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Running Wild: A heart-warming jungle adventure story for children
Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse and the nation’s favourite storyteller.
An epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from the bestselling author of Kaspar and Born to Run.
For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn't just a holiday. It's an escape, a new start, a chance to put things behind them - things like the death of Will's father.
And to begin with, it seems to be just what they both needed. But then Oona, the elephant Will is riding on the beach, begins acting strangely, shying away from the sea. And that's when the tsunami comes crashing in, and Oona begins to run. Except that when the tsunami is gone, Oona just keeps on running.
With nothing on his back but a shirt and nothing to sustain him but a bottle of water, Will must learn to survive deep in the jungle. Luckily, though, he's not completely alone…
He's got Oona.
An epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from the bestselling author of Kaspar and Born to Run.
For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn't just a holiday. It's an escape, a new start, a chance to put things behind them - things like the death of Will's father.
And to begin with, it seems to be just what they both needed. But then Oona, the elephant Will is riding on the beach, begins acting strangely, shying away from the sea. And that's when the tsunami comes crashing in, and Oona begins to run. Except that when the tsunami is gone, Oona just keeps on running.
With nothing on his back but a shirt and nothing to sustain him but a bottle of water, Will must learn to survive deep in the jungle. Luckily, though, he's not completely alone…
He's got Oona.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
199 people are currently reading
2199 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
626 books2,991 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 391 reviews
July 14, 2021
I read this book as a child and I absolutely loved it! I don’t actually remember much about it so maybe I’ll give it a reread!
July 16, 2012
A great story about a boy, and how an elephant saves the boy's life from terrible disasters. I could always visualizing what happened. The author, Michael Morpurgo, was very descriptive in this story. I was very surprised by the end, but I loved the end just as it was. I laughed out loud many many times in this story, as well as cried one or two times.
The relantionship that Will, the boy, and Oona, the elephant, had was incredible. They were like best friends, and when they got seprated they always found their ways back to each other with much effort. I really wanted to be with Will and Oona through their journeys. After I finsihed the book, I missed Oona and Will.
This story somewhat changed the way I look at life. Their are many struggles, but with friends and family you can and will make it.
I also loved Charlie, Tonk, and Bart. They depened on Will, and Will was always there for them. He helped them through every moment of there struggles.
The Other One, after you read the book, you will know exactly who this is, turned out to save their lives. The Other One lead them to safety and away from the fires.
The whole book is great! I absolutely reccomend it to all readers!
The relantionship that Will, the boy, and Oona, the elephant, had was incredible. They were like best friends, and when they got seprated they always found their ways back to each other with much effort. I really wanted to be with Will and Oona through their journeys. After I finsihed the book, I missed Oona and Will.
This story somewhat changed the way I look at life. Their are many struggles, but with friends and family you can and will make it.
I also loved Charlie, Tonk, and Bart. They depened on Will, and Will was always there for them. He helped them through every moment of there struggles.
The Other One, after you read the book, you will know exactly who this is, turned out to save their lives. The Other One lead them to safety and away from the fires.
The whole book is great! I absolutely reccomend it to all readers!
August 11, 2011
In fairness I read a proof copy of this but the only way it could have been improved since is if it was put in a shredder. It couldn't be worse if Dan Brown rewrote it. It's just absolutely awful. I'm sorry about that, but it is. I feel bad leaving a review like this, and I tried very hard to find something positive about it, but I couldn't. All I could think was that the publisher has a cheek...
Essentially there was something wrong on every page - from where a boy hasn't eaten for a couple of days and then he stuffs his face with figs but then doesn't die of dehydration from the diarrhea that would have resulted - to the worst confrontation scene I've ever come across.
If you want to read a good book about a boy in the jungle hanging out with the animals then I suggest The Jungle Book by Kipling.
Essentially there was something wrong on every page - from where a boy hasn't eaten for a couple of days and then he stuffs his face with figs but then doesn't die of dehydration from the diarrhea that would have resulted - to the worst confrontation scene I've ever come across.
If you want to read a good book about a boy in the jungle hanging out with the animals then I suggest The Jungle Book by Kipling.
September 12, 2015
I adored this! I wasn't expecting to be so drawn into it as I was. Such a beautifully written book, not just for kids, but for everyone that wants to be inspired by true friendship and kindness.
April 11, 2019
Running wild is a children’s adventure fiction novel. In this novel the story of a young boy named Will is told through captivating chapters. The emotion throughout the novel is strong and the narrative holds deeper conceptual meanings.
Will and his mother are on a trip to Indonesia, Will is living out his dream of rising an elephant, when suddenly they become separated(by the elephant) in an urgent commotion. The boxing day tsunami was coming. Oona, the elephant saved Wills life from a terrible disaster, and continues to do so throughout the narrative. With the rich, vivid adjectives the visualisation of each event Will encounters is unexplainable.
This novel made me laugh and cry from start to finish. I was truly captivated and unable to put it down. The approachable manner in which this is achieved, through the eyes of nine-year-old Will means this book, although will have differing effects on each audience member, is accessible for KS2 pupils and above.
The relationship that Will, the boy, and Oona, the elephant, had was incredible. When Will and Oona got separated they always found their ways back to each other with much effort. The deeper conceptual deductions from their relationship can be taken beyond text level, and puts your own relationships, and our relationship with the animals on this planet into perspective. There are many struggles in our own lives, but with friends and family you can and will make it- just live Oona and Will (eventually) did.
As the book progresses, it tackles issues of poaching, deforestation, loss and despair and teaches young readers the basics of what is happening to our rainforests and its creatures.
There are limitless opportunities for using this book in the classroom, for example:
English: In my SBT1 class, this book was used to assist pupils in writing persuasive pieces to stop deforestation for palm oil- pupils were captivated and passionate due to their intense emotional response to Wills story. Additionally, this novel would prove engaging should you stop just before the ending and allow pupils to continue the narrative and write their own ending(or do the same at any point of the book).
Science: A conceptual introduction to natural disasters and their human effects. A conceptual introduction to human disasters(deforestation for business) and their effects on humans, habitats, global warming and animals.
PSHE: Sections of the book could provide for good discussion topics- requiring pupils to deduct deeper meanings behind Wills feelings and relate this to their own experiences. Pupils can then share and discuss with peers.
Geography: This novel provides deep description and context for rainforest topics. Pupils would be better able to imagine the different layers of the rainforest, understanding the different animals and their struggles. Pupils could use self-chosen extracts of the book to add vivid description to rainforest work/projects.
Drama: Due to the emotive, vivid language pupils will have every enthusiasm to act out any element of this narrative. The characterisation modelled will ensure pupils can fully take on characters and paint a full picture of their traits. Hot seating from this book was observed on SBT1 and pupils responses to ‘how might ___ character be feeling in this section’ were in depth and well placed to the characters specific traits- as pupils had so many examples to relate to.
Will and his mother are on a trip to Indonesia, Will is living out his dream of rising an elephant, when suddenly they become separated(by the elephant) in an urgent commotion. The boxing day tsunami was coming. Oona, the elephant saved Wills life from a terrible disaster, and continues to do so throughout the narrative. With the rich, vivid adjectives the visualisation of each event Will encounters is unexplainable.
This novel made me laugh and cry from start to finish. I was truly captivated and unable to put it down. The approachable manner in which this is achieved, through the eyes of nine-year-old Will means this book, although will have differing effects on each audience member, is accessible for KS2 pupils and above.
The relationship that Will, the boy, and Oona, the elephant, had was incredible. When Will and Oona got separated they always found their ways back to each other with much effort. The deeper conceptual deductions from their relationship can be taken beyond text level, and puts your own relationships, and our relationship with the animals on this planet into perspective. There are many struggles in our own lives, but with friends and family you can and will make it- just live Oona and Will (eventually) did.
As the book progresses, it tackles issues of poaching, deforestation, loss and despair and teaches young readers the basics of what is happening to our rainforests and its creatures.
There are limitless opportunities for using this book in the classroom, for example:
English: In my SBT1 class, this book was used to assist pupils in writing persuasive pieces to stop deforestation for palm oil- pupils were captivated and passionate due to their intense emotional response to Wills story. Additionally, this novel would prove engaging should you stop just before the ending and allow pupils to continue the narrative and write their own ending(or do the same at any point of the book).
Science: A conceptual introduction to natural disasters and their human effects. A conceptual introduction to human disasters(deforestation for business) and their effects on humans, habitats, global warming and animals.
PSHE: Sections of the book could provide for good discussion topics- requiring pupils to deduct deeper meanings behind Wills feelings and relate this to their own experiences. Pupils can then share and discuss with peers.
Geography: This novel provides deep description and context for rainforest topics. Pupils would be better able to imagine the different layers of the rainforest, understanding the different animals and their struggles. Pupils could use self-chosen extracts of the book to add vivid description to rainforest work/projects.
Drama: Due to the emotive, vivid language pupils will have every enthusiasm to act out any element of this narrative. The characterisation modelled will ensure pupils can fully take on characters and paint a full picture of their traits. Hot seating from this book was observed on SBT1 and pupils responses to ‘how might ___ character be feeling in this section’ were in depth and well placed to the characters specific traits- as pupils had so many examples to relate to.
November 12, 2014
Such a beautiful ,well written book.Really enjoyed it and it was quiet sad but was determined to finish it.This was the book that made me start reading actually and will definitely be buying my own copy.I recommend it to everyone.
October 5, 2021
Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down like I always do with books I like the elephant Oona and the monkey who follows them called 'other one' I also funny enough done the poem at school whilst I was reading this book. 😊👍👍👍👍👍 It definently desveres five stars! 🐘⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
read this when i was 10 but couldn’t leave it out of this list what a book
April 11, 2025
probably my favourite morpurgo book from when i was a kid 🐘
June 1, 2025
A another lovely story, mostly set in Indonesia.
April 11, 2021
I adored this! I wasn't expecting to be so drawn into it as I was. Such a beautifully written book, not just for kids, but for everyone that wants to be inspired by true friendship and kindness.
I couldn't put the book down because you felt like if you did then something would happen and you wouldn't see it. Running wild is a young adult novel based on events that have and are happening. As stated in the end it is a book that everyone in the world should know because its full of hope and determination.'
I couldn't put the book down because you felt like if you did then something would happen and you wouldn't see it. Running wild is a young adult novel based on events that have and are happening. As stated in the end it is a book that everyone in the world should know because its full of hope and determination.'
May 31, 2017
Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo Is a book about a boy named Will. Will has lost his father and is still recovering, to escape from all the sadness Will and his mom take a trip to Indonesia. The elephant, Oona, Will was riding starts moving away from the beach as if she was scared. Faster than Will is able to realize a tsunami comes crashing in and Oona begins to run towards the jungle. This book is a story about how Will has to survive in the jungle with nothing but his companion, Oona.
I really enjoy Michael Morpurgo's story lines, most of them are adventurous and emotional making his books good reads. I think his style of writing is also very descriptive making his books engaging and entertaining.
This book was recommended in class by a friend, She said she found the book emotional but said the start was uninteresting. I completely agree with both opinions, the start of the book was uninteresting as there was no action because all the characters were being introduced. However, Will's survival adds adventure and excitement to the book and the bond that Will creates with Oona is heart melting. Although it was quite sad I really enjoyed the thrill and mix of emotions in this book.
Overall I think this book is great and will leave readers in tears, I recommend this book to every age and every type of reader!
I really enjoy Michael Morpurgo's story lines, most of them are adventurous and emotional making his books good reads. I think his style of writing is also very descriptive making his books engaging and entertaining.
This book was recommended in class by a friend, She said she found the book emotional but said the start was uninteresting. I completely agree with both opinions, the start of the book was uninteresting as there was no action because all the characters were being introduced. However, Will's survival adds adventure and excitement to the book and the bond that Will creates with Oona is heart melting. Although it was quite sad I really enjoyed the thrill and mix of emotions in this book.
Overall I think this book is great and will leave readers in tears, I recommend this book to every age and every type of reader!
Read
August 16, 2012I always thought if I were ever going to have an animal for a best friend it would be a unicorn. That’s until I was introduced to Oona. The world’s most devoted, caring and intelligent Elephant, and the best friend Will could ask for.
I should probably warn you that this book is the tear jerker of all tear jerkers. If you’re a fan of Morpurgo then this will come as no surprise. The man sure does have a knack for dealing with sensitive subject matter. The issues dealt with in Running Wild are poignant and almost far too real; the Iraq war, deforestation, endangered animals, and 2004’s devastating Tsunami are all brought to life in this tale of one boy overcoming all the odds to survive.
The approachable manner in which this is achieved, through the eyes of nine year old Will, make it a truly remarkable read. Beautifully told and illustrated likewise, it is an absolute pleasure to read.
Read more here...
The Never-Ending Library is run by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd employees about the HarperCollins Publishers Ltd books that we have read and love.
I should probably warn you that this book is the tear jerker of all tear jerkers. If you’re a fan of Morpurgo then this will come as no surprise. The man sure does have a knack for dealing with sensitive subject matter. The issues dealt with in Running Wild are poignant and almost far too real; the Iraq war, deforestation, endangered animals, and 2004’s devastating Tsunami are all brought to life in this tale of one boy overcoming all the odds to survive.
The approachable manner in which this is achieved, through the eyes of nine year old Will, make it a truly remarkable read. Beautifully told and illustrated likewise, it is an absolute pleasure to read.
Read more here...
The Never-Ending Library is run by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd employees about the HarperCollins Publishers Ltd books that we have read and love.
September 5, 2011
I couldn't put the book down because you felt like if you did then something would happen and you wouldn't see it. It's an epic story of a boy who loses his mum because of a tidal wave on the beach, the only reason he is alive is because of one clever Elephant. He was having a ride when the Elephant went all strange and ran off, the boy doesn't know how to stop the Elephant and starts panicking. After a few days it dawns on him that he has lost his mum, as well as his dad. He starts to make friends with the Elephant and tries to communicate using some type of sign language, unfortunately the Elephant would only stop when it was hungry and tired. While in the woods the boy gets used to his surroundings and also makes friends with the animals.
He gets really ill and collapses, the Elephant takes him to a place to stay and he gets treated kindly. His grandparents get called and he has to start getting used to his life without his parents which is hard!
He gets really ill and collapses, the Elephant takes him to a place to stay and he gets treated kindly. His grandparents get called and he has to start getting used to his life without his parents which is hard!
April 9, 2015
Im an in love with this book! I usually don't like to read realistic fiction and find it boring or very descriptive about literally EVERYTHING. However, this book started off with a bang. Tragedy struck his life then instead of writing the whole book around the fact that that it happened (like I had thought it would) but it surprises you and the book comes back and slaps you across the face. Then, just as a sense of peace and tranquil comes over the characters, the book reaches out and slaps you in the face again. This book has kept me on my toes for every waking moment. I find myself racing towards it, bracing myself for the next slap. Reading this book is like dancing with a tiger, a continuous cycle of shocking moments, dodging, and gasping. I would defiantly recommend this book to everyone, even if you don't like this genre please read it. Thank you to Laura for recommending this book to me!
May 3, 2016
This book gets off to a beginning that grasps my attention and has a bittersweet ending. All based on a real event (Indian Boxing day tsunami Dec 26th 2004) which makes it sort of relatable because of hearing about other tsunamis on news websites and being able to connect to that.
It's relatable because when I first heard of the Japanese tsunami in 2011 I saw footage of it and to live through those kind of events it's horrible to see everything be washed away from you.
Overall a definite five star rating from me for such great description and being a relatable book.
It's relatable because when I first heard of the Japanese tsunami in 2011 I saw footage of it and to live through those kind of events it's horrible to see everything be washed away from you.
Overall a definite five star rating from me for such great description and being a relatable book.
June 29, 2017
It has information on the war in Iraq, deforestation, endagered species, and the connection of people to animals and nature, how they can heal a broken heart. Also, how small things can make one huge difference, and happiness is important.
It was beautifully written, very heart warming and sad. Of course, it's Murpurgo, I expected it to be sad.
I wanted to read this book for a really long time and had very high expectations, I wasn't dissapointed one little bit.
It was beautifully written, very heart warming and sad. Of course, it's Murpurgo, I expected it to be sad.
I wanted to read this book for a really long time and had very high expectations, I wasn't dissapointed one little bit.
October 29, 2018
This was one of my favourite books when I was younger. I’ve not read it in a long time but I remember the story quite vividly still. Michael Morpurgo really brought the book to life and i loved it. I will probably read it again sometime and when I do I will update the review.
September 21, 2012
This was so depressing. I read it to my kids and none of us liked it.
March 9, 2018
A fabulous story and I love Morpurgo's descriptive style. I found some parts a little slow to get going hence the rating. I did enjoy it though!
January 13, 2025
Very fun! Wow! This book is very nice when the boy survives in the jungle and the part of the tsunami and the boy makes friends in the jungle (monkeys, elephants and tigers.)
April 26, 2024
This was honestly such a fun read.
I love Michael Mopurgo and his books so much and I’ve read quite a few of them but I can say that this one is honestly my favourite. If I could read it for the first time again, I would.
It teaches you about tsunamis and deforestation as well as making you feel all sorts of emotions.
It’s about a boy named Will who is riding an elephant on a beach in Indonesia, but the elephant that he’s been riding has been acting very strange all day. Her name is Oona, and she starts to make a run from the sea; with Will riding her.
He realises that it’s a tsunami and he learns to survive in the jungle, meeting all sorts of new friends on the way. At the end of the novel, his grandparents come to pick him up (his mum drowned in the tsunami) and he doesn’t want to leave the jungle, or his new best friend, Oona.
The ending was really nice, with Will’s grandparents moving to a orangutang sanctuary in Indonesia and seeing Will and Oona from time to time. I felt really satisfied when I finished reading the book, and it even had lots of extra information at the end about deforestation, orangutangs and tsunamis!
Overall, I would definetely recommend reading this as it’s quite an easy read and it teaches you a lot.
I love Michael Mopurgo and his books so much and I’ve read quite a few of them but I can say that this one is honestly my favourite. If I could read it for the first time again, I would.
It teaches you about tsunamis and deforestation as well as making you feel all sorts of emotions.
It’s about a boy named Will who is riding an elephant on a beach in Indonesia, but the elephant that he’s been riding has been acting very strange all day. Her name is Oona, and she starts to make a run from the sea; with Will riding her.
He realises that it’s a tsunami and he learns to survive in the jungle, meeting all sorts of new friends on the way. At the end of the novel, his grandparents come to pick him up (his mum drowned in the tsunami) and he doesn’t want to leave the jungle, or his new best friend, Oona.
The ending was really nice, with Will’s grandparents moving to a orangutang sanctuary in Indonesia and seeing Will and Oona from time to time. I felt really satisfied when I finished reading the book, and it even had lots of extra information at the end about deforestation, orangutangs and tsunamis!
Overall, I would definetely recommend reading this as it’s quite an easy read and it teaches you a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
I read this book with my children. We all really enjoyed it and found the story very captivating. The context prompted some interesting discussions which made it a great one to read together. There was some challenging language so my 7 and 9 year olds may not have understood all of it had they read it independently. Some of the themes were very serious so I probably wouldn't recommend for younger children. My 9 year old got a lot more out of it that my 7 year old (who mainly enjoyed the bits where Oona farts 😆). A very well written. Perfect for reading as a family as it kept us all engaged throughout.
October 4, 2017
I swayed to the jungle rhythm reading this one. Fell in love with Oona, the tiger, and the orangutans. Though the plot was not completely gripping to me, I enjoyed how the author so creatively enmeshed tsunami, a lost boy, an empathetic elephant, and their wild stories of survival into a book. The illustrations added a meaningful depth to my reading. A good read!
March 30, 2020
A great book!
A story of true friendship that can save your life between boy and elephant! 🐘
Tugs at the heartstrings throughout the book💕
Never read a book with this type of storyline!
Shows how precious and alive the jungle truest is! 🐘🦧🐯
A story of true friendship that can save your life between boy and elephant! 🐘
Tugs at the heartstrings throughout the book💕
Never read a book with this type of storyline!
Shows how precious and alive the jungle truest is! 🐘🦧🐯
June 17, 2021
My favourite Morpurgo book hands down!I've read it so many times.
July 27, 2023
A really good story that I probably won't forget anytime soon. I'd definitely recommend it, Michael Morpurgo is a great writer.
October 15, 2023
Another MM book read to my 9yo son. We were both gripped. MM draws from various real events and people and comes up with another fantastic children's book.
January 29, 2025
This was a book that I would never normally have picked up in a million years - it was recommended to me by my mum, and when she tells me I need to read something, I listen.
Will’s story is one of resilience, grief, bravery, and a found family in a way he never would’ve expected. Apparently Running Wild was inspired by a true story, and the way Morpurgo writes definitely made me think Will was real. I felt every emotion he did, every moment of fear, every conflict going on in his mind. More than anything, this was a powerful read designed to make its reader sit up and listen to the world around them and what it’s trying to tell us.
Will’s story is one of resilience, grief, bravery, and a found family in a way he never would’ve expected. Apparently Running Wild was inspired by a true story, and the way Morpurgo writes definitely made me think Will was real. I felt every emotion he did, every moment of fear, every conflict going on in his mind. More than anything, this was a powerful read designed to make its reader sit up and listen to the world around them and what it’s trying to tell us.
April 29, 2020
This story was so enticing, and I totally loved it. Will and his mother go on a holiday in Indonesia to relax and have some fun, and that’s where it all starts. I don’t want to give too much away, but hen I was reading it I felt a mixture of lots of feelings. Sometimes it was sad, cute, funny, shocking, pleasant or surprising. And I was encouraged even more to read it - I actually found this out at the very end, but anyway - because it is a true story. What’s more, Micheal Morpurgo is the grandfather of the main character in the story! He wrote it in the perspective of his grandson, and that makes it even more realistic. I would rate this book even more than 5 stars if I could, and recommend it to anyone aged 9-12.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews