On Angel Wings [Hardcover]

Michael Morpurgo (Author), Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: K and up

A young boy gets his wish after the other shepherds leave him behind in this golden, heartwarming holiday tale from a leading author and illustrator.

"I bring you news of great joy. For tonight, in Bethlehem, a child has been born, a savior who is Christ the Lord." When the shepherds are invited to follow the star to visit the child, one young boy is told to stay and mind the flock. But the Angel Gabriel returns for him, taking the boy on a magical, memorable flight to be the first to witness the Christmas miracle. With a gently wry narration by Michael Morpurgo and expressive illustrations by the extraordinary Quentin Blake, this inviting, uplifting story is destined to become a holiday tradition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. The truth is that once we weren't children anymore, we never did believe Grandpa's story, not really—as much as we might have wanted to.... We still loved listening to it, though. Christmas nights would never have been the same without it. Voiced by an indulgent but typically skeptical youth, these opening lines frame a captivating retelling of the Nativity as experienced by the youngest shepherd, whose father and uncles have left him behind to look after the flock as they follow the star to Bethlehem. When the angel Gabriel overhears the boy's lamenting the unfairness of it all, he drops in to make things a little fairer and whisk the boy to the manger and back, lickety-split. Morpurgo's tone blends reverence with wit, a combination matched in Blake's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons of heavenly choruses, zooming angels and the boy shepherd holding an infant Jesus (he hopes against hope that [the baby] wouldn't cry). The six-inch-square trim size spells gift book; would-be givers should note the religious nature of the ending. All ages. (Oct.)
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About the Author

Michael Morpurgo, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written more than ninety books for children, including retellings SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT and BEOWULF. He lives in Devon, England.

Quentin Blake has illustrated some 250 books, including the celebrated MICHAEL ROSEN'S SAD BOOK, which received a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor, and numerous titles by Roald Dahl. He lives in London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (September 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763634662
• ISBN-13: 978-0763634667
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.4 x 6.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #888,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Blake, Quentin

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS STORY, October 2, 2007

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Angel Wings (Hardcover)

There have been countless retellings of the Christmas story but few as tender and touching as this. While intended for young readers it will appeal to all ages with its unique narrative and irresistible illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Few of Grandpa's relatives really believe his story but they always look forward to hearing it on Christmas Eve. He tells it in the same way each time, beginning with "When I was very little....."

As a boy he tended sheep with his father, uncle, and older brothers. One cold, starry night they were visited by the angel Gabriel who told them of an amazing birth, and invited them to come and see the baby for themselves. Well, of course, someone had to stay with the sheep while the other shepherds went over the hill to Bethlehem. Since Grandpa was the youngest he was left behind.

Oh, how he cried and wailed as he watched the others disappear into the night. He shouted, "It's not fair!" And then Gabriel made a return visit, offering to carry the boy to Bethlehem.

Young readers will be delighted with the outcome of this story, and adults may wish they could believe it. Whatever the case, "On Angel Wings" is sure to become a family Christmas favorite.

- Gail Cooke

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, December 7, 2007

By 

mkinoh (Hudson) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Angel Wings (Hardcover)

In one week, this little book has become the one begged for nightly by our children. With Mr Morpurgo's recrafting of the Christmas story from the p-o-v of a shepherd boy, we are transported, too, on angel wings and reminded that God cares for all of us and is with us right where we are. On Angel Wings is charming, and will be one excitedly pulled down from the shelf year after year.

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific story, February 13, 2010

By 

A. Scanlon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Angel Wings (Hardcover)

My 5 yr old daughter got this for Christmas from her Grandmother. I was really impressed by the pictures; they are bright and imaginative. The story is compelling, fun and rich.