My Father Is a Polar Bear

By Michael Morpurgo

Illustrated by Felicita Sala

“Look at the polar bears,” said Terry. “You see that one on the left, the fatter one? That’s our dad – our real dad. But you’re not to tell."

Drawing on Michael Morpurgo's own childhood experience of first seeing his real father on television, My Father Is a Polar Bear tells the story of two young brothers rediscovering their birth father in the most unlikely of places – and in an entirely unexpected guise! A warm and delightful tale of family bonds and love told by a master storyteller and beautifully illustrated by a talented new artist.

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 9+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781529505191
  • Published: 05 Jan 2023
  • Price: £6.99
  •  
  • Size: 198 x 129 mm
  • Pages: 64

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Morpurgo is a genius. This story is so convincingly narrated by the central character, that the reader almost believes it is autobiographical. Since their father’s disappearance, two brothers have remained intensely curious about him, while getting on with life. The complex code of relationships between parents and children are for readers to decipher […] Sala’s pencil and wash illustrations perfectly complement this sophisticated and gripping story.' Inis Reading Guide

'Award-winning Michael Morpurgo tells a poignant short story drawing on his own experience about a boy’s search for his missing father... Recalling his own childhood as he tells of Andrew’s, Michael Morpurgo sensitively captures a little boy’s sense of loss and confusion as well as his healing acceptance of the situation.' Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month, Lovereading4kids

'Illustrated book from the much-loved author Michael Morpurgo. Great for starting conversation with your children or grandchildren.' Daily Mirror

'Featured in the Bookseller children's previews for January 2023' The Bookseller

'Michael’s beautiful prose and Felicita Sala’s drawings both capture so well, the child Andrew’s view of the world in this short pensive book.' Red Reading Hub

'A gentle short story.' CLPE

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Paperback
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