Michael Morpurgo for a 6 year old?

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

Dd is 6, in yr2 and her reading is coming along really well. I am proud as she hasn't found it easy but seems to have taken off. She has read some Roald Dahl, her current school reading book is 'Charlie and the great glass elevator' (which personally I can't stand but we'll see..!)

At the moment the Book people have a good offer on Michael Morpurgo books I wondering if they might be suitable? I was thinking maybe the The butterfly Lion? what do you think? it's hard because as this age it's not a case of can she read the words because more often than not she can; but if the reading material is suitable and if she can comprehend the story fully.

Any other recommendations? she is devouring everything she can find but I fear her brain cells are being killed off by having to re-read those awful Rainbow Magic Fairies

[Goblinchild]

The butterfly lion is quite a strong text for a 6 year old, has some challenging and sad parts.
Have you thought of Jeremy Strong?
The Moomin books by Tove Janson?
Anne Fine, Diary of a Killer cat or Ivan the Terrible?
Morpurgo is fantastic, but I'd read his stuff first before giving them to an infant and match the book to the child. You know your DD best.

[Goblinchild]

Oh, buy the books. She won't be 6 for long, and they are a great price.

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

thank you - I can't believe I've never read any Morpurgo before so I think I'll get them for me and then see what might be good for dd . I just love some of the Book people deals, I really wanted the Roald Dahl pack a few months ago but couldn't really justify it as we have so many of his books individually.

[Goblinchild]

I buy them for my class library, Dahl, Morpurgo, Hairy Maclary and the rest. Then I take them home and enjoy.
It would be a pity to put her off a good writer because a book made her sad or cry.
So, you just liked the title of The Butterfly Lion?

[Grumpyoldhorsewoman]

DD (just 7) and I have just read Michael Morpurgo's version of Hansel and Gretel and I thought it was brilliant - so did DD. Quite an involved read and provides plenty to discuss but suitable for that age.

[pozzled]

I agree that The Butterfly Lion might be a bit much for a 6 year-old. Some of the others might be suitable for her now, possibly 'Why the Whales Came'? It is a fantastic set of books though, I saw them a couple of days ago and am quite tempted myself. Definitely a set that your DD can grow into and really appreciate over the next few years.

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

no, I had a quick flick through the butterfly lion in a book shop - it was in the 5-8 year section I think.

Trouble with the book people is all of the other books I'll see and feel the need tp purchase at the same time.