Mr Nobody's Eyes - Softcover

Michael Morpurgo is one of the most successful children's authors in the country, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. He has written more than forty books for children, including the global hit War Horse, which was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg in 2011.

Grade 4-8-- It's the '50s and Britain is recovering from the war. Harry's life is a mess. Miss Hardcastle has singled him out as a troublemaker in school, and at home his mother's husband and mother-in-law are preparing for the new baby. No one seems to notice him unless he is in trouble. One day Harry meets Signor Blondini and his chimpanzee companion, Ocky. When he runs into Ocky alone, he takes him back to his secret hideaway in a bombed-out, condemned house. In no time, Ocky and Harry are on the run as a number of events conspire to make Harry distrust everyone around him. In the end, after much excitement and travail, the stepfather proves to be kind and Harry heads happily home. This could have been a gripping novel with logical character development as Harry slowly learns about trust, love, and his own obligations to others. Unfortunately, the whining tone in the early chapters leaves readers with little sympathy for Harry. The ending is abrupt, as readers are not adequately prepared for Harry's sudden discovery that his stepfather and family do care about him. Adventure and suspense abound in this historical (well, to kids the '50s are history) novel, yet little of that time period or the realities of stepfamilies are conveyed. Best for readers who demand fast-paced action and are less concerned about appealing and convincing character growth. --Carol A. Edwards, Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.