The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

A lot of Michael Morpurgo's novels for young readers have shared a common theme recently, and to a canon of work about the two World Wars that has included War Horse and Private Peaceful he adds the quietly impressive The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. His backdrop, meticulously researched and recreated as ever, is the evacuation of several South Coast villages in early 1944 to make way for American troops as they practice for the imminent D-Day landings.

Morpurgo focuses on the impact this upheaval has on one young twelve-year-old girl, Lily Tregenze, who lives on a farm in the village of Slapton with her mum and grandfather. Her world is made up of her local school, currently filled to bursting with London evacuees, and her adoration for Tips, her faithful cat companion. Tips is forever having litters of kittens and Lily is distraught when her dad, who's away in the army, then her mum, drowns successive litters because they would be too many to keep and feed.

The biggest shock of the reality of living in Wartime Britain, however, comes when they find out they have to move to their Uncle George's farm to make way for the army exercises. On the eve of their move, Tips goes missing. And for months afterwards it is only the kindness of a young American soldier and his army friend who help look Lily look for Tips that helps her get through the many changes and challenges in her life.

The reader is forewarned that there is a twist at the end of this story, that Lily has gone and done something amazing and maybe a little foolhardy, and half the fun of this book is guessing what that might turn out to be. Morpurgo is a genuinely talented storyteller. There is always the kernel of a great idea in his books that make him one of the best writers for children around today. (Age 8 and over) --John McLay

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Morpurgo classic - Rated
Brilliant book, I really like world war II story's , very exiting. I especially like tips the cat

Captivating, and realistic - Rated

As a grown-up fan of Michael Morpurgo's books, I came to this one especially interested in the South Hams district of South Devon in which it is set, an area I know quite well and which was evacuated during World War Two so that the Allied troops could practise for D-Day.

The characters are all so well-drawn and believable, neither saints nor villains. Most of the book is written in the form of a diary by Lily Tregenza, a schoolgirl at the time of the evacuation.

Tips, by the way, is Lily's cat, and a powerful character in her own right.

I will really enjoy sharing this book with my son, who is 11 and currently doing a project on Britain during the Second World War. Also with my daughter, aged 9, who is very keen on stories involving animals.

I can't imagine anyone NOT enjoying this warm and powerful book. Full marks, and thank you once again to Mr Morpurgo !

Supreme!! - Rated
What a wonderful story.
I read it all in one sitting because it just captivated me.
A prime example of a book that was written for young people but should also be read by adults of all ages!

What mixed emotions I experienced as I read this book. I smiled, I remembered my own childhood, and how truthful and simplistic childhood can be, yet also how in tune children can be to what's going on around them. I also cried.

Just the right length...an interesting story and a wonderful acceptance of people.

The love from a girl to her cat - Rated
Since I was young, I had always loved the magic of Michael Morpurgo's books. Adolphus Tips was surprisingly good. After reading the synopsis I thought it was going to be a children's book. But I was totally wrong. All ages can enjoy it, as my younger sister read it after me and loved it all the same.

A heart warming story - Rated
My 11 year old granddaughter read this book on her holiday, she thoroughly enjoyed it.She is now looking forward to reading more Michael Morpurgo books.