Mr Nobody's Eyes

Harry is in trouble at school and doesn't like his stepfather or the new baby. He befriends Ocky, a chimpanzee from the circus, and they are soon on the run. This is a gripping and poignant animal adventure from the master storyteller of An Eagle in the Snow, Listen to the Moon, Shadow, and An Elephant in the Garden. Michael Morpurgo has won numerous awards and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Harry heard the key turn in the lock, and his heart raced with anticipation. He had already made up his mind to run, to escape the suffocating reality that awaited him inside the house. The weight of his troubles seemed to crush him, and he longed for a way out.

As he stepped through the door, Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. The living room was a mess, with toys and books scattered haphazardly across the floor. His stepfather, who was sitting on the couch, looked up at him with a stern expression.

"Where have you been?" he demanded.

Harry tried to keep his voice steady, but his nerves were frayed. "I was out," he said, his eyes darting away.

His stepfather's gaze hardened. "Out where?" he asked.

Harry knew he couldn't lie. He had been wandering the streets, lost in thought. He had seen the circus coming to town and had been drawn to it, fascinated by the colorful tents and the exotic animals.

"I saw Ocky," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

His stepfather's expression softened slightly. "Ocky?" he asked.

Harry nodded, his eyes filled with longing. "She's a chimpanzee," he said. "From the circus."

His stepfather's face twisted in confusion. "A chimpanzee?" he asked. "Why would you want to be friends with a chimpanzee?"

Harry couldn't explain the strange connection he felt to Ocky. She had captured his heart with her playful demeanor and intelligent eyes. He knew that she was different from the other animals in the circus, that she had a kind soul and a deep understanding of the world.

"She needs a friend," he said, his voice pleading. "And I need someone to talk to."

His stepfather's expression hardened once again. "You're not going to bring that animal into this house," he said.

Harry's heart sank. He knew that his stepfather was against him, that there was no way he would be allowed to keep Ocky. But he couldn't give up on her. She needed him, and he needed her.

"Please," he said, his voice breaking. "Just give me a chance."

His stepfather studied him for a moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. Then he sighed.

"Fine," he said. "But you're responsible for her. You know that, right?"

Harry nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I know," he said.

Over the next few days, Harry and Ocky became inseparable. He would spend hours playing with her, teaching her new tricks and showing her the world around them. She was a curious creature, always eager to learn and explore.

But their happiness was short-lived. One day, Harry's stepfather and the police found out about Ocky. They were furious, and they demanded that Harry return her to the circus.

Harry refused. He couldn't bear to part with Ocky, to send her back to a life of captivity and performance. He knew that she deserved better than that.

And so, Harry and Ocky were on the run. They fled from town to town, hiding in forests and abandoned buildings, always looking for a way to stay one step ahead of the authorities.

Their journey was grueling, and they faced many challenges. They were hungry and tired, and they often had to rely on their wits to survive. But they never gave up, never lost hope.

As they traveled, Harry and Ocky met many people who were kind and compassionate. They were touched by the generosity of strangers who offered them food and shelter, and by the bravery of those who stood up for them when they were in danger.

But their journey also brought them face to face with the darker side of humanity. They saw the cruelty of those who treated animals cruelly, and the indifference of those who didn't see the value in life beyond their own interests.

Through it all, Harry and Ocky remained strong and resilient. They relied on each other for support, and they never lost sight of their goal. They knew that they were fighting for something important, something that would make a difference in the world.

Finally, after many long months of wandering, Harry and Ocky arrived at a sanctuary where animals were treated with kindness and respect. They were welcomed by the staff and the other animals, and they knew that they had found a new home.

Harry and Ocky spent the rest of their days at the sanctuary, living in peace and harmony. They were surrounded by friends and family, and they knew that they had found a place where they belonged.

Looking back on their journey, Harry knew that it had been a transformative experience. He had learned the value of friendship, compassion, and resilience, and he had discovered the power of standing up for what was right.

And he knew that Ocky had been his greatest teacher, showing him the true meaning of love and loyalty. She had taught him that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that true friendship knows no boundaries.

In conclusion, Harry and Ocky's story is a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story of hope and determination, of standing up for what is right and fighting for a better world. It is a story that will inspire generations to come, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us forward.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008640927