Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story

A new story about the D-Day landings, inspired by a painting by Alfie, explores service and memory. Illustrated by Michael Foreman, it's perfect for the whole family to share and remember.

Format: Hardback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Scholastic

Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed author of War Horse and Private Peaceful, has written a new story about the D-Day landings, marking the 80th anniversary of this historic event. The story follows Aunty Iris, who treasures a small painting of a boat painted by her close friend Alfie many years before. Inspired by his uncle's story, Michael embarks on a journey across the Channel into France, learning a profound lesson about service and the surprising power of memory. With stunning illustrations by Michael Foreman, this powerful book is perfect for the whole family to share and remember.

The book was developed in partnership with the Royal British Legion, and features a foreword by the Legion's President, Prince Harry. The Legion has been a key supporter of the D-Day landings, and the book aims to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war.

The story begins with Aunty Iris, who lives in a small village in England. She has always treasured the painting of the boat, which was painted by Alfie when they were young. Alfie was a soldier in World War II, and he was killed in action. Aunty Iris has never been able to find out what happened to him, and she has always felt a sense of loss and sadness.

Michael, who is a young boy, is inspired by his uncle's story and decides to try and find out what happened to Alfie. He begins by researching the war, and he learns about the battles that Alfie fought in. He also learns about the sacrifices that the soldiers made, and he is shocked by the brutality of the war.

Michael decides to travel to France to see where Alfie fought. He travels across the Channel, and he is amazed by the beauty of the countryside. He meets a group of soldiers who are also traveling to France, and they tell him about their experiences.

One of the soldiers, Captain Jack, tells Michael about a battle that Alfie fought in. The battle was a fierce one, and many soldiers were killed. Captain Jack tells Michael that Alfie was a hero, and that he saved many of his fellow soldiers.

Michael is moved by Captain Jack's story, and he decides to visit the battlefield where Alfie fought. He walks through the trenches, and he sees the remains of the soldiers who were killed. He is struck by the bravery of the soldiers, and he is grateful for their sacrifice.

As Michael travels through France, he learns more about the war. He learns about the atrocities that the ***** committed, and he is horrified by the cruelty of the regime. He also learns about the resistance that the French people fought against the *****.

One of the most important lessons that Michael learns is the power of memory. He learns that the memories of the war can be a source of strength and hope, and that they can help to prevent future wars. He also learns that the sacrifices that the soldiers made were not in vain, and that they have made a difference in the world.

Michael returns to England, and he tells his uncle's story to his family. His family is moved by his story, and they are grateful for the sacrifices that Alfie made. Michael also decides to donate the painting of the boat to the Royal British Legion, so that it can be displayed in a museum.

The book has received critical acclaim, and it has been praised for its powerful message. It has been praised for its illustrations, which are stunning and evocative. It has also been praised for its historical accuracy, and for its ability to bring the war to life.

In conclusion, Michael Morpurgo's new story about the D-Day landings is a powerful and moving tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the war. The story follows Aunty Iris, who treasures a small painting of a boat painted by her close friend Alfie many years before. Inspired by his uncle's story, Michael embarks on a journey across the Channel into France, learning a profound lesson about service and the surprising power of memory. With stunning illustrations by Michael Foreman, this powerful book is perfect for the whole family to share and remember. The book has been developed in partnership with the Royal British Legion, and it aims to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 281 x 219 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780702325205