As a child, it was the friendship/bond capable of defying the odds between Bertie and his white lion that had me as desperate for the story's conclusion as the young boy hearing Millie tell the tale. The Butterfly Lion – recommended by Jess it's because it was published the year I was born or that the author found inspiration in the kinds of true stories I was often drawn to as a kid, but one of my favourite Michael Morpurgo books is The Butterfly Lion. Until one day, against hospital rules, Dad brings Lucky into the hospital. His friends and family try desperately to reach him – even Zola, his favourite Chelsea footballer, comes to see him. Inside his head, we hear Robbie’s thoughts on his Mum and sister, why his parents are separated. But he can hear he is aware, even though his family and friends don’t know this. Unconscious, Robbie lies in hospital, unable to speak, move or eat. “Robbie, football fan and animal lover, runs after his dog Lucky one day when he chases a cat and is hit by a car. I’ve always loved animals which is why I gravitated so strongly towards this book, and I too have strong connections with my own pets. I have a vivid memory of borrowing this book from my primary school library! It’s a beautiful story that examines the bond between humans and their pets, and introduces children to the concept of serious illness in a positive and hopeful way. But what will happen when he can’t run any more?” Suzie, the greyhound trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives him a new name, Bright Eyes. Until one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and begins a new life as a champion race dog. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he becomes. 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! “When Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. It’s wonderfully written and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. This is a heartwarming story about a greyhound and the various homes he was passed around, including his stint as a racing dog, before finding a forever home. The second of two recommendations from my own childhood, Born to Run is a wonderful story that both me and my mum enjoyed when I was a child.
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