Wow, what can I say? This book is the fantastic mix of fantasy and fact, knitted together in perfect harmony. The book of one's advenure will soon become your own adventure! Highly recommended book.


*Originally read sometime 2011.* ( )

Running wild is a young adult novel based on events that have and are happening. As stated at the end 'it is a book that everyone in the world should know because its full of hope and determination.'

When i first started this book i thought it would be a drag, the first twelve pages were about a train journey. However the story slowly progressed and i found i couldnt put it down.
After sensing a tsunami Oona an elephant that Will was riding carries him off into the jungle far away till she feels safe. Will survives in the jungle with an elephant and orangutans using instinct and the environment to stay alive.

the story tackles the issues of poaching, deforestation, loss and despair and teaches young readers the basic of what is happening to our rainforests and its creatures, always with hope and determination that things can change.

A heart touching story that is sometimes sad but well worth the read! ( )

As always Morpurgo doesn't disappoint. This is an epic story of survival despite the odds, it a real emotional roller coaster that expands the motion of family. Whenever something terrible has happened Michael manages to produce something beautiful from it. ( )

9780007267026

This was a terrific book of hope, courage and survival amidst despair and destruction. Based on true events and with strong parallels to "The Jungle book", nine-year-old Will finds himself on the back of an elephant when the Boxing Day tsunami strikes. Sensing the disaster before it happens, Oona, the elephant, stampedes towards the jungle, away from the danger and for the next twelve months Will and Oona have to survive living in the forests of Indonesia. While the story is told from Will's perspective (and at times he sounds much older than nine), without a doubt, Oona is the star of the show with her gentle wisdom and humorous antics.

Like Michael Morpurgo, I too have had a life-long fascination with elephants, love Rudyard Kipling's "The elephant child," since I first read it in early primary school, and find the poem "Tyger, Tyger" by William Blake to be powerful and one of my favourite poems.

Morpurgo has written some wonderful books in his time and "Running wild" will be another favourite as it focuses on current events and draws attention to the effects of deforestation and the uncertain future of orangutans. This book would be a terrific read for older children and young teenagers. ( )