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The Butterfly Lion
A British boy and a white lion cub form a bond in turn-of-the-century South Africa, and when years later, the now grown-up boy sees the lion's image on a circus poster, he vows to find his friend again.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
362 people are currently reading
3945 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
633 books3,043 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 - 30 of 887 reviews
May 21, 2019
After the success of War Horse my local theatre had an upcoming production of this Morpurgo classic.
Debating to get tickets for the show, I opted to read the book first.
Having run away from boarding school, young Michael meets an old lady who tells about a boy he’s age called Bertie who adopts a Lion in South Africa.
Like War Horse some of the story features The First World War.
What a wonderful tale!
I can see why they opted to also tell this story on stage, it has all the hallmarks of a great story that appeals to people of all ages...
The play was great too!
Debating to get tickets for the show, I opted to read the book first.
Having run away from boarding school, young Michael meets an old lady who tells about a boy he’s age called Bertie who adopts a Lion in South Africa.
Like War Horse some of the story features The First World War.
What a wonderful tale!
I can see why they opted to also tell this story on stage, it has all the hallmarks of a great story that appeals to people of all ages...
The play was great too!
July 23, 2012
Having read this way way back in the 1990's when i was making sure I knew the content of the books I was buying for my then young nephews and nieces this has since become a stock present for me to buy for people of all ages. I was trying to tot up the number of copies I have given, I stopped at 12.
It is, perhaps, my favourite Morpurgo which covers much the same familiar territory over which he often flys. It deals with loneliness and love, courage and success against all the odds and revolves around friendship, loyalty and, as is so often the case with Morpurgo, the backdrop is the Great War.
It is a story told in the first person by a young boy who runs away from his school lonely and sad and meets the old lady who relates the story of her husband from long before. He, a soldier in the 'Great war' and the relationship they formed and maintained with the small lion cub he had befriended in Africa and the twists and turns of their story ending with the outline of the lion cut out on the chalk hill above the house on which hundreds of butterflies land to take their nourishment. This sculpted lion thus shimmers and appears to breathe and becomes a beautiful memorial to love and fidelity and friendship encouraging, in the fullest sense of that word, the young school boy to go back to the place he fled.
The story is simply told but with a wonderful twist and is a marvelous hymn to friendhsip. Morpurgo has never written a lovelier story and the simple drawings of Christian Birmingham, an illustrator i love, really grace the whole thing.
It is, perhaps, my favourite Morpurgo which covers much the same familiar territory over which he often flys. It deals with loneliness and love, courage and success against all the odds and revolves around friendship, loyalty and, as is so often the case with Morpurgo, the backdrop is the Great War.
It is a story told in the first person by a young boy who runs away from his school lonely and sad and meets the old lady who relates the story of her husband from long before. He, a soldier in the 'Great war' and the relationship they formed and maintained with the small lion cub he had befriended in Africa and the twists and turns of their story ending with the outline of the lion cut out on the chalk hill above the house on which hundreds of butterflies land to take their nourishment. This sculpted lion thus shimmers and appears to breathe and becomes a beautiful memorial to love and fidelity and friendship encouraging, in the fullest sense of that word, the young school boy to go back to the place he fled.
The story is simply told but with a wonderful twist and is a marvelous hymn to friendhsip. Morpurgo has never written a lovelier story and the simple drawings of Christian Birmingham, an illustrator i love, really grace the whole thing.
September 28, 2023
A beautiful story of a young boy’s experience when he runs away from a school he hates. Vivid story-telling transports you to Africa and back. An extremely moving tale of help comes to you from mysterious sources when you need it.
Made me smile and cry!
Made me smile and cry!
August 23, 2022
Michael Morpurgo appeared on the map for me after I first saw the movie and then read the book War Horse. Eventually, I came across this gem of an edition.
The story is that of a boy, Michael, running away from boarding school and meeting an old woman who tells him of another young boy, Bertie, who had once done the same.
Bertie had grown up in South Africa and one day found and saved a white lion cub. The book, I was happy to discover, takes its time showing us Bertie's life in Africa, how lonely he was, and then how his friendship with the lion blossomed and he learned about companionship.
Eventually, Bertie had to return to England to attend a boarding school, and the lion - not deemed fit to survive in the wild on its own - was sold to a circus.
This, in and of itself, would be heartbreaking and infuriating. But knowing how much the two cared about one another just made it worse (or better, from a storyteller's point of view).
How the story of the two ends, how the old woman comes to know of it, and how all of it ties back into WW1, you'll have to discover for yourselves.
Morpurgo is really good at telling stories of friendships between children and animals, often while also telling of war. The contrast of loneliness and companionship, of the horrors of war and the joys of love and friendship are, in my opinion, what make his stories stick.
Also, Christian Birmingham did a fantastic job with the illustrations here. Some are black-and-white and kinda frame the text, others are full-colour illustrations that sometimes even span double-pages.
All in all a very worthy 25th-anniversary edition and I'm really glad I've read this story.
The story is that of a boy, Michael, running away from boarding school and meeting an old woman who tells him of another young boy, Bertie, who had once done the same.
Bertie had grown up in South Africa and one day found and saved a white lion cub. The book, I was happy to discover, takes its time showing us Bertie's life in Africa, how lonely he was, and then how his friendship with the lion blossomed and he learned about companionship.
Eventually, Bertie had to return to England to attend a boarding school, and the lion - not deemed fit to survive in the wild on its own - was sold to a circus.
This, in and of itself, would be heartbreaking and infuriating. But knowing how much the two cared about one another just made it worse (or better, from a storyteller's point of view).
How the story of the two ends, how the old woman comes to know of it, and how all of it ties back into WW1, you'll have to discover for yourselves.
Morpurgo is really good at telling stories of friendships between children and animals, often while also telling of war. The contrast of loneliness and companionship, of the horrors of war and the joys of love and friendship are, in my opinion, what make his stories stick.
Also, Christian Birmingham did a fantastic job with the illustrations here. Some are black-and-white and kinda frame the text, others are full-colour illustrations that sometimes even span double-pages.
All in all a very worthy 25th-anniversary edition and I'm really glad I've read this story.
December 2, 2012
The Butterfly Lion is a heart warming yet bitter-sweet story. Bertie is a lonely little boy in South Africa who one day adopts an orphaned white lion cub, who then becomes his best friend.
They have a wonderful companionship but things take a turn for the worst when Bertie is sent to boarding school in England and his father sells the cub to a French circus owner. Their separation is heart breaking, however Bertie promises to find him again. Years later and now a soldier in France during WWI, he sees a poster for a circus with a white lion on it and he succeeds in tracking him down. Low and behold it is his white lion and he brings him back to England. When the lion dies, Bertie and his wife create the Butterfly Lion to always remember him by.
This book is a short novel in fairly large print with charming illustrations that is suitable for readers of all ages. It is written clearly and is very engaging throughout and manages to convey to the reader the issues of love and belonging, loyalty and friendship, and even the terrors and hardships during the First World War. This is a book which I found in the library corner of my year 2 class and as an animal lover it really appealed to me. When reading it, it reminded me of a film I have seen recently, 'War Horse'. I would recommend it as a class 'story time' book for years 2 and 3, and as a reading for pleasure book for years 4-6.
They have a wonderful companionship but things take a turn for the worst when Bertie is sent to boarding school in England and his father sells the cub to a French circus owner. Their separation is heart breaking, however Bertie promises to find him again. Years later and now a soldier in France during WWI, he sees a poster for a circus with a white lion on it and he succeeds in tracking him down. Low and behold it is his white lion and he brings him back to England. When the lion dies, Bertie and his wife create the Butterfly Lion to always remember him by.
This book is a short novel in fairly large print with charming illustrations that is suitable for readers of all ages. It is written clearly and is very engaging throughout and manages to convey to the reader the issues of love and belonging, loyalty and friendship, and even the terrors and hardships during the First World War. This is a book which I found in the library corner of my year 2 class and as an animal lover it really appealed to me. When reading it, it reminded me of a film I have seen recently, 'War Horse'. I would recommend it as a class 'story time' book for years 2 and 3, and as a reading for pleasure book for years 4-6.
October 30, 2022
Wow, this was.
Sad?
Heartbraking?
Despairing?
Emotional
"This lion can be all the brothers and sisters he wants"
"We cant keep a lion in the house!"
"Why?, it not like will ever get any children will we?"
Ok, that's depr3ssing...
No honestly.
Idk why I gave this 3/5
My heart and instict told me to.
But I was really nice, the story, I mean.
Emotional
"This lion can be all the brothers and sisters he wants"
"We cant keep a lion in the house!"
"Why?, it not like will ever get any children will we?"
Ok, that's depr3ssing...
No honestly.
Idk why I gave this 3/5
My heart and instict told me to.
But I was really nice, the story, I mean.
December 18, 2020
A very short, but almost magical story. A bit sad... Reading it you are under the impression of being in a magical land.
I fell in love with the little white lion. And I was sad to discover the thread of the story. But, in the end, this is how life is: every being is born, leavs and dies. The cycle of life...
I recommend this short novel from the bottom of my heart.
I fell in love with the little white lion. And I was sad to discover the thread of the story. But, in the end, this is how life is: every being is born, leavs and dies. The cycle of life...
I recommend this short novel from the bottom of my heart.
February 19, 2008
Very sad (should have come with a free packet of tissues!!)
February 21, 2024
Michael Morpurgo is a renowned author who has penned many books, often featuring animals and the themes of conservation, and most of these are, I believe, suitable for a younger audience.
This was one of my favourite books as a child and the story is just as heartbreaking and beautiful to me, as an adult reader. The story of the butterfly lion takes place across continents, generations, and wars. Every page had a message to deliver to the reader or a reason to move their emotions in such a way, although a heavy-handed approach was never necessary with Morpurgo's skilful execution. The ending was so different to what usually occurs inside of a children's story - a happy ever after - and it shocked me just as much as an adult reader familiar with the story as it did a child, to be denied what it felt like was promised throughout. It ensured the book's power never ended and this a story whose contents will continue on with me, and prompt a return to it in the no-doubt near future.
This was one of my favourite books as a child and the story is just as heartbreaking and beautiful to me, as an adult reader. The story of the butterfly lion takes place across continents, generations, and wars. Every page had a message to deliver to the reader or a reason to move their emotions in such a way, although a heavy-handed approach was never necessary with Morpurgo's skilful execution. The ending was so different to what usually occurs inside of a children's story - a happy ever after - and it shocked me just as much as an adult reader familiar with the story as it did a child, to be denied what it felt like was promised throughout. It ensured the book's power never ended and this a story whose contents will continue on with me, and prompt a return to it in the no-doubt near future.
October 13, 2019
Oh my word, what a gorgeous, beautiful, breathtaking story. Finished reading this to Cullen and I had to swallow a lump in my throat so I wouldn't burst into tears (good tears, not bad tears). He wouldn't have understood... :)
My only question (his question, actually)... how did Millie drive him back to school then? (any answers appreciated ;) )
My only question (his question, actually)... how did Millie drive him back to school then? (any answers appreciated ;) )
August 22, 2013
The Butterfly Lion is a story about a boy who runs away from and meets an old lady in his way. The lady proceeds to tell him about the story of her husband and his pet white lion. The story explores the childhood of Bertie in Africa, his move to Britain, his friendship with Millie as well as his participation in World War Two. I feel that this book is very effective in introducing the serious emotions that children may experience. The hint at the depression of Bertie's mum is explored through a child's eyes, seeing his mum unhappy, inactive and experiencing mood swings. I feel that Bertie's deduction that whilst he wants to help his mother he can only do so much as a child. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the war. As a history degree graduate, I love any book that attempts to incite an interest in history from children and I think this book does this perfectly. Overall, this is a wonderful story about friendship, love and overcoming loss. This book is suitable for key stage 2 children as, whilst the language in the book is simple and the story is uncomplicated, I feel that the emotions that Bertie experiences can be better understand by slightly older children. A definite must read for children.
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars.
Nice kids' book. But at times felt overloaded with emotional downpour.
Nice kids' book. But at times felt overloaded with emotional downpour.
June 16, 2025
pretty sure I alr wrote review abt this but oh well
March 7, 2020
O carte emoționantă, ca un basm!
October 9, 2019
Novels – Extended diary entry
The Butterfly Lion
"All my life I'll think of you, I promise I will. I won't ever forget you."
Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but the butterfly lion ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.
This is such a beautiful story. There is such a poetic structure to it. I listened to the Butterfly lion as an audio book and found it very moving. I thought of year five, when I was listening and how it could link into ww2. I felt that it would be particularly beneficial if the children could experience the audiobook version. There are so many benefits from listening to a story in any format, from developing listening skills and quite concentration to fostering imagination and visualization techniques. All of these skills are thought to develop reading comprehension. However, for me, audio versions take this again to another level. Having a skilled narrator telling the story,especially if it's the author themselves,as michael Morpurgo does.Can help a child understand ,punctuation,enunciation and bring out the meaning of the text. It is wonderful to hear from different character perspectives. The language and accents,transport you into the story, also,helping the listener appreciate unfamiliar accents and dialects.Although you may need hard copies for the children to refer to when engaging them in tasks.
The Butterfly Lion transports the reader/listener to two very different continents and several different stages in time. It takes you on a rich journey of adventure,loneliness,loss,sadness,hope,love,friendship,determination and joy.
There are many teaching opportunities to use with this novel.
English
Diary entry i.e For Berite looking out into the African bush and seeing the tiger for the very first time or his first night alone in the boarding school so very far away from anything he was familiar with. You could also consider Lilly’s perspective, when she met Bertie or when he went away to fight in the war.
Should animals be used in circuses? Discuss with the person next to you. Write a letter of persuasion 1. if you think they should why or 2. if you think they shouldnt then why?
DT
Design and make a kite
Making African and British food. Are they similar? different why? would it have changed what they ate then and now why?
Maths
Make a list of the animals named in the book. Can you use a Venn diagram or Carroll diagram to sort them into different groups?
You could conduct a survey to find out your friends favourite animals and show the results in different types of table / graph?
Science
Make a list of the animals named in the book. What can you find out about them? Can you identify what they eat, their habitats, how they are adapted to live there etc?
Geography
What can you find out about Africa and about continents. Do you know what continent Britain is in?
Try to research the place 'Timbavati', where Bertie was born. What is the environment like there? Who lives there? What is there to do in the local area? How is it similar / different to where you were born?
Bertie wanted to run away from his boarding school in Wiltshire to London. On a map can you find Wiltshire? London?
History
Create a timeline showing the events of each character in the story.
Find out the main events of World War I.
Research the 'Victoria Cross'. Why was it given to people? Who received it?
Art
Can you create a picture of the butterfly lion on the hill using different mediums?
PSHE
The Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity. Can you find out more about the work that it does? Could you plan and carry out some fundraising activities to support it?
Basher Beaumont terrorises and torments the boy at boarding school. Discuss bullying and how we can help people who are affected.
Millie uses the phrase 'Everything comes to he who waits'. What does this mean? Can you find out any more famous phrases? i.e draw a line under it etc
Computing
Make a video retelling the story.
The Butterfly Lion
"All my life I'll think of you, I promise I will. I won't ever forget you."
Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but the butterfly lion ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.
This is such a beautiful story. There is such a poetic structure to it. I listened to the Butterfly lion as an audio book and found it very moving. I thought of year five, when I was listening and how it could link into ww2. I felt that it would be particularly beneficial if the children could experience the audiobook version. There are so many benefits from listening to a story in any format, from developing listening skills and quite concentration to fostering imagination and visualization techniques. All of these skills are thought to develop reading comprehension. However, for me, audio versions take this again to another level. Having a skilled narrator telling the story,especially if it's the author themselves,as michael Morpurgo does.Can help a child understand ,punctuation,enunciation and bring out the meaning of the text. It is wonderful to hear from different character perspectives. The language and accents,transport you into the story, also,helping the listener appreciate unfamiliar accents and dialects.Although you may need hard copies for the children to refer to when engaging them in tasks.
The Butterfly Lion transports the reader/listener to two very different continents and several different stages in time. It takes you on a rich journey of adventure,loneliness,loss,sadness,hope,love,friendship,determination and joy.
There are many teaching opportunities to use with this novel.
English
Diary entry i.e For Berite looking out into the African bush and seeing the tiger for the very first time or his first night alone in the boarding school so very far away from anything he was familiar with. You could also consider Lilly’s perspective, when she met Bertie or when he went away to fight in the war.
Should animals be used in circuses? Discuss with the person next to you. Write a letter of persuasion 1. if you think they should why or 2. if you think they shouldnt then why?
DT
Design and make a kite
Making African and British food. Are they similar? different why? would it have changed what they ate then and now why?
Maths
Make a list of the animals named in the book. Can you use a Venn diagram or Carroll diagram to sort them into different groups?
You could conduct a survey to find out your friends favourite animals and show the results in different types of table / graph?
Science
Make a list of the animals named in the book. What can you find out about them? Can you identify what they eat, their habitats, how they are adapted to live there etc?
Geography
What can you find out about Africa and about continents. Do you know what continent Britain is in?
Try to research the place 'Timbavati', where Bertie was born. What is the environment like there? Who lives there? What is there to do in the local area? How is it similar / different to where you were born?
Bertie wanted to run away from his boarding school in Wiltshire to London. On a map can you find Wiltshire? London?
History
Create a timeline showing the events of each character in the story.
Find out the main events of World War I.
Research the 'Victoria Cross'. Why was it given to people? Who received it?
Art
Can you create a picture of the butterfly lion on the hill using different mediums?
PSHE
The Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity. Can you find out more about the work that it does? Could you plan and carry out some fundraising activities to support it?
Basher Beaumont terrorises and torments the boy at boarding school. Discuss bullying and how we can help people who are affected.
Millie uses the phrase 'Everything comes to he who waits'. What does this mean? Can you find out any more famous phrases? i.e draw a line under it etc
Computing
Make a video retelling the story.
November 19, 2025
This one was sweet and definitely made me want to read it again to see if I missed anything.
This story covers love, loneliness, and friendship in such a unique way. And having a lion in it made it even more interesting. For a middle grade novel, I think it's simple enough but packs a nice theme in there that could either be for general reading or analyzing if you are a literature lover like me. Aliteration not intended, but hey, why not??
I want to read the rest of Michael's books now, since I was reading many reviews of people who followed his work when they were kids. I had never heard of him! Maybe I saw it in passing, but I don't think he came across my radar.
Regardless, very sweet read.
Three out of five stars.
This story covers love, loneliness, and friendship in such a unique way. And having a lion in it made it even more interesting. For a middle grade novel, I think it's simple enough but packs a nice theme in there that could either be for general reading or analyzing if you are a literature lover like me. Aliteration not intended, but hey, why not??
I want to read the rest of Michael's books now, since I was reading many reviews of people who followed his work when they were kids. I had never heard of him! Maybe I saw it in passing, but I don't think he came across my radar.
Regardless, very sweet read.
Three out of five stars.
March 12, 2025
such a quick and fun read, nostalgic and interesting! i read this book in primary school such a long time ago, and i seem to be really into reading nostalgic children’s books at the moment, and i couldn’t be happier!!
July 31, 2022
Beautiful story my favourite as a child.
September 28, 2015
One of my favourite Michael Morpurgo books. It is a small book and so would be great for children who sometimes can feel intimidated by the amount of pages in a book. It tells the story of a boy who runs away from school and meets an old lady who tells him the story of her husband and his pet lion cub. The character of the boy mirrors that of the husband Bertie as they both run way and have to deal with loneliness. Both find friendship when they most need it, Bertie in the cub and the boy in the old lady. During the reading of the book there was the puzzle of whether or not the lion seen from the window by the boy and the old lady is real - is it to be a magical fantasy book? It turns out that is not the case and that it is an actual real force of nature, though the twist at the end ( I don't want to spoil it for you) makes you question this yet again. The book is full of descriptive writing and emotion that pulls you into the book and allows you to feel like you are actually there. The main themes touched on are loneliness, hope, loss and friendship. The inclusion of the war adds a touch of history and would interest boys if they can get past the front cover. I especially like the relationship between the old lady and the boy which is both polite and respectful - very refreshing in todays age.
April 4, 2012
I real page turner, no cheap tricks just quality writing, found between the pages of this book is sanctuary to absorb ones-self into and feel a warm, happy glow exude from its pages. Michael Morpurgo arranges his words in a way that really flow, yet he doesn't avoid more (appropriately) complex vocabulary making it ideal for children of moderate ability from age 7/8 up to adults of 78 years and older! I found it particularly popular with the boys, given it's themes of boarding school; wild outback country; tree climbing; and war.
The protagonist of the story is a young boy who is well characterised by Morpurgo allowing the reader to get on board and feel the emotions of the character. However, he is carefully ambiguous enough to allow a wide verity of readers to identify directly with him.
The tale follows the young boy who meets a number of people, the most important of which is an old lady who tells the boy a story of her (and her husbands) life, this is where the lion also comes in to it.
While I wouldn't say this is an exciting book is covers a lot of exciting issues and keeps readers with a variety of interest hooked.
I love this book, well done again Michael Morpurgo.
The protagonist of the story is a young boy who is well characterised by Morpurgo allowing the reader to get on board and feel the emotions of the character. However, he is carefully ambiguous enough to allow a wide verity of readers to identify directly with him.
The tale follows the young boy who meets a number of people, the most important of which is an old lady who tells the boy a story of her (and her husbands) life, this is where the lion also comes in to it.
While I wouldn't say this is an exciting book is covers a lot of exciting issues and keeps readers with a variety of interest hooked.
I love this book, well done again Michael Morpurgo.
August 30, 2016
I thought it was well - written...for a classic,I mean. It flowed nicely,too and was a pleasure to read. It had many great life lessons.
'It may be difficult to remember sometimes,but there's always sun behind the clouds,and the clouds do go in the end. Honestly.'
I liked how I was surrounded by the refreshing sights,sounds and smells of nature while reading it. The way classics always do to me anyway.
However,I did have some issues that I've also had with some other classics I've read. It's that some points,they get really unrealistic,like out of common sense.
The book taught me how sometimes just remembering your loved ones can be an eternal gift.
'It may be difficult to remember sometimes,but there's always sun behind the clouds,and the clouds do go in the end. Honestly.'
I liked how I was surrounded by the refreshing sights,sounds and smells of nature while reading it. The way classics always do to me anyway.
However,I did have some issues that I've also had with some other classics I've read. It's that some points,they get really unrealistic,like out of common sense.
The book taught me how sometimes just remembering your loved ones can be an eternal gift.
February 20, 2011
This book is an extremely good book and touching. It tells the story of a boy, who runs away from school and meets an old lady called Milly. She tells him a wonderful story about a boy called Bertie, who finds a white lion cub in Africa. Bertie has to go to boarding school in England and the lion cub is sold to a French circus man.
Many years later, Bertie becomes a soldier and when he goes to France, he sees the white lion again. He takes it to England and looks after it. When , the old lady finishes her story by telling the boy that Bertie carved a lion out of chalk. The book ends up in a magical way, but now I am not going to tell you, so you have to read this book and find the ending out!
Many years later, Bertie becomes a soldier and when he goes to France, he sees the white lion again. He takes it to England and looks after it. When , the old lady finishes her story by telling the boy that Bertie carved a lion out of chalk. The book ends up in a magical way, but now I am not going to tell you, so you have to read this book and find the ending out!
August 8, 2011
An enchanting tale from Michael Morpurgo, it is an easy read and is aimed at the younger reader. The story is about a young boy who grows up in Africa and rescues a White lion, they grow up together and one day the bonds are broken when the boy has to go away to boarding school and the lion is sold. A vow is made that the lion will never be forgotten and will be found again.Then the first world war rears its ugly head and the boy now a man has to go and fight in France, Does he remember his vow to the lion ? Yes he does and the adventure continues, a heartwarming tale which jumps from the present to the past effortlessly.
March 16, 2023
**Warning: this review may have spoilers** It wasn't my type the start was good but after it got boring. It just didn't explain that much like when it said the lion was going to the circus it didn't tell you what he had done there.There was also a giant leap from when they were kids to when they were adults. It was also sad 😢 for the lion. They told loads of story's which got quite boring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2021
If I could give it 100 stars I would! My favourite character was the butterfly lion. It was actually quite tragic but it did have a happily ever after. I liked that it was set in the past and there were three stories that were being told.
October 11, 2022
Eine herzberührende Geschichte, die leider etwas zu kitschig ist.
July 18, 2025
(Reread)
Michael escapes from boarding school and meets a strange old lady.
The strange old lady tells Michael how she met her late husband, Bertie and how he found the white lion cub in Africa.
Young Bertie goes to boarding school in England and the white lion is being sold to a French circus. Years gone by and finally Bertie sees his old friend, the White Prince again. It's like there were never 13 years apart. As a memorial to the lion, Bertie and Millie dig out a large lion in the chalk on the hill. Little butterflies come to drink and so the Butterfly Lion was born.
This book was a favorite when I was a child, and it still warms my heart 🤍💙
Michael escapes from boarding school and meets a strange old lady.
The strange old lady tells Michael how she met her late husband, Bertie and how he found the white lion cub in Africa.
Young Bertie goes to boarding school in England and the white lion is being sold to a French circus. Years gone by and finally Bertie sees his old friend, the White Prince again. It's like there were never 13 years apart. As a memorial to the lion, Bertie and Millie dig out a large lion in the chalk on the hill. Little butterflies come to drink and so the Butterfly Lion was born.
This book was a favorite when I was a child, and it still warms my heart 🤍💙
February 8, 2021
It is for children so therefore it is written in a very basic style...but the depth of story for such a short piece, 125 pages...was fantastic. Of course it was also a little far-fetched...but the story was simply delightful. reminded me of the book my children had about a little elephant that they read over and over. The one thing that bothered me was HOW the little cub came to be with the boy...but at least they didn't go out and capture it and they did show some responsibility. Once I got by that part I caught myself smiling throughout the hour it took me to complete it.
July 27, 2024
Decided to read this on a whim tonight because I remembered studying it in primary school and loving it. Such a nostalgic read and a beautiful story of love, courage and determination. Morpurgo is a master of creating heartfelt stories that stick with you.
4 stars
4 stars
July 10, 2019
Gosh! What a lovely little story
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