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The Ogre Who Wasn't
The story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden.
Clara is a small, strong-willed princess who likes running wild, jumping ditches and climbing trees . . . but most of all, she loves collecting creepy-crawlies and making them her friends. That’s not easy with a bossy butler and a pernickety nanny always on your case.
When Clara discovers that an ogre she keeps in her shoe under her bed isn’t an ogre at all, he offers her a way out of her predicament. There’s only one thing she needs to do . . .
Clara is a small, strong-willed princess who likes running wild, jumping ditches and climbing trees . . . but most of all, she loves collecting creepy-crawlies and making them her friends. That’s not easy with a bossy butler and a pernickety nanny always on your case.
When Clara discovers that an ogre she keeps in her shoe under her bed isn’t an ogre at all, he offers her a way out of her predicament. There’s only one thing she needs to do . . .
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2023
33 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
643 books3,074 followersSir 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 31, 2023
Puzzling plot though beautifully illustrated.
I'm a fan of both author and illustrator but was left scratching my head at this collaboration.
A princess who doesn't like bonnets and dresses, is always being told off, and misses her father the King who is absent since the death of the Queen.
But 5-year-old Clara finds an ogre in a shoe who becomes her best friend (even though he doesn't talk and we have no idea if he's an ogre or not). And when the friend reveals himself, he and his friends chase away all the people who tell Clara off and life is good again. More so when the King returns with a method of completing the family again.
It didn't feel at all like a professionally plotted story to me. I feel I might have missed something? I always love Gravett's illustrations, but they just couldn't make the text make much sense.
There's a great little fairy tale at the heart of this potentially, with these names and writing histories in mind, but this disappointed.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I'm a fan of both author and illustrator but was left scratching my head at this collaboration.
A princess who doesn't like bonnets and dresses, is always being told off, and misses her father the King who is absent since the death of the Queen.
But 5-year-old Clara finds an ogre in a shoe who becomes her best friend (even though he doesn't talk and we have no idea if he's an ogre or not). And when the friend reveals himself, he and his friends chase away all the people who tell Clara off and life is good again. More so when the King returns with a method of completing the family again.
It didn't feel at all like a professionally plotted story to me. I feel I might have missed something? I always love Gravett's illustrations, but they just couldn't make the text make much sense.
There's a great little fairy tale at the heart of this potentially, with these names and writing histories in mind, but this disappointed.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
November 21, 2023
Clara keeps an ogre under the bed!
What a charming book. I loved this story. In The Ogre Who Wasn’t Michael Morpurgo acknowledges the traditional concept of a princess who is pretty and demure and turns it on its head with Princess Clara who is scruffy, always active and very determined. She’s a great character.
I thought the balance of text to the fantastic pictures from Emily Gravett was perfect. The story is wonderful for reading aloud, but the language is accessible for young readers whilst having a variety of sentence structure that enhances independent writing as well as reading.
I thought the themes were simply fabulous. Through The Ogre Who Wasn’t Michael Morpurgo affords the opportunity for young children to express and understand grief and loneliness, independence, happiness and love. The ending is poignant and I thought the fact that the illustration suggests Clara’s new Mum appears to be of a different ethnicity is so important in today’s society. It’s also so heartening that the ogre turns out to be a simple toad, which teachers children not to judge by appearances.
However, it’s the whole package of The Ogre Who Wasn’t that is so pleasing because there is a feisty girl who acts as a role model for young children. There is a child whose mum has died and a father who is often absent for work so that ordinary families are represented. There is an appreciation and respect of nature and the understanding that riches don’t equate to happiness. There’s the acceptance of who we are and how others can improve our lives. There’s a celebration of love and family too. It’s all just lovely and enhanced by the beautiful illustrations.
I thoroughly recommend The Ogre Who Wasn’t!
What a charming book. I loved this story. In The Ogre Who Wasn’t Michael Morpurgo acknowledges the traditional concept of a princess who is pretty and demure and turns it on its head with Princess Clara who is scruffy, always active and very determined. She’s a great character.
I thought the balance of text to the fantastic pictures from Emily Gravett was perfect. The story is wonderful for reading aloud, but the language is accessible for young readers whilst having a variety of sentence structure that enhances independent writing as well as reading.
I thought the themes were simply fabulous. Through The Ogre Who Wasn’t Michael Morpurgo affords the opportunity for young children to express and understand grief and loneliness, independence, happiness and love. The ending is poignant and I thought the fact that the illustration suggests Clara’s new Mum appears to be of a different ethnicity is so important in today’s society. It’s also so heartening that the ogre turns out to be a simple toad, which teachers children not to judge by appearances.
However, it’s the whole package of The Ogre Who Wasn’t that is so pleasing because there is a feisty girl who acts as a role model for young children. There is a child whose mum has died and a father who is often absent for work so that ordinary families are represented. There is an appreciation and respect of nature and the understanding that riches don’t equate to happiness. There’s the acceptance of who we are and how others can improve our lives. There’s a celebration of love and family too. It’s all just lovely and enhanced by the beautiful illustrations.
I thoroughly recommend The Ogre Who Wasn’t!
November 30, 2024
Not really sure what the message of this story is... 'Be mean to people who are mean to you?' That seems to be what happens. Rather than just getting rid of all the people in your life that you don't like or that you don't see eye to eye with, I would have much preferred a story that didn't just whisk them away. Perhaps the servants could have come to understand what it's like for the princess to be bereaved and lonely, and enjoy being wild and free. And maybe for her to meet them halfway, and perhaps climb trees in a fancy pink frock.
And also, an actual ogre would have made the story better. Maybe an actual ogre could have understood what the mc felt like and be a friend to her when she experiences the rejection and discipline of others.
But it's nice to end with a happy family and the dad investing in his daughter again, and showing a nice relationship between a step-mum and step-daughter.
And also, an actual ogre would have made the story better. Maybe an actual ogre could have understood what the mc felt like and be a friend to her when she experiences the rejection and discipline of others.
But it's nice to end with a happy family and the dad investing in his daughter again, and showing a nice relationship between a step-mum and step-daughter.
April 3, 2024
A fabulously silly, well illustrated children's book. When a princess finds an ogre in the garden and prefers outside than pretty girly things. How could she possibly get rid of her bossy staff?
Beautiful fairy tail which naturally starts once upon a time... With an obvious ending. A book for every child's shelf.
Beautiful fairy tail which naturally starts once upon a time... With an obvious ending. A book for every child's shelf.
September 30, 2023
Two world-beating creators combine in this picture book, which gives us… well, surprisingly little. It doesn't even feature an ogre – only a character that isn't one, as the title kind of gives us. Here is a Princess, who doesn't want to be one – rejecting the prim and proper look for shoeless, hatless galumphing and adventures, and storing critters under her bed that the servants hate. In her ideal world, they would be gone and her father, the King, would be much more attentive and present, oh – and her mother would still be alive. Can the non-ogre have any say in this?
It does look wonderful, however close-up you look at this, but the story kind of left me cold, not doing that much that seemed new, or bold, or re-readable. I mean yes it's certainly worth one look, but did it grab me? No. There was just as much pull to want to return to this as there was ogre. That being the only surprise here makes me feel that yes the young reader will engage with the girl's plight, but the fact the whole plot is "here's an ogre, no there's not, here's what's wrong, here's it put right, the end" is going to be too evident even to young minds.
It does look wonderful, however close-up you look at this, but the story kind of left me cold, not doing that much that seemed new, or bold, or re-readable. I mean yes it's certainly worth one look, but did it grab me? No. There was just as much pull to want to return to this as there was ogre. That being the only surprise here makes me feel that yes the young reader will engage with the girl's plight, but the fact the whole plot is "here's an ogre, no there's not, here's what's wrong, here's it put right, the end" is going to be too evident even to young minds.
May 17, 2025
In this faux fairytale, a motherless princess goes feral while her absent father tends to his kingdom. She stumbles upon a frog, which she mistakes for an ogre, and they supposedly become best friends even though she is never shown playing with the “ogre”—that is, unless dumping her troubles on her pet ogre is a form of play. Nonetheless, the ogre, which turns out to be a magical toad, grants her some wishes. In a character-revealing display of meanness, her wish to be rid of the servants is granted, frightening them so badly that they never return. Her father comes back with a new wife—not a mother, mind you—and the three of them live happily ever after in King Toad’s swamp with their new “creepy-crawly family.” The palace goes to ruin, as does the kingdom, where everyone goes shoeless, presumably. And what is the moral of this strange story? Woe unto the motherless child, who knows not herself or her rightful place in the family of things. Colorfully detailed illustrations are interesting and engaging but ultimately unredemptive.
September 1, 2023
The one-time children's Laureate has come up with another winner! The Ogre That Wasn't is the delightful story of a lonely young princess who finds consolation in spending time outdoors.
She does this against the instructions of the strict nanny, the major-domo and the gardener who have been left in charge of taking care of the palace (and her) since her mother's death. Meanwhile her bereaved father, the King, has departed for parts unknown elsewhere in the Kingdom.
But luckily, the princess comes up with a brilliant idea that may solve her problems, after she is helped by the tiny ogre she meets in her garden one day, and the other beasts and bugs who are her friends.
But why is the ogre so small...? Read this charming tale - with its absolutely lovely illustrations - to find out! I give it 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
She does this against the instructions of the strict nanny, the major-domo and the gardener who have been left in charge of taking care of the palace (and her) since her mother's death. Meanwhile her bereaved father, the King, has departed for parts unknown elsewhere in the Kingdom.
But luckily, the princess comes up with a brilliant idea that may solve her problems, after she is helped by the tiny ogre she meets in her garden one day, and the other beasts and bugs who are her friends.
But why is the ogre so small...? Read this charming tale - with its absolutely lovely illustrations - to find out! I give it 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2025
I'm prompted to write a review by the number of dismissive reviews I've seen here. Some adults say they find the plot difficult to follow and the overall message dubious. I don't agree.
I work in a library in inner London. I've read this book to a class of 28 children aged 5-6. I chose it for the imaginative story, the love for nature and being outdoors, and the beautiful illustrations. As I was reading, all the children leaned forward, listened intently and gazed at the pictures. At the end one of them exclaimed "I liked that book!" When I expressed the hope that they'd all enjoyed it, the whole class beamed at me, and shouted "yes!". I recommend this book without hesitation to anyone with children aged 3-7. It will easily bear re-reading.
I work in a library in inner London. I've read this book to a class of 28 children aged 5-6. I chose it for the imaginative story, the love for nature and being outdoors, and the beautiful illustrations. As I was reading, all the children leaned forward, listened intently and gazed at the pictures. At the end one of them exclaimed "I liked that book!" When I expressed the hope that they'd all enjoyed it, the whole class beamed at me, and shouted "yes!". I recommend this book without hesitation to anyone with children aged 3-7. It will easily bear re-reading.
September 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for this eCopy to review
The Ogre Who Wasn't was a charming tale about Princess Clara who has lost her mummy. She is very sad and lonely as her father is now not at home much. She makes friends with lots of insects and animals but the Palace staff do not like this and are very strict and cross with her all the time. The Ogre Who Wasn't helps the princess get rid of them all and for her father to come back home with a new mother for Clara so that they can be a family again
I loved the illustrations they are beautiful and it was quite moving that happiness can be found again
The Ogre Who Wasn't was a charming tale about Princess Clara who has lost her mummy. She is very sad and lonely as her father is now not at home much. She makes friends with lots of insects and animals but the Palace staff do not like this and are very strict and cross with her all the time. The Ogre Who Wasn't helps the princess get rid of them all and for her father to come back home with a new mother for Clara so that they can be a family again
I loved the illustrations they are beautiful and it was quite moving that happiness can be found again
November 20, 2023
A nice picture book with a fairytale feel to it about kindness and nature. I'm all for picture books which show children how to enjoy nature, creepy crawlies and that there is no need to be afraid of them.
The artwork was nice.
It was a good read but it didn't strike me as much as some other picture books have. I wasn't too sure about the storyline and what it wanted us to take away from the story as a reader.
The artwork was nice.
It was a good read but it didn't strike me as much as some other picture books have. I wasn't too sure about the storyline and what it wanted us to take away from the story as a reader.
March 19, 2025
I adore Emily Gravett, so that's a great starting point. I didn't realize this was a spin on the Frog Prince. Clara the princess can't stand finery and frippery and hates being ordered around by the servants. She keeps a tiny "ogre" in a fancy shoe and confides in him. Eventually he is able to help her out of her dilemmas in an innovative and fun way. Children will adore this and Clara the princess will become a subliminal role model for being able to change your circumstances. :-)
November 14, 2024
Cute newer fairy tale type story about a girl who loves nature and befriends a "ogre" who she keeps in her shoe. Then the "ogre" gets out and helps her with the mean bossy people who tell her to behave more like a girl. Was clever and kids who like fairy tales will enjoy. Another good older elementary read aloud.
May 8, 2025
Cute and fairytale-y! A little princess befriends a toad ("Ogre") who she tells all her feelings too after her mother passed away. The toad comes with a plan to do what he can to make her life a little easier. Darling illustrations--I love Emily Gravett-style froggies any day of the week!
October 29, 2024
Plot didn't hang together well for me, even if it had a cute ending.
November 22, 2024
Loved this book!
December 31, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded up. The illustrations are terrific, but the story and some of the implied messages are a bit of a letdown.
March 28, 2025
I adored the art. The story was good. I especially liked the theme that sometimes things that you think are one thing, can really be another.
December 28, 2025
Really beautiful illustrations
January 28, 2024
What a perfect pairing for a new classic fairytale in the making. Storyteller extraordinaire Michael Morpurgo and illustrator extraordinaire Emily Gravett. I am more than certain that both names will be familiar with our readers and in this collaboration, they bring us a classic story with a modern twist and let us see how incredibly talented they both are! You most likely think that you know all about fairytales, the ones that traditionally begin ‘Once Upon A Time…’ and then go on to tell us about a little girl in her red cloak or a snow queen, Jack and his beanstalk… The list could go on. But I want you to stop there. Right there where I did; for this ‘Once Upon A Time…’ tale is nothing like any of those stories. This one is new. It is fresh. It is funny and it will keep you guessing (and giggling) all the way through and beyond.
I suppose that I really should begin at the beginning and tell you how it all started but you might think that a little predictable, so I shall start by telling you about Princess Clara. She is missing her father, who also, just so happens to be the king. He keeps having to go away which means she is left in the castle with people who simply always tell her off. What she would love to do is go outside, make friends with the creatures that she finds out there… Can I go back to the beginning now because this is important to the story… Thank you. Let me introduce you to the very small ogre who lived in a shoe. Are you wondering why? Well, when Princess Clara was only five, she found the ogre in the palace gardens and she wanted him to have a home, so her shoe it was. Now, if you would like to get to know the ogre and the princess better; would like to find out if he is going to help make her dreams come true… This is the book for you.
I suppose that I really should begin at the beginning and tell you how it all started but you might think that a little predictable, so I shall start by telling you about Princess Clara. She is missing her father, who also, just so happens to be the king. He keeps having to go away which means she is left in the castle with people who simply always tell her off. What she would love to do is go outside, make friends with the creatures that she finds out there… Can I go back to the beginning now because this is important to the story… Thank you. Let me introduce you to the very small ogre who lived in a shoe. Are you wondering why? Well, when Princess Clara was only five, she found the ogre in the palace gardens and she wanted him to have a home, so her shoe it was. Now, if you would like to get to know the ogre and the princess better; would like to find out if he is going to help make her dreams come true… This is the book for you.
January 14, 2025
A girl who is lonely and grieving yet is also wild and free, who is independent in her own way through learning first hand from her experiences. A girl who stands up for herself and is gentle and kind. A girl who respects nature and takes care of the creatures she finds. A story of wisdom, freedom and hope.
The illustrations contained within this book are beautifully detailed, It was a pleasure to read this book.
The illustrations contained within this book are beautifully detailed, It was a pleasure to read this book.
May 7, 2024
nice
April 16, 2024
This was a super cute and silly book about a young princess and her pet ogre. I thought it was a darling story and it isn't something I would normally read, so I'm glad I picked it out and read it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews