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The Butterfly Lion

Published
Jun 2009
Main Genre
General Fiction General Fiction
Rating
Pages
144

About This Book

Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the stunning, classic story of an unforgettable friendship with a glorious colour gift edition, fully illustrated by Christian Birmingham.

"All my life I'll think of you, I promise I will. I won't ever forget you."

Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.

From master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, this extraordinary tale of friendship, loyalty and overcoming adversity has spoken to readers the world over since it was first published twenty-five years ago. This stunning colour gift book, with new illustrations from Christian Birmingham, will be treasured by a new generation of children.

Reviews

"The Butterfly Lion is unique among animals and books, and will touch all hearts – both young and old." Virginia McKenna, Born Free Foundation

Praise for Michael Morpurgo:
"A master storyteller at his best" The Sunday Times

"Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching." Guardian

"Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects." Daily Telegraph

"There are few children's writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo." Daily Express

About the author

Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL FKC DL is a writer, playwright, performer and librettist. The author of more than 150 children's books, he has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in almost 40 languages. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children's Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Many of Michael's books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.

Genres & Themes

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Formats & Editions

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Paperback

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First Edition Jun 2009 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0007317352
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Paperback
Jun 2007 HarperCollins ISBN 0006751032
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Trade Paperback
Jun 2008 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0007279949
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Paperback
Mar 2024 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0008638551
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Hardcover

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Hardcover
May 1997 Viking ISBN 0670874612
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Hardcover
Jan 2000 Turtleback Books ISBN 0606228586
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Hardcover
Nov 2011 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0007456204
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Hardcover
Nov 2021 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 000845986X
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Hardcover
Oct 2024 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0008699488
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eBook

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eBook
Nov 2011 HarperCollins ISBN B0067KS7KM
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eBook
Nov 2011 Harper (UK) ISBN 0007380623
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eBook
Nov 2021 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0008496021
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Audio

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Audible
Aug 2011 HarperCollins Publishers Limited ISBN B005FWCQL4
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MP3 CD
Jun 2019 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0008345813
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Audio CD
Jun 2019 HarperCollins (UK) ISBN 0007452853
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