47 pages • 1 hour read
Michael MorpurgoThe Butterfly Lion
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo follows a boy named Michael who runs away from boarding school and meets Millie Andrews, who tells him the story of Bertie, a boy who rescues a white lion in South Africa. The lion is sold to a circus when Bertie is sent to school in England. The novel explores their reunion, the sacrifices made during WWI, and the lion's memorial on a hillside. Sensitive topics include war and death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michael Morpurgo's The Butterfly Lion has garnered praise for its evocative storytelling and emotional depth, captivating both young and adult readers. Critics commend its vivid imagery and poignant themes of friendship and loyalty. However, some note that its simple narrative may not appeal to those seeking complex plots. The book remains a beloved choice for its heartwarming tale and beautiful prose.
Who Should Read The Butterfly Lion?
A reader who would enjoy The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo likely appreciates heartwarming, nostalgic tales of friendship and adventure. Fans of books like The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett or Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, which combine emotional depth with a sense of wonder, will find this story engaging.