Why the Whales Came

by Michael Morpurgo

Gracie and Daniel have been warned to keep away from the Birdman, but they discover that he isn't mad. He does warn them to stay away from Samson Island! When the children land on the island in fog, they return to hear of a tragic death. Can they find out what the Birdman knows before it's too late.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Animals, Young Adult, School

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 1985

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

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is classic Morpurgo territory – a story very much close to nature, set in the Scilly Isles around the time of the Great War – against the backdrop of a way of life largely for the most part now no longer with us.

‘Why The Whales Came’ is a somewhat mysterious, supernatural and mystical thriller evoking so well the atmosphere and feelings of a childhood spent growing up in the Scilly Isles at the time of the First World War.

As with Morpurgo at this best, this is to put it simply, a great story, a compelling page-turner and as usual, so well written. ‘Why The Whales Came’ is imbued with a real sense of authenticity throughout.

Not to be missed.

NB: There is a film adaptation (1989 UK) of the book – which I seem to recall being a pretty faithful and creditable version. (As well as at least one stage version).

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can pretty much pick up any Morpurgo book and be assured of a great story. In this story of wonder and initiation during WWI on a small island group off of the western shores of Great Britain, a boy and a girl learn about rumors in small towns and destroy some demons of their village's history. It is a beautiful story of childhood and discovery and was a real pleasure to read to my son.

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm beginning to wonder if Morpurgo wrote any average or poor books! Another wonderful tale, set on the Isles of Scilly, focusing on isolated communities, and further isolation of individuals amongst them. Another cracker! 7 out of 12.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morpurgo's writing style is exemplary.

"By now the force of the storm was spent and the wind had died, but the sea was still seething and angry. The waves rolled into the bay from Samson, gathering and rearing as they neared the shore before they curled over to hurl themselves into the hissing sand." (Page 43)

"The old man standing in front of me was not at all as I had expected him to be. All my life I had thought he would have the predatory look of an ancient crow under the shadow of his sou'wester. I could hardly have been more wrong. Only the tired stoop of his body and the loose, mottled skin of his forearm betrayed his age. His face was the colour of a well-worn polished brown boot. The skin was creased but still young and suppple-not that you could see much of his face for it was almost entirely hidden by a head and beard of wild white hair. But it was his eyes that marked him out from any other man I had ever seen for they drew you into them somehow so that you could not look away even if you wanted to." (Page 48)

Why the Whales came is a tale with mystery, suspense, and echoes of history from World War I. The emotions it encompasses run the gamut from fear, to loss, to anger. Gracie and Daniel, the two main characters, are courageous and in many ways more mature than those around them. Their actions touch the heart.

Why the Whales Came is a 139 page gem. It has been given an interest level of 5th. through 8th. grades. I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. I will be recommending it to my junior high school library patrons and have just placed more books by Michael Morpugo on our school's wish list.


I highly recommend this wonderful novel.

[Nantiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

จัดเป็น coming of age ที่ดีอีกเรื่อง อีกทั้งยังสอดเแทรกเรื่องการอนุรักษ์ธรรมชาติไว้ด้วย

เรื่องเล่าถึงความกล้าหาญของเด็ก 2 คน ในความกล้าที่จะลงมือทำ และกล้าที่จะลองเชื่อด้วยตัวเองหรือลดอคติ ต่อสิ่งที่ทุกๆคนบนเกาะไบรเออร์มักจะบอกกับเด็กๆบนเกาะว่าให้อยู่ห่างๆชายแก่คนเลี้ยงนก กับเกาะแซมสันไว้ เพราะว่าที่นั่นมีคำสาป

แต่แล้วเมื่อเด็กทั้งสองได้รู้จักกับชายแก่จริงๆ ก็รู้ว่าทุกอย่างเป็นเพียงแค่เรื่องเล่า
และอคติที่ปลูกฝังกันมา ตอนจบทำเอาแอบน้ำตาซึมนิดๆได้เหมือนกัน ถ้าอ่านตอนเด็กอาจน้ำตาซึมมากกว่านี้ 55

เคยอ่านงานเขียนของ มอร์เพอร์โกเมื่อตอนเด็กๆ ตอนโตเห็นเล่มนี้ที่ยังไม่ได้อ่านก็เลยตามเก็บ (เหมือนตามหาวัยในอดีตเลยแหะ) ช่วยเติมความทรงจำกับความสุขในช่วงวัยเด็กได้พอควรเลย

ปล. แนว coming of age ที่ชอบอีกเรื่อง
คือเรื่อง ผมไม่กลัว ของ นิกโกโล อัมมานิติ
เรื่องนั้นก็สอนให้เด็กๆมีความกล้าหาญได้ดีมากๆอีกเรื่องนึง แต่ตอนจบทำเอาเศร้ามากเลย มันจะดาร์กๆ แรงๆ แบบอิตาลีนั้นแล

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is quite brilliant. I love the way how the start is quite boring so it grips the reader to the edge of their seat. Then the story becomes more active.

To follow Gracie and Daniel through their adventures is interesting. Daniel is brave and outgoing, whereas Gracie is shy and hidden away. This doesn't stop her from facing her fears and following her best friend, though.

First of all, Gracie doesn't want to know the Birdman, scared the rumours are true, not only about the Birdman, but about Samson too. As the story continues, Gracie and the Birdman become closer and closer, especially when Gracie'a dad is missing in action.

Overall, this story is another of my Morpurgo's favourites. Definitely recommended to any young readers out there.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourites by Morpurgo, I can't believe it took me so long to read!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - what a story. I'm not a huge Morpurgo fan but I can see now why he's so beloved. A well-crafted story of war, greed, mobs and curses; paired with curiosity, belief, hope and friendship.

[Bettie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morpurgo's stories are great for children. Here we have messages written in shells upon the sand from the The Bird Man in the summer of 1914.





A view of Samson from Tresco. Samson is one of the uninhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly

[Busy Mummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book! I just love the way Morpurgo crafts his writing so that it paints a picture so vividly in your mind as if you are there sharing the same experiences with the characters. The story itself is extremely heart warming and leaves cliffhangers after each chapter.

My favourite characters were the harmless and lonely Birdman and the strength of Gracie’s mother character. Morpurgo draws you in so that you enjoy the emotions and thrill of the characters in the story.

[Pheric · Rating 4 out of 5]

' "Never hate anyone," he wrote. "Hate eats away at your soul." '

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Why the Whales Came" By Michael Morpurgo, Is a book about Gracie Jenkins who lives on Bryher in the Isles of Scilly, which is located in England. Gracie and her friend Daniel have been told to never get close to Rushy bay and to stay away from The Birdman. Because of the curse, Gracie gets from the Samson Island, Narwhals are being washed up on the beach. Unless they are put back in the sea, the spell will stay on Gracie forever.

As I have said for many other Morpurgo books, his storyline is very strong and the content is very meaningful. This was definitely not one of my favorite Morpurgo books since my all time favorite book of his is “Shadow”, which I recently read. The reason why this book wasn’t as enjoyable as “Shadow” was because the book wasn’t as emotional. In the book “Shadow”, the author seems more engaged in the book and writes with emotion to the story. I was still fond of this book though and found it being a page turner once you got to the interesting parts of the book. When I first opened the book, I had high expectations after reading the back page but found it most difficult to get into the book. I got through the first part and got to the interesting part, where I was more willing to read for pleasure. I do believe I had too high expectations of this book since I did have a hard time enjoying some parts of the book. The reason why I was bored at times was because the story (unlike many other Morpurgo books) wasn’t very ongoing, which I find very hard to concentrate in that case. In the end, as usual, it got more interesting and I finished the book with good understanding.

I think the protagonist in this book (Gracie Jenkins) has a different personality from many other characters in his books because you can easily see the weak side of her. I interpret his description of her as her weak side being that she is a little shy, and not so brave. But, being a Round Character, this changes throughout the story. When I read this book, I was reminded of the movie “Free Willy” Which has the same plot, saving a whale. Though I relate the movie a lot, Other than that they both care about the animal, I don’t see any similarities in the characters, as Rae Lindley (the protagonist in the movie) is much more developed as a character. Overall, this book would not be the first thing I would think of when I think of Michael Morpurgo.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this when I was about 8 years old. I remember being very moved by it. I no longer own the book, but when I stumbled across a copy in the library whilst helping my daughter choose a book, I decided to bring it home to reread it. My daughter is only 5, so she isn't ready for it yet, but I am glad that I reread it.

I didn't fully remember the story, just the basic outline. I'm not eight anymore, so although I could remember the parts that I had found very moving when I was small, they don't quite do it for me anymore. This probably has more to do with me being jaded than being a flaw in the book.

It's set on the Scilly Isles at the outbreak of WWI. The story is narrated by Gracie and she, her best friend Danny and 'the Birdman' are the main protagonists. The writing is fairly straightforward, which is ideal in a children's book. The story is interesting (even if you have read it before) and the characters are well done (I still cannot abide Big Tim).

If you haven't read it before, then it is worth a read. If you have, then it is worth a re-read. Michael Morpurgo wasn't the Children's Laureate for nothing.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful novel about two children living on the small Scilly Isle of Bryher on the eve of the First World War, who befriend an outcast from the community, known as the Birdman, who hides a secret relating to the evacuation of the nearby island of Samson during his youth. It's a lovely story, which gives a good feel for the ebb and flow of island life, and shows how communities can, at their best, pull together to achieve a common goal, but at their worst seek to scapegoat an outsider. While this is nominally aimed at children, it's a great read for all ages, especially if you have been or will be going to the Scilly Isles.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five word review: friendship, courage, respect for nature
This children’s book is ideal for: those who enjoy an adventure story with a moral message, fans of Morpurgo’s story telling style and lovers of Narwhals!

Why The Whales Came tells the story of best friends Gracie and Daniel who spend time together building miniature boats to sail around Bryher Island. They have long been warned by the adults of the island to stay away from ‘Rushy Bay’, the home of the much feared and excluded Birdman. The community has shunned the Birdman for many years, presuming him to be linked to the curse on the nearby island of Samson, which lies a little way across the water from Bryher, or cursed himself. The legend goes that the people of Samson found themselves plagued with bad luck and therefore the people of Bryher have long known not to set foot on the now abandoned island; less the curse follow them home to their families.

But as Gracie and Daniel need to find a new place to sail their boats, they soon find themselves drawn to the quieter waters of the forbidden beach. Over time, they begin to find messages in the sand from the Birdman, and with their replies and ongoing conversation, they begin to find themselves befriending him, discovering that the Birdman is not the feared outsider he is supposed to be. Then news of the outbreak of war reaches Bryher. And Gracie’s father announces his departure to help.

Later, when Gracie and Daniel accidentally find themselves on Samson, they find a strange horn, almost like a unicorn’s horn, inside one of the abandoned cottages. Why is it there? Is it linked to the curse? Who does it belong to? After spending the night on Samson, Gracie returns home to find her father has been reported missing in action. Gracie blames herself for bringing this misfortune to her family.

After this devastating news, Gracie and Daniel find the Birdman in the water at Rushy Bay, trying desperately to get the dark shape of a beached whale to head away from the beach and back into the open water. As the children race closer, they recognise the horn on the creature’s head as being similar to the one they found during their time on Samson. One by one, more whales appear in the bay, all threatening to beach themselves in response to the distress of one of their own. As news spreads of the unexpected visitors, some members of the community come to claim their prize and practice the long tradition of dragging anything of value that washes up on their shores above the high-water mark in order to claim it as their own, aiming to slaughter the whales in the process.

Can Gracie, Daniel and the Birdman stop them? What becomes of the whales? Why have they been to the island in the past? Will Gracie’s father return? And can the Birdman help rid the community of the curse?

Why The Whales Came is a story of friendship and having the courage to speak up and do the right thing, sometimes in the face of objection and derision from others. A brilliantly told story, set within an intriguing and mysterious location, with morals and messages that will resonate with every reader.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another beautiful Michael Morpurgo story and I loved the story writing and the setting. The events take place in the Scilly Isles around the beginning of the First World War, when tensions and suspicions were just beginning to rise and life was changing for everyone, even on the islands. It is such a historically accurate account of a way of life that would be alien to most young readers today but was really touching for me to experience and i think something like this story really helps the younger generation to feel closer to the past and also the natural world around us. There are several mysteries that slowly unravel within this relatively short novel and there are also supernatural aspects which keep up the tension and thrill for the reader. I got very immersed in the storyline and read this book within a day as it was such a page turner. This is now one of my favourite Michael Morpurgo books and I feel it serves as a very timely reminder of the importance of caring for our oceans and the animals we share it with. I look forward to experiencing this compelling read again with my little boys when they are old enough to appreciate it.

[Mademoiselle Cup Of Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai trouvé le livre vraiment mignon et aussi très poétique, il mêle les vieilles légendes des Cornouailles avec un contexte historique (clairement pas ma partie préférée dans les livres d’ailleurs), pour ceux qui aiment ça.

Ma chronique : https://mellecupofteabouquine.wordpre...

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book written by the author of Warhorse who takes the stride in using a specific animal and setting to create a compelling and also inspiring story that gives us a calling to help our fellow mammals from being killed or becoming extinct...

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so wish Michael Morpurgo had been writing his wonderful stories when I was a child. never mind, I’ll just have to catch up with them now - 60 years later! Another beautiful story from a master storyteller 🙂

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 3 out of 5]

190 - 2017

[bex 🌱 · Rating 3 out of 5]

a childhood fave! superstitious+ narwhals = a fun time

[Millie Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really good but a bit boring at some parts.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

- love the character of Birdman
- main kids' friendship is adorable and I love the lack of romance, refreshing for kids' books
- we stan small-town community
- we don't stan mob mentality
- wish we'd had more narwhales

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story about friendship, trust, adventure and nature set on the Isles of Scilly during WW1.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet short story.

[Jimmy Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why the Whales Came by Michael Morpurgo
4 stars

This book fits into the 'book that teaches you about another time in history' because it is set during World War Two.

It is about two friends Gracie and Daniel who develop a good relationship with a man that they have always been told to stay away from because he is 'crazy'. This mans name is the Birdman or Zachariah Woodcock.

The Birdman tells them many stories, but none more scarier than the one about a curse on a nearby deserted island called Samson.

When Gracie's father goes off to the war her family become very poor so she and Daniel go fishing to try to catch some fish to sell at the market. A sudden storm rolls in and they become lost. Then they see a light that leads them to an island that they know is Samson. They were cursed.

After the storm the two children finally get back to the island of Briar where they live. Gracie is confronted with the news that her father was missing in action off the coast of Gallipoli when his ship was sunk by a torpedo. Gracie knows that the curse had killed her father.

One day when Gracie arrived a school, Daniel told her that Big Tim, his brother, was sure that the Birdman was a spy, signalling German submarines to the island. He overhears them saying that they were going to ransack the Birdmans cottage.

After school Gracie and Daniel go to warn the Birdman but they can't find him at his house. They look down the beach and find him crouching next to a huge creature that looked to be a log but was moving. It had a long horn protruding from its head, and it was stranded on the sand. They tried for hours to push it back into the water but it was too heavy and when Big Tim and his friends find them they think they could help them to get it back into the water. But Big Tim says that he is going to tell the whole island that there is a creature with a horn that looks very valuable. When he is talking, one of his friends notices that in the sea there are many more of these creatures. Then Big Tim runs back to the island to tell everyone about them.

The Birdman tells the two children of when he was a child and him and his mother had come across the same animal also stranded on the beach. The people of Samson notice that more and more of the creatures kind were washing up on the beach to try and help the stuck whale. The people of the island believed that the horn was very valuable and because they are very poor they kill all of the whales to get their horn and sell them at the market.

When the men go to the market their boat sinks ad everyone on board dies. His mother tells the Birdman that Samson is cursed and when a ghost ship washes up on the rocks the islanders leave the island. If the same thing happened again, then Briar would be cursed too.

When the islanders of Briar arrive they want to kill all of the whales and take their horns but Gracie's mother persuades them to help the stranded whale get back to the sea. Finally, the stranded whale is released back to where it came from and the islanders believe that the curse had been lifted. This is proven when Gracie father comes back to the island even though everyone thought he had been killed.

I really enjoyed this book as it had a very interesting plot that took a lot of twists and turns along the way. The plot consisted of lots of different sub stories that kept the book interesting. I also liked how the book was set during the war as it showed how bad the war was and because in class we had been learning about World War One and now I knew a little about World War Two. The book showed that if you believe in something enough your belief will come true because only four people didn't want the whales to die and the same four people managed to save the whales.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others younger than me and others around my age.

By Jimmy Banks 9GIB

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story. The superstition and curse aspect of the story weren’t to my taste, but I enjoyed reading it and it felt like a little holiday away from the real world.

[Val Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Michael Morpurgo book that I ever read. We read it in class in Year 7 and I've got a vague memory that Michael Morpurgo came to school to speak about the book. I enjoyed reading it in class, but didn't appreciate how the complexity of the story or even how beautifully it is written. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a children's book, there's so much more to it than a mere story about whales and island life. Why the Whales Came bounces between love and fear. Love for one's family, community and home verses the fear of a looming war, of people who are different and ghosts of the past. It's a wonderful story of acceptance, bravery and friendship, told through the innocent eyes of two children.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book. Been on my TBR list for a while and picked it off the shelf on a whim one day - so glad I finally got round to it! Wonderfully written, of course, I could feel myself there on the island being buffeted by the wind and smelling the sea air. I want to visit the Isles of Scilly now! I did feel like the titular whales came along quite late in the book and really were barely touched upon, though maybe it’s just me that found this a bit disappointing. A lovely read, will definitely recommend to my students!