The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgo

Young Allen and his mother are shipwrecked just off the Scilly Isles, but are rescued by the lighthouse keeper, Benjamin Postlewaite. After an unsuccessful stint of living with his grandparents, Allen is sent to a boarding school where his mother soon follows to become a teacher. When Allen is a young man, he returns to the lighthouse keeper’s island to thank Benjamin Postlewaite.

Allen ends up staying on Puffin Island with Benjamin, teaching him how to read and learning how to paint. Together they nurse an injured puffin back to health and release him to the wild. When he is drafted in World War II, Allen departs his beloved new home, but Ben has hope of his return. After the war, Allen does return to Puffin Island, takes a wife, has children, and is like family to Ben until the day he dies.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Read Aloud Age: 6+

This brief chapter book tells a riveting story that includes adventure, difficult family dynamics, friendship, raw emotions, and brotherly love. The chapters are short and there are many absolutely beautiful illustrations throughout to keep your young reader flying through its pages. Morpurgo is an expert storyteller (author of War Horse and many others) and his ability shines through in the ease and flow of the text.

To be honest, I felt this book was too short. I wanted more. I wanted to know more about Benjamin and his story and I wanted more character development throughout because it’s quite a lovely book. If you are looking to broaden your child’s independent reading horizons a bit with a book in a unique but realistic setting, or for a quick and captivating read a loud, this could be an excellent choice!

Language:

Allen refers to his governess, Miss Duval as “Miss Devil” under his breath.

Allen’s mother is disrespectfully referred to as “that French woman” by his grandparents.

Questionable Behaviors:

Allen calls Miss Duval, “Miss Devil” to her face and refuses to apologize.

Allen runs away twice from his boarding school, but is brought back both times.

When Allen leaves home as a young man, he doesn’t tell his mother where he is going because he doesn’t want his mother to come along.

Other Things to Know:

When leaving home, Allen desires to discover “who he is.”

In reference to WWII, Allen says, “In the end we won, everyone said. I’m not sure wars are ever won.”

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.