when she was his age. She talks a lot about the cat, Tips.
Diane x

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my daughter and we really enjoyed it.

#Historical
#Heartwarming
#Storiesaboutanimals
#Greatread

[Gorab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Supposedly a kids book with easy language and good illustrations.
A boy finds his grandma's diary written during World War 2. Explores the theme of attachment, humanity and a ray of hope amidst the cruelties of war.

Good for beginner level English learning. For someone who wants to catch on reading something with an easy theme.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely re-read from a long time ago and it made me want to get a cat.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while back but i still love it to this day and hopefully i will re read it sometime in the future

[Briony Bastin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for looking at some of the features of diary entries.
Also good for looking at a child's view on WW2

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I have had on my shelves for years but never actually read! I am making more of an effort to get through these books so that I can try and clear some of my backlog!

In this book we follow a young girl called Lily and her family around the time of WWII, their town has to be evacuated so that the army can train in their village. However when they move Lily’s cat Tips goes missing and may be somewhere in the village. Will Lily find her before its too late?

This is an incredibly short book that is definitely aimed at children, the font is large and while the story is fun it isn’t particularly complex. However saying that I did still enjoy the story and how quickly it progressed.

I don’t want to spoil too much of the story therefore I won’t go into incredible detail as it is only a short book, however saying that it is still a very moving story. There is so much packed into the story that you still feel really connected to the characters even in such a short space of time.

It was interesting to read about how the war affected different communities and how difficult it is to have to leave your home and possibly never return. I liked how even though the story was aimed at children it was still a ‘grown up’ book where hard hitting things did happen which made it quite realistic.

Surprisingly even though Tips is on the cover and in the title the story isn’t really centered on her, it is mainly centered on the friendship between Lily and the soldiers – they are practicing in her town and vow to keep an eye out for Tips – I liked how the friendship grew throughout the book as they got closer together

It is a little predictable in places however you have to remember it is a children’s book so there’s only so much complexity the story can have so please be prepared for some parts which you may be able to see how they are going to plan out – just remember it is supposed to be for young children

So I’m going to leave this review here as I don’t want to give any more away. It is definitely a moving book with stories of friendship and the war. I loved how Lily really cared about her cat (as a fellow cat owner I can definitely relate) and how she would do anything for her. If you couldn’t already tell I would definitely recommend this book, it is short but such a loving tale of family and friendship. Pick this one up if you are looking at a quick but wholesome tale.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of Michael Morpurgo’s books I have read, it’s actually my daughter’s book, but it has definitely made me want to read more.

The story of lily living her life during World War II intrigued me. Lily’s father is a soldier gone to war and she keeps a diary about what she gets up to, she then shares her childhood story with her grandson Boowie who she is very close to.

I love the way the author has used lily’s childhood diary, Boowie’s views and letters from lily to her grandson, telling her story to another generation. It was a nice easy read. I think this story is great for teaching children how to write a diary and writing in first person. I also think that because the diary was written from a childs perspective, children may find it easier to understand what life was like during World War II and the story line keeps the children interested with a twist at the end. I feel that this book can make learning about the war more personal in contrast to reading facts etc from text books.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your in safe hands with Morpurgo, this time a pet cat set during the Second World War.

[Bibliotekstanten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily är snart tolv år och bor i den lilla byn Slapton i södra England. Året är 1943 och världskriget rasar men i byn lunkar livet på. Pappa är visserligen borta, soldat i brittiska armén, det är ransonering på vissa saker och skolan är full av barn som evakuerat från London men livet går sin gilla gång. Plötsligt kommer det dock många soldater från USA till byn och ett tag senare beordras alla att packa och flytta på sig. Kustremsan, inklusive byn, ska bli övningsfält inför en stor invasion. Farfar vägrar först, men tills sist går han med på flytten. En som dock inte alls fattat allvaret är Lilys katt Tips. Hon rymmer tillbaka till gården som nu är omgärdad av taggtråd och stängsel.

Många år sedan jag läste något av Morpurgo men tyckte otroligt mycket om han böcker Snömännens dal, Det sovande svärdet och Kensukes rike för att inte tala om bilderboken Kuckeliku, herr Sultan! en favve! Med tanke på att det är rätt många år sedan sist kan jag ha fel, men tror nog att stilen i Den fantastiska historien om katten som försvann knyter an till Morpurgos tidigare verk. Lily är kaxig, men väldigt mänsklig. Eftersom vi läser en slags dagbok är det hennes känslor, tankar och funderingar vi får ta del av. Kriget finns där, men det är "småsaker" som är viktiga för Lily.

I en slags efterord berättar Michael Morpurgo att stora delar av Engelska sydkusten användes som övningsfält inför dagen D. Det var också så att tyska torpedfartyg i april 1944 överraskade amerikanska skepp utanför Slapton och många unga män drunknade, en händelse man höll hemligt i många år.

Den fantastiska historien om katten som försvann är en till bra bok om världskriget riktat till barn- och ungdomar. Känns relaterbar och själv lärde jag mig något nytt av läsningen. Ramhistorien tyckte jag tillförde noll, men den störde väl inte direkt heller.

[Serisop · Rating 4 out of 5]

La guerra può essere conosciuta nei vari punti di vista che sono stati messi per iscritto negli anni, può essere vissuta tramite alcuni personaggi, può essere considerata in tanti modi. Comunque tutti i modi sono modi negativi, non penso che troveremo mai qualcosa di giusto in tutto ciò che è successo.
"Lo sbarco di Tips" ci aiuta a comprendere la vita di una bambina costretta a lasciare la sua casa insieme alla sua famiglia e possiamo solo immaginare quanto sia orribile. La fortuna della protagonista è avere qualcuno che le sta al fianco e che la ama incondizionatamente. Anche se sono lontani dalle loro cose materiali, non lo sono dai loro affetti. Penso che non ci sia cosa più importante.
Eppure c'è qualcuno che manca, oltre a un papà: la gatta Tips. Faremo il tifo per lei, perché venga ritrovata e torni dalla sua padroncina.
Mi è piaciuta molto questa storia dolcissima e piena di amore. Lo stile di scrittura scorrevole è il punto forte, perché rende il libro adatto ai piccoli e a tutte le età. Da un libro della collana "Il battello a vapore" non mi aspettavo nulla di meno di questo!
Consigliatissimo.

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’m reading today is called “The amazing story of Adolphus Tips” by Michael Morpurgo. I’m still a fan of Michael books and his books are always a great read for me because he never disappoints me. This book is truly a masterpiece and inspiring because he is reading his grandmother Lily’s diary. It’s all about an abandoned village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat! Yet, and wonders how one adventurous cat could still affect their lives years later. Lily’s family grew up living on a farm in Devon near the coast in England. They must evacuate their grandfather home so the army can practice for the invasion into Normandy. As a result, what had happened in the end? You can decide.

[books.bintulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this my first read with cat on the cover?

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

the diary entries of a 12 yo were sooo accurate

[Malouki♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

my god, how much i adored this book!! i finished it in one sitting, in which i experienced all sorts of emotions. such a splendid book that captured the children's innocence yet highlighting the brutality of war. i can't describe my immense joy when i found out that the whole story was written in the form of a diary. it only deepend my extreme love for journaling, for i too, keep a diary by my bedside. i couldn't help myself but to cry at the end. it was too moving. i'm in an extreme awe for this amazing tallent of story telling, and i cannot wait to embark in another experience when reading other works of Michael Morpurgo. PS: the illustrations made the reading experience more enjoyable. Such a "SUPREME" book♡

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in the seaside village of Slapton. During the Second World War, we discover how this little town was overtaken by American troops who used the land to practice and prepare for D-Day. Tragedy strikes and, as is often Morpurgo's way, he wraps the tragedy with love and hope, ensuring that the history never swamps the narrative. These stories are always, always about people and are richer for it.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micheal Morpurgo writes beautifully, about a young girls experience of her village being evacuated during the second world war, so that the American soldiers could use the area to train for the D-day landings. His language and description have been a perfect stepping stone away from young childrens books to older childrens books. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the lovely surprise ending.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't resist a book by Michael Morpurgo or a book about a cat. Interesting story of a little-known facet of D-Day during World War II.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very matter of fact about war and death. Great handling of issues for young readers. Giving this to my niece!

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

My exs dad forced me to read this

[Valery Tikappa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anche se la storia potrebbe sembrarvi per bambini, rimanete con me, perchè Lo sbarco di Tips non è solo per bambini ma facilmente adattabile anche agli adulti.
All'inizio credevo fosse la storia di una bambina, Lily, che continua a perdere il suo gatto, ma poi si è dimostrato un racconto totalmente diverso, per certi versi duro e crudo, ambientato durante la seconda guerra mondiale in un paesino dell'Inghilterra.
Inizialmente è tutto ambientato ai giorni nostri per poi, qualche pagina dopo, prendere forma diaristica. È Lily la protagonista, una ragazzina di 12 anni costretta a vivere in uno fra i periodi più bui della seconda guerra mondiale.
Ed è proprio di questo che parla Morpurgo, della sofferenza e dei problemi che i cittadini del mondo erano costretti ad affrontare per una guerra globale che ha provocato danni irreversibili all'animo umano.
Il tutto è narrato tramite la candida voce di Lily e forse è proprio questo che mi ha sconvolta di più, la purezza con cui Morpurgo è riuscito a rappresentare l'animo di una bambina e i suoi pensieri innocenti tipici dell'infanzia.
Lily razionalizza come può ciò che vive, tenta di guardare il lato positivo, di capire cosa sta succedendo. Sa che c'è la guerra, ma è anche consapevole di essere relativamente al sicuro in casa sua.
È una storia di vita quotidiana di una bimba e delle sue avventure nel ritrovare un gatto particolarmente votato a scappare, della prima volta che si scontra con la morte -animale e umana-, degli incontri che fa con gente straniera ma che poi si rivela avere molto in comune con la gente del posto.
Mi è piaciuto molto, l'ho trovato accurato, per nulla pesante o faticoso da leggere ma con quel tipico rigore storico che lo rende perturbante.
Non lo consiglierei proprio a un bimbo di 10 anni, ma dai 12 in sù e credo sia adatto anche agli adulti, perchè il candore di Lily non impedisce comunque di comprendere gli orrori della guerra.
Bellissimo il finale, con una chiusura di cerchio perfetto e una dolcezza che mi ha riempita dopo i piccoli vuoti che la storia mi ha lasciata a causa del tema.

[EvieTopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Adolphus Tips is a book set in WW2. It is about a young girl, called Lily Tregenza, her cat called Tips and an American soldier called Adolphus. In the book, Lily and her family are forced to move away from their home because the American army are using her town for bomb practise as they need to prepare for invading France. However, during the move Lily’s cat has gone missing. When she goes to look for Tips, Lily is stopped by the army and told she needs to leave as her old home is now a dangerous place to be. Along the way, she meets the American soldier, Adolphus. They become good friends and despite her home being out of bounds, Lily and her new friend don’t give up and do all they can to find their beloved cat, Tips...

My thoughts:

I would recommend Adolphus Tips because it is a very moving and exciting book. It is also based on a true story and is written as several diary entries. I think this makes the book even better because you are reading it as the young girl would have seen and felt. I think this book is good for all ages because it shows the journey of ups and downs that Lily and Adolphus face together. It is a story of love, determination and adventure which is why I would definitely recommend it.

[Maria D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this children‘s book, even though I‘m 15 and already into other books. It‘s a simplified version of the Second World War on the British coast through the eyes of a 12-year-old country girl. Very fast-paced, short, has a lovely ending (please don’t peek in advance). The cover with the cat is a bit misleading. Tips does play a major role in the story, but the cat‘s adventure wasn‘t described. Just how she left and came home. Obviously, you might think, since the story is made up of diary entries told from Lily‘s perspective, but it could have been included, one way or another. Nevertheless, “The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips“ is a book definitely worth reading.

[Shaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a refreshing and yet heart-wrenching story bundled into an engaging narrative. The little girl, Lily, conveys deep and powerful emotions. About living through the war, leaving their homes, loosing loved ones, and finding joy again, all wrapped up in a layer of innocence. Sad but beautiful, with a happy ending, perfect for a cozy weekend read.

[Dr.rashmi Dsouza · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great book about how World War II affects Lily Tregenza, starting from her adolescence through her whole life, including her loves, remembrances, sadnesses and joys.has a wonderfully joyful ending with a emotional display of human capacity to love and to endure. It's highly recommended for all junior readers...it made this adult's eye well up !

[Kelly O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s taken me a while to find and appreciate this author.
This is my 3rd book by him and again it was really enjoyable not on the same level as War Horse or Private Peaceful but a good easy read that children will like.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie this isn’t my favourite Michael Morpurgo book I was going to give it 3/5 as the main character was very irritable and overall I just wasn’t blown away but the story. However the ending certainly put it back in the runnings! Absolutely 10/10 ending. Therefore overall 4/5

[Rebecca Stonehill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of Michael Morpurgo's very best books, but lovely to read to the children nonetheless.