The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips

by Michael Morpurgo

Set in 1943 England, this novel tells the story of a 12-year-old girl assisted by two American soldiers in her search for her adored cat, Adolphus Tips, who has disappeared behind the Allies' restricted practice areas to give birth.

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

192 pages, Paperback

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.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful tale from Michael Morpurgo - I didn’t realise this one was also set during WW2 & follows the trials of a family when their home is requisitioned. Packing the usual Morpurgo emotional punch it was nevertheless a lovely uplifting read.

[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

[Kim · 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.

[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.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a Michael Morpurgo book when I was a kid. It was aimed at older readers than Adolphus Tips, and I remember really enjoying it, although I can't for the life of me remember what it was called. That's what made me want to pick up some more of Morpurgo's books.

Although this book is aimed at primary school children, that doesn't take away from how lovely and emotional the story is. Set during World War II, it follows Lily and her family as they are forced to leave their seaside village because it's being used as a training ground for the D-Day landings. As they're evacuating, Lily's beloved cat, Tips, goes missing. Refusing to give up on her, Lily keeps sneaking back into the deserted village to search for her, where she encounters some friendly American soldiers who promise to help.

One thing I found particularly fascinating was learning that entire villages were evacuated so they could be used for military training ahead of D-Day. I'd never heard about this before, so it was a really interesting piece of history alongside the main story.

I completely understood where Lily was coming from. There is no way I would have given up looking for my cat in that situation. I was also reminded how different attitudes towards animals were at the time. The references to drowning unwanted kittens were heart-breaking, and I'm very glad that's something that would rightly be considered animal cruelty today.

But this isn't just a story about a little girl searching for her cat. It's also about the impact of war on ordinary people. It captures the uncertainty, fear and loss that families lived with every day, never knowing whether the next telegram would bring devastating news. It also shines a light on the young American soldiers, thousands of miles from home, helping a country that wasn't their own while undoubtedly dealing with homesickness and loneliness themselves.

I really liked how the story ended. Lily eventually got the happy ending she had been hoping for, even if it took a lifetime to reach it. It was a touching conclusion to a gentle but surprisingly powerful story.

A beautiful story about love, loss and hope that I think readers of any age could appreciate.

[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.

[Serena Shannon (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♡

[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.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

My step-daughter gifted this to me last Christmas. She had read it years before, so her thought was that I would like it. 'Plus it's short, so you can read it fast to increase your numbers on "that website thing you use"'
The focus of the story was a young girl growing up during wartime. Most of her interactions were common 10 year old girl events, but the history was in the background. A history I had learned in classes and war-gaming sources, but the accuracy was spot on though it was background level dealings.

[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 !