Mister Skip - Softcover

Morpurgo, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007134746 ISBN 13: 9780007134748

Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks, 2002

Synopsis

A witty, contemporary ‘fairy-tale’ by this prize-winning author. Launch title in Collins new younger fiction series, ROARING GOOD READS.

Set in Dublin where horses run wild in the fields near the tower blocks, Jackie watches the boys on the estate ride their horses and she longs to own her own horse. All Jackie has is her Gran's old donkey Barnaby, who is a stubborn as...a mule! One day, whilst rummaging in an old skip, Jackie finds a broken garden gnome whom she restores back to his former glory and gives to her Mum for her birthday. Much to her astonishment, Mr Skip talks to Jackie! Because she gave him a new lease of life, he is going to help make her dreams come true. Her wish is, of course, for her donkey to 'run like a racehorse'. Jackie challenges the boys to a race and, at first, Barnaby just refused to move. Then, she whispers the magic words into his ear – 'Do it for Mister Skip' and Barnaby tears away and wins the race. Fame and...almost fortune...come Jackie's way, with TV appearances, a film-deal and a promised million 'smackaroos'. But can Barnaby, the Superdonk, win the Irish Derby? Can Mister Skip work his magic till the very end? He does, but in a sensible, practical way. Barnaby doesn’t win the Irish Derby – a donkey couldn’t really, now could it? But Jackie’s mum has negotiated a film and book deal, and with the money buys a little house in the country. And there they set up a Pixie Park where everyone sends their broken garden gnomes... all lovingly restored... with Mister Skip in pride of place. A lovely, warm happy ending.

This is an enchanting, modern fairytale from this prize-winning author.

About this title

Product Description

A witty, contemporary 'fairy-tale' by this prize-winning author. Launch title in Collins new younger fiction series, ROARING GOOD READS.

Review

Praise for Michael Morpurgo:
“Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” – The Guardian

“Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” – Daily Telegraph

“There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” – Daily Express

“Morpurgo’s gift is to make this long-ago world of danger and heartbreak accessible without ever patronising his young readers.” – Sunday Mercury

“Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”
Elizabeth Reilly – British Council

“The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” -The Guardian.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0007134746
• ISBN 13: 9780007134748
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112
• Illustrator: Griff