Bailey was our very first Book Champion. Now he is eleven years old, in grade 6, and spoke to us about a new favourite book, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Can you tell us what the story of War Horse is about?
The story of War Horse is about Albert Narracott and a horse named Joey. The book is set in the horse’s perspective, not in Albert’s perspective. Joey tells you his life, as if you were him. Albert’s father sells Joey to the cavalry to be ridden by Lieutenant Nicholls, who ends up getting killed in action. Then Joey ends up going to the Germans and being looked after Captain Friedrich Muller. Joey runs away after an attack by British, but ends up in no-mans land. The Germans and British wave the white flag, while they cut the barbed wire attached to Joey, then they toss a coin to see how keeps him. The British won the coin toss. They take Joey back to Devon, England and Albert Narracott buys Joey back.
What do you like most about the story?
It’s really good that it has been written in a horse’s perspective because most books are usually written from a human’s perspective. It was interesting to see what the life of a horse was like and what they went through in WW1.
There was a very strong relationship between Albert and Joey.
Could you understand the connection between a boy and a horse?
Yes, because I think everyone that has a horse always has a strong connection with it. It’s the same with anyone and their pet (even though Joey wasn’t really a pet). Albert goes to the war, not to fight, just to try and find Joey. I think this really shows how strong their connection was.
Did you find the story sad or scary at times?
I think it was sort of sad half way through when you didn’t really know what was going to happen. Then again at the end, because you think Joey is going to die.
Did you think the horses were brave during the war?
Yes very brave, especially in this book. The way the horses break through barbed wire to try and help the people that ride them is unbelievable.
Which did you like best: the book, the play or the movie?
I read the book first. I loved the book most definitely! I always think the book is best because it has so much detail that movies and plays just can’t add.
How different was the play or the movie from what you’d imagined in you head?
I imagined the movie to be very similar, but there were a few bits that were like tearing out pages of the book and re-writing them again. The play was really really similar. Very little was different from the book.
What other Michael Morpurgo books would you recommend?
Butterfly Lion – A great book to read!
Caspar, the Prince of Cats – Great if you are into the Titanic
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea – Great book if you are interested in reading about a little boy being fostered to family in Australia
Toro Toro – Good if you are interested about the Wars in Spain
Farm Boy – If you loved War Horse, this is the sequel – you will love it! Great book!
Running Wild – This is an absolutely fantastic book! About the tsunami in Indonesia.
Little Manfred – Great story about friendship
This Morning I Met a Whale – A good short read.
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