What do you think?
Rate this book
Coming Home
Longing carries a lone robin home for Christmas in a tender, universal tale that will resonate with families anticipating a joyful holiday reunion.
A plucky robin, lost and alone, sets out on an epic journey, guided only by a call in his heart saying “come home!” He wills his wings to beat faster, lifting him over great mountains and dark forests, through blinding blizzards and rolling fog, across the wide, wild sea. Can he find his way back to his family in time for Christmas? Combined with Kerry Hyndman’s striking illustrations of the red-breasted bird against a sweeping, snowy terrain, Michael Morpurgo’s poetic narrative will stir any reader who has ever yearned to reunite with loved ones or welcome them home.
A plucky robin, lost and alone, sets out on an epic journey, guided only by a call in his heart saying “come home!” He wills his wings to beat faster, lifting him over great mountains and dark forests, through blinding blizzards and rolling fog, across the wide, wild sea. Can he find his way back to his family in time for Christmas? Combined with Kerry Hyndman’s striking illustrations of the red-breasted bird against a sweeping, snowy terrain, Michael Morpurgo’s poetic narrative will stir any reader who has ever yearned to reunite with loved ones or welcome them home.
32 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2016
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
649 books3,142 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 23, 2021
Love that cover art, but I wasn't as enchanted with the book as I hoped to be. The poetry wasn't quite my cup of tea, and I don't see it resonating much with little ones-- it reads like a love poem. Still, it's interesting. It's mostly a migration story, about the Scandinavian robin, but I suggest that American audiences read the "Robin Migration Facts" (located on the copyright page) first because the story will make more sense. I do think the story kind of plops you in the middle of the action and it's a bit hard to make sense of it anyway (I was especially confused as to why the robin felt his true love was waiting for him... it almost sounded like a mate-for-life sort of situation, but I don't believe that's the case) but it's especially confusing if you are used to thinking of the robin as a harbinger of spring since, at the end, the little girl sees the robin come to her yard and views it as a sign of Christmas. I've seen adorable robins as part of English Christmas decorations, but I didn't realize that they migrate from Scandinavia to spend the winter in Britain and find a mate in that slightly warmer climate. They navigate by the stars and can fly 1,600 feet above sea level. The journey across Europe can take three days to a full week. If sharing with youngsters sensitive to animal suffering, do that the story does feature a bit of peril, a hawk nearly catches and kills the robin, and a fisherman looks menacing until it turns out that he helps the robin recover after a storm.
December 17, 2025
Not very Christmasy, and the poetry wouldn't hold the interest of a small child, but the art work is fab and the facts about Scandinavian robin migration are interesting.
December 5, 2020
Sooo Good 👍👍👍👍
October 21, 2019
This book follows a robins journey as he returns home from migrating. This is a great story which would be great to read around Christmas time as children would love the reunion of the two robins at the end. The pictures in this book are very detailed and would be great to use as a starting point for artwork or even as a starter to write a short piece of writing. This book could be used in both ks1 and ks2, as the illustrations help aid understanding for the younger children and the advanced vocabulary which features would be great to expand a ks2 child’s word bank.
December 18, 2018
A picture book based on the 2016 Christmas TV campaign for a chain of British supermarkets. Considering that, it's really not bad. The prose is acceptable, and the artwork pretty tightly follows the commercial which is kinda neat. I don't think I'll be adding it to my picture book collection however, because teaching a young American child about the great robin Christmas migration would raise more confusion than holiday cheer.
December 17, 2019
Beautiful pictures. Artistically written, but it didn’t have much to do with Christmas.
November 28, 2018
A surprisingly good story for a short children's book. Certainly better than the rubbish they had me read in infant school.
November 18, 2018
Coming Home is a Robin's migration journey. The weather is changing and the snow has started falling. Robin must fly and find warm weather and home. Through the jungle, forests and mountains, the robin must fly. Fighting through torrential rains and fighting fierce predators, the robin makes its escapes. Robin finds company on its journey with other robins, other birds that also want to make their way home.
Gorgeous illustrations, capturing the mood of the robin and the many threats and danger it faces, "Coming Home" is a wonderful read. Follow the robin all the way home just in time for Christmas!
Gorgeous illustrations, capturing the mood of the robin and the many threats and danger it faces, "Coming Home" is a wonderful read. Follow the robin all the way home just in time for Christmas!
October 21, 2019
The beautiful illustrations, poetry and descriptive language within this book really entertained me as we follow a robin on his journey home for Christmas. A great book to focus on around Christmas time which could act as a platform for many topics and discussions such as birds migrating/ change in the weather/ seasons etc. Loved it.
October 21, 2017
Rhythmic and poetic. The scenic illustrations are lovely but I think the robin is not rendered very accurately, he is somewhat wooden which is a shame given he is the central character.
January 1, 2020
Beautiful illustrations.
December 2, 2021
Ehh I didn't see how it was a Christmas book until the last page. Not necessary for me to read again next year.
January 24, 2018
Coming Home is one of those books meant to be read before Christmas when everyone is returning home, celebrating life, family, love. I borrowed the book from the library last year in December but busy to organize everything for our traveling to Romania I forgot about it and I had to return it without having read the story. Because I don’t like to borrow books and not read them, soon after we came back I borrowed the little book again. This time we read it, both me and Ema, and we loved it. The story is poetical and beautifully written and the illustrations are stunning.
Scandinavian robins migrate to Britain to escape the harsh winter. It is a long and exhausting journey; some of them survive, managing to find food, mild weather and a mate while others unfortunately don’t make it. Michael Morpurgo’s story describes a brave robin’s migration, an epic journey through dark woods, above high mountains, through blinding blizzard and across the raging sea. The little bird, energized by the dream of home, will keep his vigilance awake, persisting in remaining strong.
"Dream of home, think only of her,/ Waiting for me, looking for me, longing for me./
Beat, my wings, beat faster./ easy my heart, go steady./ Steady."
Soon after a hawk’s attack that leaves the robin alive but scared and drained, the wild, stormy sea will almost defeat him. A boat will become a blessed home for a while until the bird regains its strength.
See full review on blog:
https://fromwordstoworlds.wordpress.c...
Scandinavian robins migrate to Britain to escape the harsh winter. It is a long and exhausting journey; some of them survive, managing to find food, mild weather and a mate while others unfortunately don’t make it. Michael Morpurgo’s story describes a brave robin’s migration, an epic journey through dark woods, above high mountains, through blinding blizzard and across the raging sea. The little bird, energized by the dream of home, will keep his vigilance awake, persisting in remaining strong.
"Dream of home, think only of her,/ Waiting for me, looking for me, longing for me./
Beat, my wings, beat faster./ easy my heart, go steady./ Steady."
Soon after a hawk’s attack that leaves the robin alive but scared and drained, the wild, stormy sea will almost defeat him. A boat will become a blessed home for a while until the bird regains its strength.
See full review on blog:
https://fromwordstoworlds.wordpress.c...
December 16, 2018
Another book off my Christmas reading list. This is my accidental find as I was trying to find another book called Coming Home but forgot the author’s name and so just typed in the title and this came up. I am so pleased I did find it as it was a beautiful book to read.
A very quick read for me but enjoyable, and the illustrations were excellent. This book is all about a robin’s flight home, through perilous conditions but all he thinks about is getting home to his mate.
This book is very short, even for a children’s book and to be honest a little scary, I was very worried about the little robin especially when he was attacked. I am not entirely sure a child would enjoy it in some places, unless they are made of stronger stuff than I.
The story is fast paced and Morpurgo’s use of language is simple but perfectly descriptive and rolls along. It made me want to say it out loud, it was so full of drama and had a rhythm to it, which is probably why I read it so quickly. I went back through it when I had finished it to truly enjoy and look at the illustrations. My favourite illustration is below, the details of the birds are just stunning, I would happily have it framed on my wall.
At the end of the story there is a list of facts about Scandinavian robins, this list is brilliant! I never even knew there were Scandinavian robins, let alone their migrating habits and that they are almost identical to our own English robins.
This book I rated 4 stars out of 5, it did not get the full 5 because it was just too short for me! I wanted more about the little robin. I leave you with another of my favourite pages. A beautiful read for both children and adults.
Review originally published on my blog ladybookdragon.com
A very quick read for me but enjoyable, and the illustrations were excellent. This book is all about a robin’s flight home, through perilous conditions but all he thinks about is getting home to his mate.
This book is very short, even for a children’s book and to be honest a little scary, I was very worried about the little robin especially when he was attacked. I am not entirely sure a child would enjoy it in some places, unless they are made of stronger stuff than I.
The story is fast paced and Morpurgo’s use of language is simple but perfectly descriptive and rolls along. It made me want to say it out loud, it was so full of drama and had a rhythm to it, which is probably why I read it so quickly. I went back through it when I had finished it to truly enjoy and look at the illustrations. My favourite illustration is below, the details of the birds are just stunning, I would happily have it framed on my wall.
At the end of the story there is a list of facts about Scandinavian robins, this list is brilliant! I never even knew there were Scandinavian robins, let alone their migrating habits and that they are almost identical to our own English robins.
This book I rated 4 stars out of 5, it did not get the full 5 because it was just too short for me! I wanted more about the little robin. I leave you with another of my favourite pages. A beautiful read for both children and adults.
Review originally published on my blog ladybookdragon.com
November 17, 2018
The author uses free verse and words that convey an urgency and impending danger. A longing. A compelling sense and need to get to a destination. The artist beautifully conveys this urgency and danger in the robin's journey through storms, over mountains and rivers and oceans, battling predatory birds, and his own weariness in the action packed illustrations.
A beautifully told story and one that will implant well in the mind of a young child the migratory journey that birds - not just this single robin - face as they move across this globe we call Earth.
This is a superb book for a child to have to read over and over during the cold, snowy days of Winter. He will be able to begin understand the wee bird's plight and yet also grasp the innate destiny that is the bird's to move from place to place in his migratory journey.
At the end of his journey, the robin meets his mate. We are not told why the mate is already there or if the mate never migrated. Perhaps that is a tale for another day.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
A beautifully told story and one that will implant well in the mind of a young child the migratory journey that birds - not just this single robin - face as they move across this globe we call Earth.
This is a superb book for a child to have to read over and over during the cold, snowy days of Winter. He will be able to begin understand the wee bird's plight and yet also grasp the innate destiny that is the bird's to move from place to place in his migratory journey.
At the end of his journey, the robin meets his mate. We are not told why the mate is already there or if the mate never migrated. Perhaps that is a tale for another day.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
November 27, 2018
Thanks also to Candlewick Press for this sweet Christmas picture book from Michael Morpurgo and Kerry Hyndman that may connect with all of us with longing for home. This robin, brave and persistent, hears a calling that he cannot resist. Traveling over mountains and sea, in snowstorms and escaping hawks, Kerry Hydman's illustrations show the struggles of this bird, the sweeping and harsh terrain surrounding the flight along with other flocks he later joined, to return home. The ending is deliciously wonderful as he finds "her" and his home, welcomed by the people who live there, eating their Christmas bird cake. The story does have a happy ending and reminds me of the movie several years ago titled "Winged Migration", showing the struggles and the success of birds flying their long journey to HOME.
January 15, 2019
Coming Home by Michael Morpugo, illustrated by Kerry Hyndman. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2018. $18. 9781536200423
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
A male is robin has started his long journey home. He’ll encounter dangers along the way, but he hopes to be reunited with his mate.
The beginning, in fact most of the book is written in beautiful poetic rhythm that begs to be read out loud. Why, oh why, then does it fall flat and clunky on the last two pages? Crash – I fell right out in love with it. The illustrations are on point beautiful – a redeeming quality.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
A male is robin has started his long journey home. He’ll encounter dangers along the way, but he hopes to be reunited with his mate.
The beginning, in fact most of the book is written in beautiful poetic rhythm that begs to be read out loud. Why, oh why, then does it fall flat and clunky on the last two pages? Crash – I fell right out in love with it. The illustrations are on point beautiful – a redeeming quality.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 12, 2023
I read Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo to my cat and he wandered away half-way through. I think it is because the transitions in this adventure were really not there. I want to like this book, and there are parts I do enjoy, especially the enchanting illustrations by Kerry Hyndman, which probably really helped me stay connected. This book droned on too long and I thought it was way too wordy for a birds’ flight home for Christmas. I don’t think a small child would be able to sit through this story.
November 26, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a gorgeous picture book, hardcover with a book jacket. Both the book jacket and the front hardcover have the same artwork. I love the illustrations, the birds are especially drawn nicely. Easy to read sentences for the early readers with the help of mom or dad are present as are full page illustrations. A wonderful story about family and home.
The story is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a gorgeous picture book, hardcover with a book jacket. Both the book jacket and the front hardcover have the same artwork. I love the illustrations, the birds are especially drawn nicely. Easy to read sentences for the early readers with the help of mom or dad are present as are full page illustrations. A wonderful story about family and home.
The story is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season.
December 17, 2018
A book about a migrating bird who battles exhaustion, hawks and storms to get home in time for Christmas to be reunited with his love again. A great book to describe migration. Also, it's written in a richly poetic style by Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse. The illustrations by Kerry Hyndman are beautiful. The holiday aspect is not as strong a part of this story, so it's doesn't necessarily FEEL like a Christmas book.
October 2, 2023
I think this book is great for all ages because it’s all about adventure so it’s suitable for every one, even little ones! I love the message of this book when the robin kept going and persevered every step of the way and in the end he may or may not have had his dream come true? Find out in this wonderfully lyrical Christmas story from the brilliant Michael Morpurgo, with stunning illustrations by Kerry Hyndman.
Read
December 11, 2020A beautifully written story about the journey a robin takes to be reunited with loved ones.
The detail is above and beyond, with imagination running wild. It's a Christmas themed book therefore would recommend reading around this time. The illustrations are beautiful and add drama to the dialogue.
This is a new favourite for me!
The detail is above and beyond, with imagination running wild. It's a Christmas themed book therefore would recommend reading around this time. The illustrations are beautiful and add drama to the dialogue.
This is a new favourite for me!
December 10, 2017
A lovely book about a robin's Christmas migration. The writing is poetic and rhythmic. The descriptions are gorgeous and I would definitely use this book to help develop children's vocabulary and descriptive writing. Cross-curricular links to science with migration and food chains.
December 19, 2017
A gorgeous picture book telling of a robin's epic migration to England from Scandinavia, in time for Christmas. The illustrations are gorgeous, the story quite thrilling - and the reunion at the end is lovely.
Bring me home my beating wings,
Bring me home my beating heart.
Bring me home my beating wings,
Bring me home my beating heart.
January 3, 2018
Enjoyed this book.An adventurous Robin on a journey and finds his way home with other birds and people he meets and returns home for Christmas .Beautiful illustrations and a charming story very suitable for reading in a snowy December .
November 1, 2018
For anyone who thinks robins are anything but fierce and brave travelers. About the migration of a robin, on his way home to find his mate. I only read this to myself, not to my kids, so I'm not sure how much an actual kid would like its poetic style.
November 24, 2018
A beautiful Christmas book about going home and being with your loved one. The migration of a small English robin and all he goes through to get home. Would make a lovely gift and a perfect read aloud. Highly recommend it.
April 10, 2019
A good book for children in upper key stage one. The book could be used in English were the children use the adventure of the robin but use another animal and have disasters and problems with their story.
October 21, 2019
What an incredible picture book! The story is of a robin going on a journey through beautiful scenes which are perfectly illustrated. The poetic language and description is amazing and would be great for ks2 to read and use for a model/inspiration for their own work.
December 5, 2019
4.5 Stars. Just published this year, ‘Coming Home’ is a beautifully illustrated book for the young reader. Yes, this is a story about a Robin coming home for Christmas, a lovely holiday tale. But must importantly (to me) its the tale of how the Robin migrates. Such a great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews