1
of
1
Dear Olly
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 2,077 ratings, 127 reviews)
Brief Description
An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow, and a young man – about love, family, and the determination to follow your calling. ‘Excellent’ The Times As Olly waits to hear from her brother, Matt, she watches the swallows preparing to...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Dear Olly. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Latest News
New Releases to add to your TBR (11th August)
There's a new release for everyone this week - here's your TBR roundup! Lizzy shares...
Book Briefing - 11th August
New Zealand books are recognized internationally, AI continues to cause drama, exciting new books are...
Exciting New Tonies - Minecraft / Chronicles of Narnia
New Tonies up for pre-order including Minecraft, Chronicles of Narnia, Tom Fletcher & Enid Blyton.
Remembering Sir Sam Neill
I was so saddened when I heard of the passing of Sam Neill. I've enjoyed...
Book Briefing - 5th August
Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
See more
An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow and a young man – about love, family and the determination to follow your calling
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
An enchanting story told in three narratives – from a girl, a swallow, and a young man – about love, family, and the determination to follow your calling.
‘Excellent’ The Times
As Olly waits to hear from her brother, Matt, she watches the swallows preparing to leave for winter. Hero the swallow is about to embark on his long journey to Africa, not knowing the terrible dangers he will face on the way.
And when Matt meets the children in the African orphanage – sick, injured, and lonely – he knows he’s made the right decision, but he never could have dreamed of what might happen to him there …
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008638795
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 February 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: HarperCollins
Illustration: 30 b/w, illus
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Christian Birmingham
- Illustrated by Christian Birmingham
- Illustrated by Christian Birmingham
Audience: Primary and secondary education, Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 15.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 120g
Pages: 128
About the Author
Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of the UK's best-loved authors for children and young people. He was the third UK Children's Laureate and he has won the Children's Book Award, the Nestle Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award. There have been many stage and screen adaptations of his books, including a major film and award-winning stage play based on War Horse. Michael also set up the charity Farms for City Children with his wife Clare. Christian Birmingham is a young artist of outstanding talent. In 1991 he graduated from Exeter College of Art and Design and has since illustrated several highly praised books, including The Magical Bicycle .
Also by Michael Morpurgo
View all-
The White Horse of Zennor
Since the beginning of time, strange and mysterious things have happened here… At the furthest edge of Britain, where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor. These are unforgettable tales where magic lies around every corner. This haunting collection of short stories by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo includes magical illustrations by award-winning...Paperback$900Elsewhere:$999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
War Horse
Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic children’s novel – War Horse. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Kaspar
Some cats really do have nine lives: after a stay at the legendary Savoy hotel, Kaspar the cat sets sail – on none other than the Titanic . . ‘A cracking narrative’ Observer They say cats have nine lives, and that’s certainly true of Kaspar. From the glamorous suites of the Savoy Hotel to a crowded lifeboat and the hustle...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Katerina the Cat and Other Tales from the Farm
A charming story collection from Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees – full of friendship and adventure, and perfect to read together. Take part in the heroic rescue of a fishing boat in trouble, meet a boy who makes an extraordinary discovery in the vegetable patch, and find out how a farm cat forms a very special connection with...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
King of the Cloud Forests
A heart-racing tale of courage, loss, friendship, and family from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Escaping from China as the Japanese invade, Ashley and Uncle Sung embark on a perilous journey across the Himalayas. When battling the hostile environments of the mountains, and finding himself alone in an unfamiliar world, Ashley’s courage is put to the test. A mysterious...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
War Horse 40th Anniversary Edition
Discover and cherish this beautiful hardback 40th-anniversary illustrated edition of the beloved modern classic, War Horse. Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic and nation’s favourite children’s novel… In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery,...Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
12% offWar Horse picture book
A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse, which has been captivating audiences young and old for 40 years. This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been...Hardback$2300Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
An Eagle in the Snow
A fictionalised account of the real-life British soldier who let Hitler live in the First World War, and his attempt to put right his mistake – from a master storyteller ‘Brilliant. Historical fiction at its most magnificent’ Jackie French An Eagle in the Snow tells the story of Billy Byron, one of the most decorated privates of the First World...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Running Wild
The epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from a master storyteller ‘One of those novels that you know from the start is going to break your heart’ The Times After his father is killed in Iraq, a surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect escape for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach,...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
20% offThe Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
A heartwarming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about a deserted village, a lifelong friendship, and one very adventurous cat! ‘A master storyteller at his best’ Sunday Times It’s 1943. Lily lives in a seaside village and her life is scarcely touched by the war, until one day when the villagers are all told...Paperback$1600Usually:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Twist of Gold
An unforgettable tale of struggle, adventure, and hope from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. ‘There’s a plague, a fever, call it what you will, sweeping this country, and it’s coming closer all the time.’ Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine and plague in Ireland. They survive a shipwreck and land safely...Paperback$3600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Shadow
A stunning and moving novel from a master storyteller – featuring the bravest dog in the world... ‘A superb animal tale, in the same vein as War Horse’ Guardian Never has Aman needed a friend more than when a springer spaniel appears before him one day. The dog becomes a constant companion, a shadow, and that's what Aman decides to...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseCass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseB is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Signed CopyThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
