Little Manfred

A heartwarming story split between 1966 and the Second World War where past and present collide, unlocking memories and reuniting old friends, showing that people can become family, despite the conflicts dividing them. ‘Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly’ Observer Charley and Alex’s mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since Dad broke one of his wheels, Mum has been devastated. Her grief is a mystery to Charley and Alex until one day, when they meet two old men on the beach. As past and present collide, the memories of war come flooding. They tell a story of friends who always find a way back to each other – and, despite their differences, become family.

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.