Born to Run

Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse and the nation’s favourite storyteller

Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound’s journey through life – and from owner to owner…

“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it, struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it was alive and in danger of drowning.”

When Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be woken by a greyhound puppy licking his face!

Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Until one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and begins a new life as a champion race dog. Suzie, the greyhound trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will happen when he can’t run any more?

Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content that appeared in the original print version.

Reviews

Praise for Born to Run:

“Pitch perfect… this hardened book reviewer kept having to wipe away the tears” Daily Mail

Praise for The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips:

"…a succinctly engaging tear-jerker, it is also full of happiness and affection and has a joyful ending… It is also about people who care enough to look after each other, offering a lesson in life as well as history. Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week

"From the first sentence of a Michael Morpurgo book, you know you are in the hands of a natural storyteller." Guardian

"As always, Morpurgo writes with solid confidence in a voice that's gentle yet spellbinding." Evening Standard

"Classic Morpurgo brilliance" Bookseller's choice, Publishing News

"…Michael Morpurgo weaves a touching tale that's full of surprises. A master storyteller at his best." Funday Times

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.