10+ Best Michael Morpurgo Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime stories or chapter books that will capture the imagination of your young reader? Look no further than Michael Morpurgo books for 7-year-olds! Known for his enchanting storytelling, Morpurgo's tales are just the ticket for readers embarking on literary adventures. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of Michael Morpurgo books that are sure to delight any 7-year-old bookworm.

Fun Michael Morpurgo Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Rainbow Bear by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: The story follows a polar bear who wishes to be a different color. His wish is granted by a magical rainbow, but he soon learns that being different isn't always better.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming tale that teaches important lessons about identity and satisfaction with oneself, presented in a way that's engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and magical adventures.

• Mossop’s Last Chance by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Shoo Rayner
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this delightful tale, Mossop the farm cat has one last chance to prove he can catch a mouse or he'll be thrown out of the farm for good.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting and heartwarming story that encourages perseverance and the belief in one's own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and overcoming challenges.

• Little Foxes by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: A boy named Billy rescues a baby fox, which leads to an adventure that changes both their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a touching narrative about friendship and caring for animals, fostering empathy and a love for nature in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are animal lovers and enjoy stories about friendship and rescue.

• The King in the Forest by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Patrick Benson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy meets a king who lives alone in a forest, and through their friendship, he learns about the wonders and secrets of the natural world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends fantasy with nature, sparking imagination while instilling a respect for the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and nature enthusiasts who love stories that blend reality with enchantment.

• Conker by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Nick Maland
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nicky befriends a squirrel named Conker during a difficult time in his life, and their adventures together help him cope with his troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of friendship and coping with life's challenges in an accessible and uplifting way.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with personal challenges or those who enjoy heartwarming tales of friendship and resilience.

Educational Michael Morpurgo Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Christian Birmingham
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African plains. They form an unbreakable bond, but the cub is sold to a circus and Bertie vows to see his friend again.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of historical contexts, animal welfare awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that teaches about loyalty, persistence, and the impact of human-animal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and epic adventures.

• Tom's Sausage Lion by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Tom believes he's seen a lion escape into the wilds of the English countryside, but no one believes him — not even his family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of mystery, engaging children's imaginations while encouraging them to stick to their beliefs.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny stories with a bit of suspense.

• Where My Wellies Take Me by Michael Morpurgo and Clare Morpurgo, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill
  • Genre(s): Children's Poetry, Nature
  • Synopsis: A collection of poetry and prose reflecting a child's journey through the countryside, inspired by the authors' own rural explorations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation for nature, poetry comprehension, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated book that encourages outdoor exploration and a love for poetry.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and budding poets interested in the natural world.

• It's a Dog's Life by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Patrick Benson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: When a family adopts a stray dog, they learn about the dog's past and the adventures it experienced before finding a forever home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of animal emotions, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: This touching tale provides insights into the loyalty and love of pets, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and families considering or already having a pet.

Challenging Michael Morpurgo Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Cool as a Cucumber by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Tor Freeman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story centers around a young boy named Peter, who is exceptionally calm and collected, earning him the nickname "Cucumber." He faces a series of funny and unexpected challenges that test his cool demeanor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces young readers to subtle humor and situational comedy, which require a higher level of comprehension and appreciation of nuance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to handle stressful situations with a sense of humor and calmness, promoting emotional intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humor and learning about emotional management.

• Jo-Jo the Melon Donkey by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Helen Stephens
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Jo-Jo, a donkey who carries melons to market every day, dreams of being appreciated for more than just his strength. His kindness and bravery eventually shine through when he gets a chance to save the day.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of self-worth and recognition, which are complex emotional concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of hard work and the importance of recognizing one's own worth and contributions.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animal stories and lessons on self-esteem and bravery.

• Mimi and the Mountain Dragon by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Helen Stephens
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In her village nestled in the snowy Alps, a shy girl named Mimi finds a baby dragon asleep in the woodshed. The story unfolds as she bravely returns the dragon to its mother, facing her fears along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with themes of courage and fear, challenging young readers to understand and empathize with the protagonist's internal struggle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated tale that encourages bravery and kindness, even in the face of fear.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and fantasy tales involving mythical creatures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your 7-year-old to the enchanting world of Michael Morpurgo, you're on the right track. His stories, filled with adventure and heart, are perfect for young readers. To make the reading experience even more beneficial and enjoyable, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. These activities are not only fun but also educational, helping your child engage more deeply with the books.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's main events and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story's structure.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make it more engaging.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Dress up as the characters to make the activity more fun and immersive.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Organize a small group to discuss the book's themes and characters.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Prepare some questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Illustrate a Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book that stood out.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and a deeper connection with the story.
  • Tips: Display the artwork somewhere at home to keep the story alive.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a chapter ends.
  • How it helps: Develops anticipatory and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check them as you read to see if they come true.

These exercises are designed to be enjoyable and enriching, offering a fresh way to dive into the stories of Michael Morpurgo. By engaging in these activities, your child will not only enhance their reading skills but also develop a love for literature that could last a lifetime. So, grab a book, pick an exercise, and let the adventure begin!