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LUCKY BUTTON
A moving historical story inspired by the Foundling Museum, written by acclaimed children's author Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Michael Foreman.
From award-winning master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, author of the acclaimed War Horse, comes a moving historical story inspired by the Foundling Museum. A lonely boy struggles to cope with school bullies and caring for his mother, until a mysterious encounter reveals life in the Foundling Hospital in the eighteenth century and unravels a touching tale about the power of music. Beautifully illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal-winning illustrator Michael Foreman.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2017
7 people are currently reading
113 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 35 reviews
August 22, 2019
Lucky Button is a very heart-felt story about a young boy called Jonah who cares for his disabled mother. He is desperately sad and lonely and finds his life difficult.
Jonah not only has a difficult home life, his school life is hard too as he is bullied. He seeks solace in the school chapel where he meets Nathaniel and old ghost who tells Jonah stories of his life in the 18th century as a foundling child at the Foundling Hospital.
The book is exceptionally poignant and you really feel for Jonah the more you read on, a young boy shouldn't have to go through what he is enduring.
A beautiful book filled with Michael Morpurgo's usual charm and lots of amazing illustrations alongside too.
Jonah not only has a difficult home life, his school life is hard too as he is bullied. He seeks solace in the school chapel where he meets Nathaniel and old ghost who tells Jonah stories of his life in the 18th century as a foundling child at the Foundling Hospital.
The book is exceptionally poignant and you really feel for Jonah the more you read on, a young boy shouldn't have to go through what he is enduring.
A beautiful book filled with Michael Morpurgo's usual charm and lots of amazing illustrations alongside too.
August 2, 2019
For me, Lucky Button didn't disappoint. Inspired by the historical events of the Foundling Hospital in London, we meet young boy Jonah, who is a young carer to his unwell Mum and attends school on the same site as the old Hospital. He does miss out on making friends and playing games, as he knows he needs to be there for his Mum. Getting bullied by other students happens and one day during a drama rehearsal, he runs and shelters in the school chapel as a way of escaping the bullies. On finding a gold button on the floor, Jonah is surprised to wake the ghost of an old foundling called Nat. He was left as a baby and grew up an orphan. His tale of getting to know the famous composer Mozart, as well as the mysterious button, is something Jonah will never forget. An emotional read, with beautiful illustrations.
December 20, 2025
Nasturele norocos -Michael Morpurgo
O carte extraordinară!!!!
Cred că o să devină unul dintre autorii mei preferați al cărților pentru copii ce trebuie citite, sper să-i placă lui Damian la fel de mult cum mi-a plăcut mie.Vă întrebați de ce? Datorită îmbinării elementelor de fantasy cu ficțiune istorică autorul a creionat o poveste sensibilă, emoționantă, o poveste de viață...dar nu numai a personajului principal această carte este valoroasă, ci datorită lui Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a lui Hangel, Montefiore... oameni ce au influențat destine.
8 mai a fost și o să reprezinte toată viața lui Jonah Trelawney, precum și a mamei sale, o zi fatidică "the daythe music died", deoarece reprezintă ziua când mama lui a suferit un accident de bicicletă în urma căruia a rămas paralizată.
De atunci viața lui se împarte între casa și școală, fiind nevoit să renunțe la activitățile extrașcolare ce i-ar fi adus prieteni și nu numai i-ar fi îmbogățit viața din punct de vedere social, cultural etc Fiind o fire timidă, nu a reușit să-și facă prieteni, din contră l-au făcut să fie ținta celor ce agasează, singura pe care o poate considera prietenă fiind Victoria, noua fată rusoaică mutată în clasa lui.
Pe când interpreta piesa Împăratul muștelor alături de colegii săi, aceștia și- au luat rolul prea in serios, și i-au spart nasul.
A găsit un nasture de alamă, lucru ce le-a permis lui Jonah și Nathaniel Hogath să vorbească și astfel să-i afle povestea. Povestea lui Nathaniel, Nat, Daniel,dar cunoscut și sub numărul 762 al Căminului de Copii, poveste pe care va trebui să o descoperiți....
✍️Noi doi avem mai multe în comun decât îți poți imagina. Viețile noastre sunt, poate, la sute de ani distanță, dar se întâlnesc astăzi aici datorită acestui natusture norocos.
✍️I-a luat aproape 20 de ani să găsească banii necesari, fiindcă acest Thomas Coram nu era un om bogat,dar și a făcut prieteni printre cei puternici și buni și le a atins inimile,le a trezit conștiința și le a câștigat generozitate, strângând destul cat să construiască acest cămin de copii
✍️Nu mi-aș fi găsit niciodată drumul; toți trebuie să ni-l găsim, Jonah, altfel viața nu merită trăită...
🎹American Pie,
🎥 Viața lui Brian 🎹 Always look in the bright sidef of life
🎹Here Comes the Sun
Împăratul muștelor William Golding
Georg Friedrich Handel
O carte extraordinară!!!!
Cred că o să devină unul dintre autorii mei preferați al cărților pentru copii ce trebuie citite, sper să-i placă lui Damian la fel de mult cum mi-a plăcut mie.Vă întrebați de ce? Datorită îmbinării elementelor de fantasy cu ficțiune istorică autorul a creionat o poveste sensibilă, emoționantă, o poveste de viață...dar nu numai a personajului principal această carte este valoroasă, ci datorită lui Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a lui Hangel, Montefiore... oameni ce au influențat destine.
8 mai a fost și o să reprezinte toată viața lui Jonah Trelawney, precum și a mamei sale, o zi fatidică "the daythe music died", deoarece reprezintă ziua când mama lui a suferit un accident de bicicletă în urma căruia a rămas paralizată.
De atunci viața lui se împarte între casa și școală, fiind nevoit să renunțe la activitățile extrașcolare ce i-ar fi adus prieteni și nu numai i-ar fi îmbogățit viața din punct de vedere social, cultural etc Fiind o fire timidă, nu a reușit să-și facă prieteni, din contră l-au făcut să fie ținta celor ce agasează, singura pe care o poate considera prietenă fiind Victoria, noua fată rusoaică mutată în clasa lui.
Pe când interpreta piesa Împăratul muștelor alături de colegii săi, aceștia și- au luat rolul prea in serios, și i-au spart nasul.
A găsit un nasture de alamă, lucru ce le-a permis lui Jonah și Nathaniel Hogath să vorbească și astfel să-i afle povestea. Povestea lui Nathaniel, Nat, Daniel,dar cunoscut și sub numărul 762 al Căminului de Copii, poveste pe care va trebui să o descoperiți....
✍️Noi doi avem mai multe în comun decât îți poți imagina. Viețile noastre sunt, poate, la sute de ani distanță, dar se întâlnesc astăzi aici datorită acestui natusture norocos.
✍️I-a luat aproape 20 de ani să găsească banii necesari, fiindcă acest Thomas Coram nu era un om bogat,dar și a făcut prieteni printre cei puternici și buni și le a atins inimile,le a trezit conștiința și le a câștigat generozitate, strângând destul cat să construiască acest cămin de copii
✍️Nu mi-aș fi găsit niciodată drumul; toți trebuie să ni-l găsim, Jonah, altfel viața nu merită trăită...
🎹American Pie,
🎥 Viața lui Brian 🎹 Always look in the bright sidef of life
🎹Here Comes the Sun
Împăratul muștelor William Golding
Georg Friedrich Handel
September 27, 2023
This book made me laugh and cry from beginning to end. It is about a young boy called Jonah, who is struggling to care for his mother as well as attend school where his is bullied. The story takes on an interesting twist when he meets a ghost called Nathaniel, in the church who gives him a lucky button. Without giving the story away, it is a touching and moving story that takes you back in time. Lots of the words and the story that Nathaniel tells Jonah is from the 1800's and words we no longer use today.
The book is 176 pages and I found I moved through the book quickly and I read it in a few hours. There are lovely illustrations throughout and the back of the book sums up story and explains how the story is fictional but has been inspired by facts and real people and the Foundling Hospital did exist. There is a Foundling Museum in London.
The book is warm hearted and with a strong focus on the love of family and music as well as hope and friendship. Who doesn't like a ghost story with a happy ending :-)
The book is 176 pages and I found I moved through the book quickly and I read it in a few hours. There are lovely illustrations throughout and the back of the book sums up story and explains how the story is fictional but has been inspired by facts and real people and the Foundling Hospital did exist. There is a Foundling Museum in London.
The book is warm hearted and with a strong focus on the love of family and music as well as hope and friendship. Who doesn't like a ghost story with a happy ending :-)
January 22, 2018
Wholesome. The most wholesome book I've read in a while.
July 8, 2018
Imagine Jonah - a sad, lonely little boy who spends most of his time caring for his wheel-chair bound mother, who is also very sad, who only has the chance to escape the pressures of being an adult before his time by going to school. To a school where he is still plagued even there by bullies. We all know the dangers of something too easily trivialised as "Bullying". And so Jonah often hides in the school chapel, to escape the other children and this is where he finds a button.
Something so small as a button actually brings great hope to this story, and as we begin to unpick the story with Jonah it soon becomes clear that the button belongs to a ghost - a ghost who may be able to give Jonah just the words of encouragement, told through another story, to help him.
I love that this is a story within a story; the school was once a Foundling Hospital, where the ghost was abandoned as a baby with only his button. But Jonah, who finds joy in music, finds a kindred spirit in Nat (the ghost) who was Mozart's companion - a reputable, enviable role for a boy who started off so unfairly.
I like the historical facts woven into this fictional tale, and I think the retelling of a story showcases them in a digestible way for younger readers. In places the characters are perhaps too simplified - Jonah is a wonderful boy, with a good heart and strong personality, but it would have been nice to have shown some of the impact such a troubled childhood might have had on Jonah, for a more realistic touch. The eventual conclusion to this book is perhaps the perfect example of how this story might be a little too ironed out; sometimes a few creases, with some less than ideal endings, carry more weight for a reader. BUT, it is a lucky button after all.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Something so small as a button actually brings great hope to this story, and as we begin to unpick the story with Jonah it soon becomes clear that the button belongs to a ghost - a ghost who may be able to give Jonah just the words of encouragement, told through another story, to help him.
I love that this is a story within a story; the school was once a Foundling Hospital, where the ghost was abandoned as a baby with only his button. But Jonah, who finds joy in music, finds a kindred spirit in Nat (the ghost) who was Mozart's companion - a reputable, enviable role for a boy who started off so unfairly.
I like the historical facts woven into this fictional tale, and I think the retelling of a story showcases them in a digestible way for younger readers. In places the characters are perhaps too simplified - Jonah is a wonderful boy, with a good heart and strong personality, but it would have been nice to have shown some of the impact such a troubled childhood might have had on Jonah, for a more realistic touch. The eventual conclusion to this book is perhaps the perfect example of how this story might be a little too ironed out; sometimes a few creases, with some less than ideal endings, carry more weight for a reader. BUT, it is a lucky button after all.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
It was pretty interesting except I thought something was going to happen. 3.5 stars
April 25, 2018
My review for the CBCA:
Lucky Button, by master storyteller Michael Morphugo, introduces us to young Jonah, who spends his nights caring for his ailing mother and his days attending an English high school. Jonah is lonely and sad and the obstacles to his happiness seem unsurmountable. He finds solace in music and when he is cast as Piggy in a musical version of Lord of the Flies, he embraces the role. However, the kids playing bullies in the musical are also bullies in real life, and things go from bad to worse.
Jonah’s school is a grand old institution, a school originally established for foundlings, where pictures of past students line the walls and ghosts are rumoured to haunt the halls. One day Jonah runs from the bullies and finds refuge in the school chapel. Here he spies an old button on the floor which belongs to a ghostly organ player, Nathaniel, and the two meet up. Once a foundling himself, Nathaniel the ghost regales Jonah with stories of his remarkable childhood in the eighteenth century, in which he encountered many famous people.
This touching tale, inspired by real people and events, ends on a hopeful note. A story within a story, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman, it is likely to appeal to kids eight years and older.
Lucky Button, by master storyteller Michael Morphugo, introduces us to young Jonah, who spends his nights caring for his ailing mother and his days attending an English high school. Jonah is lonely and sad and the obstacles to his happiness seem unsurmountable. He finds solace in music and when he is cast as Piggy in a musical version of Lord of the Flies, he embraces the role. However, the kids playing bullies in the musical are also bullies in real life, and things go from bad to worse.
Jonah’s school is a grand old institution, a school originally established for foundlings, where pictures of past students line the walls and ghosts are rumoured to haunt the halls. One day Jonah runs from the bullies and finds refuge in the school chapel. Here he spies an old button on the floor which belongs to a ghostly organ player, Nathaniel, and the two meet up. Once a foundling himself, Nathaniel the ghost regales Jonah with stories of his remarkable childhood in the eighteenth century, in which he encountered many famous people.
This touching tale, inspired by real people and events, ends on a hopeful note. A story within a story, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman, it is likely to appeal to kids eight years and older.
October 19, 2024
A heartwarming story
December 13, 2017
Morpurgo never disappoints. Another beautiful and touching story. I can’t wait to share this with a class of children as I know they will also be caught up in the telling of the tale.
A fairly short read and certainly manageable to read in class. (Although I may need to practise some of the German words before I read it aloud for the first time).
A fairly short read and certainly manageable to read in class. (Although I may need to practise some of the German words before I read it aloud for the first time).
December 5, 2017
What a gorgeous book. Another good book from this author. Never read one of his I didn"t like. Classed as a childrens' book, but that doesn't stop me from reading them. It's a lovely story, with beautiful illustrations. Well worth reading, whatever your age.
November 15, 2018
I enjoyed this story. ‘Lucky Button’ is a little larger in height and width than most reading books and is filled with thick matt pages (like the types you see in colouring books) making this a little heavier than the average reading book. The story follows Jonah, a boy who cares for his unwell mother while at home, and gets bullied while at school. One day when the bullying is too much for him, Jonah retreats to the school chapel. There he meets an old man, a ghost, who tells him a very interesting story.
Nathaniel, the old ghost Jonah meets, tells him all about his life starting with being a foundling child at the Foundling Hospital, back in the 18th century. His story is an interesting one and covers both the bad experiences kids had in such places as well as the good. I won’t give away too much, but Nathaniel meets some interesting and well known historical figures along the way, and it ultimately leads to an uplifting and heartwarming end.
The book has many illustrations throughout, some are fitted in spaces around the text while others take up whole pages or even double pages. The illustrations are a mix of black and while and coloured ones, which at first I thought were linked to whether the images showed something positive or negative but there’s no real reason for one image to be coloured while another is not so I’m not sure why they were done in this way, I personally would have preferred them to be all colour or all not. I do like the way the images look though, the style fits perfectly with the old fashioned feel to this book and I wish there had been more of them. Although I had no trouble understanding the story, the way Nathaniel speaks is slightly old-fashioned, which some kids might find a bit difficult to read.
At the back of the book there is some information on the real Foundling Hospital and who set it up and supported it. It’s interesting when you realise that the book is based on some real facts and I love the images of some of the ‘tokens’ which were left with the infants. The story is good and I like the way the two boys, Nathaniel and Jonah, share a connection. There is a great ending for both Nathaniel and Jonah and although this may seem a little too perfect with the way everything went and who Nathaniel meets during his life, it fits perfectly with the overall tale being told. It reminds me of some other children’s stories I’ve read (or seen as movies) set in the past which have very happy endings even though the reality for kids back then wasn’t so happy.
Despite enjoying the story and the historical setting, I just didn’t find it as memorable as I’d hoped. I often think about how memorable a book feels after I’ve read it and, for some reason this just didn’t feel as good as some books. It’s a heartwarming story, but I didn’t really feel that much of a connection to either character and so I could easily put the book down. It felt like quite a simple story too, even though some of the language Nathaniel used was not. Regardless of that though I’d still recommend trying this book, especially given the fact it’s based on some real facts. It’s a feel good story, although I’m not sure how moving it is to others.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
Nathaniel, the old ghost Jonah meets, tells him all about his life starting with being a foundling child at the Foundling Hospital, back in the 18th century. His story is an interesting one and covers both the bad experiences kids had in such places as well as the good. I won’t give away too much, but Nathaniel meets some interesting and well known historical figures along the way, and it ultimately leads to an uplifting and heartwarming end.
The book has many illustrations throughout, some are fitted in spaces around the text while others take up whole pages or even double pages. The illustrations are a mix of black and while and coloured ones, which at first I thought were linked to whether the images showed something positive or negative but there’s no real reason for one image to be coloured while another is not so I’m not sure why they were done in this way, I personally would have preferred them to be all colour or all not. I do like the way the images look though, the style fits perfectly with the old fashioned feel to this book and I wish there had been more of them. Although I had no trouble understanding the story, the way Nathaniel speaks is slightly old-fashioned, which some kids might find a bit difficult to read.
At the back of the book there is some information on the real Foundling Hospital and who set it up and supported it. It’s interesting when you realise that the book is based on some real facts and I love the images of some of the ‘tokens’ which were left with the infants. The story is good and I like the way the two boys, Nathaniel and Jonah, share a connection. There is a great ending for both Nathaniel and Jonah and although this may seem a little too perfect with the way everything went and who Nathaniel meets during his life, it fits perfectly with the overall tale being told. It reminds me of some other children’s stories I’ve read (or seen as movies) set in the past which have very happy endings even though the reality for kids back then wasn’t so happy.
Despite enjoying the story and the historical setting, I just didn’t find it as memorable as I’d hoped. I often think about how memorable a book feels after I’ve read it and, for some reason this just didn’t feel as good as some books. It’s a heartwarming story, but I didn’t really feel that much of a connection to either character and so I could easily put the book down. It felt like quite a simple story too, even though some of the language Nathaniel used was not. Regardless of that though I’d still recommend trying this book, especially given the fact it’s based on some real facts. It’s a feel good story, although I’m not sure how moving it is to others.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
July 24, 2018
Worthy, simply-told historical story.
3.5 stars.
Bookended by sections set now, the main part of this story is a very interesting history (though I'm sure with quite a few liberties taken with historical figures and places) of an abandoned child taken in by the Founding Hospital. Much like Doherty's Street Child which brought Dr Barnardo's story to life with one child, this uses Nathaniel to relate Thomas Coram's philanthropic institution and what life would have been like for children raised in it, with no parents.
In the contemporary world, Jonah is struggling with the aftermath of his mother's accident, which has left her physically injured but also depressed. Jonah is experiencing bullying at his school and unable to share this with his beloved parent, he hides away to vent his frustration, meeting the 'ghost' of Nathaniel, here as an old man, who relates his life and experiences.
I enjoyed the history, the relating of a rather long series of serendipitous meetings and happenings, there is a lot here to shock and interest readers, about how orphans/abandoned children would have been raised. Nathaniel's talents brought him to a sphere he would not otherwise have dreamed of entering, giving him a rich story to share.
The end of the book itself though, felt rushed and not as well thought-through as I've come to expect from Morpurgo - no real closure on the bullying, and a very convenient change for Jonah's family. It didn't feel 'earned' but simply given. I'm sure primary-aged readers will enjoy it but it didn't ring at all true for me.
Foreman always brings out the humanity in Morpurgo's stories, his style instantly recognisable in the almost-universal monochromes.
This is not a long read, the regular input from Jonah and the 'ghost' reminds you of the story-within-a-story structure, though I do wonder if the tale could simply have been a straight first-person narrative set in Nathaniel's own lifetime, as Jonah's own story is so briefly covered (his mother's own story and issues could have been given a book to themselves).
For ages 9-13.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
3.5 stars.
Bookended by sections set now, the main part of this story is a very interesting history (though I'm sure with quite a few liberties taken with historical figures and places) of an abandoned child taken in by the Founding Hospital. Much like Doherty's Street Child which brought Dr Barnardo's story to life with one child, this uses Nathaniel to relate Thomas Coram's philanthropic institution and what life would have been like for children raised in it, with no parents.
In the contemporary world, Jonah is struggling with the aftermath of his mother's accident, which has left her physically injured but also depressed. Jonah is experiencing bullying at his school and unable to share this with his beloved parent, he hides away to vent his frustration, meeting the 'ghost' of Nathaniel, here as an old man, who relates his life and experiences.
I enjoyed the history, the relating of a rather long series of serendipitous meetings and happenings, there is a lot here to shock and interest readers, about how orphans/abandoned children would have been raised. Nathaniel's talents brought him to a sphere he would not otherwise have dreamed of entering, giving him a rich story to share.
The end of the book itself though, felt rushed and not as well thought-through as I've come to expect from Morpurgo - no real closure on the bullying, and a very convenient change for Jonah's family. It didn't feel 'earned' but simply given. I'm sure primary-aged readers will enjoy it but it didn't ring at all true for me.
Foreman always brings out the humanity in Morpurgo's stories, his style instantly recognisable in the almost-universal monochromes.
This is not a long read, the regular input from Jonah and the 'ghost' reminds you of the story-within-a-story structure, though I do wonder if the tale could simply have been a straight first-person narrative set in Nathaniel's own lifetime, as Jonah's own story is so briefly covered (his mother's own story and issues could have been given a book to themselves).
For ages 9-13.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
February 11, 2018
Jonah has a pretty miserable life: his wheelchair-bound mother is depressed, he has no friends and he is being bullied at school. The one thing that brings him joy is music. One day when he is hiding in the school chapel, he finds a button. A ghost appears and claims the button. The ghost, Nat, tells Jonah that the school used to be a Foundling Hospital and he was left there as a baby, along with the button. Nat was also very talented musically and, as a boy, was Mozart's companion when Mozart was in England. In spite of his early misfortune, Nat ended up having a happy life and hearing his story gives Jonah hope.
This is a heart-warming story from a master storyteller. Jonah is a very sympathetic character but perhaps a little too good to be true. His story bookends the story of Nat which, although fictional, is grounded in historical fact. The Foundling Hospital in the story is a real place and Nat's story features real people such as Mozart, Hogarth and Handel. This beautiful book has many monochrome ink illustrations as well as a number of full page, coloured watercolour pictures.
Although this is a lovely story, beautifully produced, the ending left me a little unsatisfied. After Jonah's encounter with Nat he returns home to discover, his mother has snapped out of her depression and is happily playing the piano. No real reason is given for this transformation - I imagine we are meant to conclude that this is a result of the luck brought by Nat's button. This is not Morpurgo's best story but it will satisfy many of his young fans, especially those interested in history and/or music.
Reviewed by Penny Guy (Bookrapt)
This is a heart-warming story from a master storyteller. Jonah is a very sympathetic character but perhaps a little too good to be true. His story bookends the story of Nat which, although fictional, is grounded in historical fact. The Foundling Hospital in the story is a real place and Nat's story features real people such as Mozart, Hogarth and Handel. This beautiful book has many monochrome ink illustrations as well as a number of full page, coloured watercolour pictures.
Although this is a lovely story, beautifully produced, the ending left me a little unsatisfied. After Jonah's encounter with Nat he returns home to discover, his mother has snapped out of her depression and is happily playing the piano. No real reason is given for this transformation - I imagine we are meant to conclude that this is a result of the luck brought by Nat's button. This is not Morpurgo's best story but it will satisfy many of his young fans, especially those interested in history and/or music.
Reviewed by Penny Guy (Bookrapt)
December 14, 2018
Age 7+
Jonah has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders at home and is bullied at school. This school used to be The Foundling Hospital – a place children were taken to save them from the 18th century streets of London.
Jonah loves music, and humming the songs his mum used to play on her piano always lifts his spirits. But one day after more bullying, he hides in the school chapel. He finds a small gold button on the chapel floor then hears beautiful music coming from the organ. He is entranced.
Out of nowhere, an ghostly old man approaches him. At first Jonah is petrified but soon realises the man means him no trouble. All he wants to do is tell Jonah about the Lucky Button he has found, where it came from, and how important it is.
Another gentle tale of family, and friendship from this popular author. Among the colour and black & white illustrations scattered through the text, the reader will meet Mozart as a boy and learn about Handel too.
Jonah has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders at home and is bullied at school. This school used to be The Foundling Hospital – a place children were taken to save them from the 18th century streets of London.
Jonah loves music, and humming the songs his mum used to play on her piano always lifts his spirits. But one day after more bullying, he hides in the school chapel. He finds a small gold button on the chapel floor then hears beautiful music coming from the organ. He is entranced.
Out of nowhere, an ghostly old man approaches him. At first Jonah is petrified but soon realises the man means him no trouble. All he wants to do is tell Jonah about the Lucky Button he has found, where it came from, and how important it is.
Another gentle tale of family, and friendship from this popular author. Among the colour and black & white illustrations scattered through the text, the reader will meet Mozart as a boy and learn about Handel too.
April 26, 2018
Sorry I wanted to love this beautifully produced book but it did not appeal on many levels. . There are many wonderful ways to make history come alive but long monologues by a ghost wouldn’t be top of my list. Particularly when the fictionalised history involves major world figures such as Mozart. Did Mozart and his family live in England and play for the monarchy? If yes then providing these facts at the end might have made the story more believable. As it was the ‘history’ seemed silly, the ghost slightly ludicrous and the present day story flimsy at best. The narrative style seems dated and and plodding. While it could work as a read aloud book for young children there are too many problems to really enjoy it. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2018
Beautiful.
Yes, the first word that came to my mind when I finished this book, beautiful. The story of this book brilliant and very well laid out. I loved the musical references and how music brings joy to so many. This book is rather heart wrenching in places but at the same time it brings so much joy. It is really well researched and although the story isn’t true it is based on true historical events, which makes it so believable.
Please whether you are an adult or child you must read this book. It’s only short and has stunning illustrations to look at. A typical Michael Morpurgo work, a wonderful story with a lot of meaning.
Yes, the first word that came to my mind when I finished this book, beautiful. The story of this book brilliant and very well laid out. I loved the musical references and how music brings joy to so many. This book is rather heart wrenching in places but at the same time it brings so much joy. It is really well researched and although the story isn’t true it is based on true historical events, which makes it so believable.
Please whether you are an adult or child you must read this book. It’s only short and has stunning illustrations to look at. A typical Michael Morpurgo work, a wonderful story with a lot of meaning.
June 23, 2019
I accidentally bought two copies of this book for a friend at Christmas and kept one for myself.
It's a heartwarming story written partly in support of the Foundling Museum in London, which I stumbled across in London just before starting the book. It provided a home and support for children whose parents could not support them.
It is as engaging as every story by Michael Morpurgo and generously and beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman.
I'm really pleased I accidentally bought a copy. Now I am going to pass it to my mother-in-law. Like Jonah's mother in the book, she needs to rediscover her joie de vivre and I am hoping that the book will work its magic on her.
It's a heartwarming story written partly in support of the Foundling Museum in London, which I stumbled across in London just before starting the book. It provided a home and support for children whose parents could not support them.
It is as engaging as every story by Michael Morpurgo and generously and beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman.
I'm really pleased I accidentally bought a copy. Now I am going to pass it to my mother-in-law. Like Jonah's mother in the book, she needs to rediscover her joie de vivre and I am hoping that the book will work its magic on her.
April 6, 2024
A really charming book, and an interesting what-if into Mozart's childhood, but I have one quibble, and it is this: the exposition by the ghost of old Nathaniel. (And that the words tumbled out of him just like my previous sentence, commas and all!) It was mostly 'tell', not 'show', and I didn't feel like I was in Nat's shoes throughout his story.
While I didn't mind that Jonah was a just framing device for Nat's retelling, I wished there was a little more of a conclusion at the end. How does Nathaniel's adventures inform Jonah as he takes on his own challenges in life? That would be worth a read.
While I didn't mind that Jonah was a just framing device for Nat's retelling, I wished there was a little more of a conclusion at the end. How does Nathaniel's adventures inform Jonah as he takes on his own challenges in life? That would be worth a read.
January 7, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed, has sentimental value to me as the chapel in which the ghost visited is based in same Chapel where I went to school Ashlyns Berkhamsted. The illustrations of the School resembled a true likeness
March 27, 2018
A wonderful book- great storytelling and beautiful, evocative illustrations. Having visited the Foundling Museum today, made the story all the more poignant and reminded me that these issues didn't end in Victorian times, many children today suffer and need support.
August 14, 2025
It was an awesome book but definitely for children, I didn't mind it being for children but I'd say that if the same thing was written in a somewhat more advanced way then yes it is a five star book . It's a yes book .
December 31, 2017
Michael Morpurgo's stories never disappoint. Even though I have read many, I always enjoy and treasure the experience of reading a new one.
January 5, 2018
Master storyteller's another amazing story. Its always pleasure to read stories by him.
January 12, 2018
GHosts, historical story and Michael Morpurgo
March 24, 2018
Another great story by the master story teller!
August 23, 2018
Another GREAT story by Michael Morpurgo! This one did not disappoint!
May 16, 2019
This is a well told and interesting story and the children seemed to enjoy it.
August 23, 2019
A beautiful story.
July 12, 2020
As always Morpurgo delivers a really great story set in history.
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