What do you think?
Rate this book
Muck & Magic #1
Muck & Magic
A beautiful countryside story for Michael Morpurgo fans, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill (J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Bonny has always wanted to be a top cyclist, maybe even a future Olympic champion. But her world changes after meeting a sculptor named Lizzie, who gives her a job on her farm. Bonny is introduced to a life-sized sculpture of Lizzie's horse and is allowed to pose as its rider, a completely magical experience. She learns from Lizzie that a true gift is never to be wasted, and that if you "breathe the world in deep", you can do anything.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2019
1 person is currently reading
53 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 2, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Twelve-year-old Bonny dreamt of being an Olympic cyclist like her hero Laura Trott. Cycling was a passion in her family with both her mum and dad loving the sport, though her dad couldn’t ride anymore.
She was so fast that her mum decided it was time for her to start training on her own as she was holding her daughter back. So taking off on her new bike she rode far and fast into the Dales until she saw a field with three horses in it. Taking her eyes off the road she tumbled from her bike.
There was something about those horses she couldn’t get out of her mind. Every day she rode her bike past them, taking them carrots. Her passion had always been the bike until the lady who owned the horses offered her a job looking after them.
The lady, Lizzie, was an artist, a sculptor. She had made some beautiful animal statues. Having her eyes opened to the world of sculpting, Bonny’s dreams of being an athlete were put to one side.
There is always something magical about Micheal Morpurgo’s books. You might start out thinking that you are getting a beautiful story but underneath there are always elements of something more occurring within the pages.
This is a book that makes you realise that you can have more than one passion. That sometimes life sends you in a different direction than what you thought it would and that you have to believe in yourself.
The book is a quick read at just 64 pages and some of those are filled with full-page illustrations that are just amazing, I especially love the artwork at the edges of them that show you the animals in the picture roughly hand drawn and in different positions.
The book is truly heart-warming, especially the end. It is a straightforward book about a little girl and her dreams and friendship with Lizzie and is quite simply beautiful.
Twelve-year-old Bonny dreamt of being an Olympic cyclist like her hero Laura Trott. Cycling was a passion in her family with both her mum and dad loving the sport, though her dad couldn’t ride anymore.
She was so fast that her mum decided it was time for her to start training on her own as she was holding her daughter back. So taking off on her new bike she rode far and fast into the Dales until she saw a field with three horses in it. Taking her eyes off the road she tumbled from her bike.
There was something about those horses she couldn’t get out of her mind. Every day she rode her bike past them, taking them carrots. Her passion had always been the bike until the lady who owned the horses offered her a job looking after them.
The lady, Lizzie, was an artist, a sculptor. She had made some beautiful animal statues. Having her eyes opened to the world of sculpting, Bonny’s dreams of being an athlete were put to one side.
There is always something magical about Micheal Morpurgo’s books. You might start out thinking that you are getting a beautiful story but underneath there are always elements of something more occurring within the pages.
This is a book that makes you realise that you can have more than one passion. That sometimes life sends you in a different direction than what you thought it would and that you have to believe in yourself.
The book is a quick read at just 64 pages and some of those are filled with full-page illustrations that are just amazing, I especially love the artwork at the edges of them that show you the animals in the picture roughly hand drawn and in different positions.
The book is truly heart-warming, especially the end. It is a straightforward book about a little girl and her dreams and friendship with Lizzie and is quite simply beautiful.
July 30, 2019
This is a lovely story about friendship and following your dreams. Bonny loves cycling and wants to be just like her hero Laura Trott. Everyday she cycles and is encouraged by her parents who want her to succeed and become an olympic cyclist too. But one day, on one of her rides by herself through country roads, Bonny has a minor accident which makes her notice the horses in a nearby field, which she can’t help but want to see again and again from that day on.
‘Muck and Magic’ is a hardback book, around A5 in size, with an outer dust jacket. The book is filled with thick glossy pages that are themselves filled with colourful illustrations and text. The story continues with Bonny meeting and eventually befriending the owner of the horses. I don’t want to spoil the entire story but eventually Bonny ends up modelling for her new friend who is an artist and sculptor, but modelling for her new friend begins to spark a passion in Bonny for something other than cycling. The story is a simple one but lovely, with Bonny discovering a real passion and talent for something new, and the overall message of the book is a very positive one although there is a sad part towards the end.
The illustrations are just beautiful. On many pages and double page spreads there are pictures that look like beautiful paintings and sketches. The images look like the ones on the front cover and in fact the sketches continue to the front and back covers of the book which can be seen under the dust jacket too. They are very different to the dust jacket image giving this book a really special feel when you take a good look at it. Every page with text also has some texture to the background, rather than the text appearing on a white background, thee pages all look like sort of slightly painted canvas. It just makes this book feel all the more special and reminds you of the focus on the art in the story.
I like the way the story was inspired by a real life person which is explained by the author. I think children will enjoy this story, in fact I think many adults will too! It’s a simple tale but one that really does remind you about following your talents and dreams. It also has a lovely addition of the horses which continues throughout the whole book.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
‘Muck and Magic’ is a hardback book, around A5 in size, with an outer dust jacket. The book is filled with thick glossy pages that are themselves filled with colourful illustrations and text. The story continues with Bonny meeting and eventually befriending the owner of the horses. I don’t want to spoil the entire story but eventually Bonny ends up modelling for her new friend who is an artist and sculptor, but modelling for her new friend begins to spark a passion in Bonny for something other than cycling. The story is a simple one but lovely, with Bonny discovering a real passion and talent for something new, and the overall message of the book is a very positive one although there is a sad part towards the end.
The illustrations are just beautiful. On many pages and double page spreads there are pictures that look like beautiful paintings and sketches. The images look like the ones on the front cover and in fact the sketches continue to the front and back covers of the book which can be seen under the dust jacket too. They are very different to the dust jacket image giving this book a really special feel when you take a good look at it. Every page with text also has some texture to the background, rather than the text appearing on a white background, thee pages all look like sort of slightly painted canvas. It just makes this book feel all the more special and reminds you of the focus on the art in the story.
I like the way the story was inspired by a real life person which is explained by the author. I think children will enjoy this story, in fact I think many adults will too! It’s a simple tale but one that really does remind you about following your talents and dreams. It also has a lovely addition of the horses which continues throughout the whole book.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
April 24, 2022
This illustrated children's book follows 12-year-old Bonny, whose family lives and breathes cycling. Bonny has always dreamed of being an Olympic cyclist but finds her path irrevocably altered when out on a ride one day...
I loved the friendship between Bonny and Lizzie as well as Bonny's bond with Peg. The story is set in the idyllic English countryside, which made for an enjoyable escape. It's a quick read which suits the book's intended audience, but I was left wanting more.
Nevertheless, it's a meaningful story with plenty of lessons to glean from, such as how life sometimes brings us on a different course from what we'd imagined... A charming read indeed!
I loved the friendship between Bonny and Lizzie as well as Bonny's bond with Peg. The story is set in the idyllic English countryside, which made for an enjoyable escape. It's a quick read which suits the book's intended audience, but I was left wanting more.
Nevertheless, it's a meaningful story with plenty of lessons to glean from, such as how life sometimes brings us on a different course from what we'd imagined... A charming read indeed!
October 18, 2019
I love how Morpurgo's writing draws you into a story!
August 19, 2019
Straightforward narrative, animal theme, about finding your vocation and passion.
Bonny is working towards her and her parents' dreams of championship cycling when she becomes intrigued by the horses that she rides past each day. Learning that their owner is a sculptor, she is thrilled to be offered a job, and is soon part of the process of assisting in the creation of art involving the animals.
A story about finding your calling, it's a short read that encompasses Morpurgo's usual calling cards of winsome animals, emotional trauma and warming resolution. His writing style remains straightforward and earnest, there are some lovely colour and pencil drawings (particularly those of the horses), and the whole is a great length for primary school readers.
Another short story from Morpurgo that animal lovers will take to, and has the added bonus of an art focus, which teachers might be able to make good use of, if reading this to a class.
For ages 8-12.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
Bonny is working towards her and her parents' dreams of championship cycling when she becomes intrigued by the horses that she rides past each day. Learning that their owner is a sculptor, she is thrilled to be offered a job, and is soon part of the process of assisting in the creation of art involving the animals.
A story about finding your calling, it's a short read that encompasses Morpurgo's usual calling cards of winsome animals, emotional trauma and warming resolution. His writing style remains straightforward and earnest, there are some lovely colour and pencil drawings (particularly those of the horses), and the whole is a great length for primary school readers.
Another short story from Morpurgo that animal lovers will take to, and has the added bonus of an art focus, which teachers might be able to make good use of, if reading this to a class.
For ages 8-12.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
February 8, 2024
A nice companion to the little Eisabeth Frank exhibition currently on at the Dorset Museum https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/event/el...
The hardback edition is slightly too small imo to appreciate the illustrations which are charming. The text sites Frink's studio in the Dales, when it was actually in Woolland, North Dorset, but the description and atmosphere are authentic.
The hardback edition is slightly too small imo to appreciate the illustrations which are charming. The text sites Frink's studio in the Dales, when it was actually in Woolland, North Dorset, but the description and atmosphere are authentic.
July 22, 2025
Muck & Magic is a story centers around Bonny, a young girl with dreams of becoming an Olympic cyclist like her idol, Laura Trott. Cycling has always been a family passion, with her parents sharing the love for the sport—though her dad can no longer ride.
As Bonny races through the Dales on her new bike, her speed leads her mother to encourage her to train independently. However, a tumble from her bike after spotting three intriguing horses in a field changes everything. There’s something about those horses that captures her heart, and soon, she finds herself drawn to them more and more, taking along carrots every day as she rides past.
When the lady who owns the horses, Lizzie, offers Bonny a job caring for them, Bonny's life takes a new and unexpected turn. Lizzie, an artist and sculptor, introduces Bonny to the captivating world of sculpting. As she discovers this new passion, the dreams of being an athlete begin to fade into the background, and Bonny’s journey shifts direction beautifully.
Morpurgo’s signature magic shines through in this story. While it starts as a beautiful tale about a girl and her dreams, it reveals deeper themes about discovering multiple passions and believing in oneself. The notion that life can lead us in unexpected directions is a comforting takeaway, especially for young readers.
At just 64 pages, Muck & Magic is a quick read, but it’s bursting with emotion. The illustrations in the book are also stunning.
The book is truly heartwarming, especially towards the end, as it beautifully encapsulates Bonny's journey of self-discovery and friendship with Lizzie. It’s a straightforward yet profound story that reminds us all that dreams can evolve and multiply. If you're looking for a touching read that celebrates both the joy of cycling and the magic of creativity, I highly recommend Muck & Magic!
As Bonny races through the Dales on her new bike, her speed leads her mother to encourage her to train independently. However, a tumble from her bike after spotting three intriguing horses in a field changes everything. There’s something about those horses that captures her heart, and soon, she finds herself drawn to them more and more, taking along carrots every day as she rides past.
When the lady who owns the horses, Lizzie, offers Bonny a job caring for them, Bonny's life takes a new and unexpected turn. Lizzie, an artist and sculptor, introduces Bonny to the captivating world of sculpting. As she discovers this new passion, the dreams of being an athlete begin to fade into the background, and Bonny’s journey shifts direction beautifully.
Morpurgo’s signature magic shines through in this story. While it starts as a beautiful tale about a girl and her dreams, it reveals deeper themes about discovering multiple passions and believing in oneself. The notion that life can lead us in unexpected directions is a comforting takeaway, especially for young readers.
At just 64 pages, Muck & Magic is a quick read, but it’s bursting with emotion. The illustrations in the book are also stunning.
The book is truly heartwarming, especially towards the end, as it beautifully encapsulates Bonny's journey of self-discovery and friendship with Lizzie. It’s a straightforward yet profound story that reminds us all that dreams can evolve and multiply. If you're looking for a touching read that celebrates both the joy of cycling and the magic of creativity, I highly recommend Muck & Magic!
March 19, 2021
This short novel reads like a short story. Bonny is a teen who is a cycling fanatic. One day, her ride takes her past a farm where horses graze. She becomes enchanted by the friendly horses who come to check her out, and comes back again and again. The feeds them carrots and names them, always wondering about the woman she sees at the top of the hill near the barn. Eventually, the woman, Lizzie, invites Bonnie to help her out for pay, by mucking out the horse stalls and helping her exercise the horses. As they come to know one another, Bonny also becomes a model for Lizzie’s sculptures, and a willing student of drawing and sculping as well. When Lizzie dies, Bonny is gifted Lizzie’s model for a sculpture of herself sitting on a horse. At the end, the reader learns that Bonny is writing the account later in her life as an accomplished sculptor.
This is a quiet short story (60 p.) with profuse mixed media art, including sketches and letters. The art adds to the contemplative nature of Bonny’s experience, as she changes, from a teen who is sure she will become a renowned cyclist to a mature person whose life trajectory has been changed by an older mentor. Her parents are supportive in the background, but her friendship with Lizzie changes her life. This story will appeal to readers who enjoy quiet stories where the action is about inner growth. The charming sketches of horses and bicycles, and the painterly vistas of the farm may help hi/low readers enjoy the story.
This is a quiet short story (60 p.) with profuse mixed media art, including sketches and letters. The art adds to the contemplative nature of Bonny’s experience, as she changes, from a teen who is sure she will become a renowned cyclist to a mature person whose life trajectory has been changed by an older mentor. Her parents are supportive in the background, but her friendship with Lizzie changes her life. This story will appeal to readers who enjoy quiet stories where the action is about inner growth. The charming sketches of horses and bicycles, and the painterly vistas of the farm may help hi/low readers enjoy the story.
September 15, 2025
A lovely children's novella, on glossy pages and interspersed with several 2-page, full-color spreads (mostly of the pastures) and some other pencil sketches throughout. A nice addition to the shelf for the Morpurgo completionists, though the art is a little messy-looking for my tastes.
As to the story, a synopsis: a 12-year-old girl gets distracted from training for her Olympic-cyclist-dreams the first time she sees a pasture with pretty horses (close enough to the road to pet over the fence!), and eventually visits them so often that she falls into a part-time job as a stable girl and later artist's model, where she takes just as much of an interest in emulating the owner's sculpture work, which gradually develops into a new dream (as told in the epilogue, 20 years later, the now-adult character's yard filled with her own work).
Unfortunately it does not answer my most burning question about the ending, which is: I'm sorry, what happened to the horses after the artist died while the MC was away on holiday?? DID SHE NOT HAVE A BOND WITH THEM?? Or did she in fact abandon that interest as fast as the bicycle when her hyperfixation switched to art.
It's just weird to me that she doesn't even wonder as to their whereabouts.
The desert-rider statue turns out pretty cool, though.
As to the story, a synopsis: a 12-year-old girl gets distracted from training for her Olympic-cyclist-dreams the first time she sees a pasture with pretty horses (close enough to the road to pet over the fence!), and eventually visits them so often that she falls into a part-time job as a stable girl and later artist's model, where she takes just as much of an interest in emulating the owner's sculpture work, which gradually develops into a new dream (as told in the epilogue, 20 years later, the now-adult character's yard filled with her own work).
Unfortunately it does not answer my most burning question about the ending, which is: I'm sorry, what happened to the horses after the artist died while the MC was away on holiday?? DID SHE NOT HAVE A BOND WITH THEM?? Or did she in fact abandon that interest as fast as the bicycle when her hyperfixation switched to art.
It's just weird to me that she doesn't even wonder as to their whereabouts.
The desert-rider statue turns out pretty cool, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
Bonny is all about the bikes - cycling here, there and everywhere, and wanting to be a thrice-time Olympic winner at the sport. Until, that is, some horses cause her (well, sort of) to have a crash. Befriending them, it's clear - we think - she's changing her mind to a different kind of transport. But not so, in this short yet still surprising, and very engaging, read. A strong four stars for this '90s story brought to pictorial life much more recently, that shows the power of chance in our destinies, and how truth will out in finding the person we are destined to grow up to be.
March 9, 2021
Such a beautiful poignant story about a little girl that learns to find the magic within herself through art (sculpture). The horses in the story guide her toward finding herself. The artwork is gorgeous and frame-able. This is the author of The Warhorse, a story I loved also.
October 5, 2021
I was attempted to deduct a star for the awful title, but ultimately this is one of the most beautiful little books I have ever read. The illustrations brought to life a rather simple story. I had to choke back a little sob.
July 21, 2025
It’s a gentle, heartwarming story.
Bonny is a great character—curious, kind, and brave enough to change.
Lizzie is mysterious and inspiring, like a wise old friend.
The pictures are beautiful and really bring the story to life
Bonny is a great character—curious, kind, and brave enough to change.
Lizzie is mysterious and inspiring, like a wise old friend.
The pictures are beautiful and really bring the story to life
October 30, 2020
A thoughtful, affirming story about embracing change and doing what you love with lovely illustrations by Olivia Lomenech Gill.
February 16, 2021
It was interesting, though it left me wanting more of the story.
Read
September 22, 2022An enchanting coming of age short story that may have more appeal for older readers than the appearance of the book conveys. The illustrations are just lovely, and really help make the book.
February 2, 2024
Una sencilla y bonita historia con muy buenas ilustraciones. La protagonista ama el arte y los caballos
May 9, 2024
Lovely book, wonderful illustration. I will share this book with my sister who is an artist and loves horses. I think she'll love it. A very quick read. Thought provoking.
January 11, 2025
Interesting
April 21, 2025
What a delightful story really enjoyed it. Wonderful illustrations.
My 11 year old recommended it.
My 11 year old recommended it.
April 28, 2025
A cute story for young readers
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews