Billy the Kid (Picture Book)

Book Description

Billy’s no kid – he’s eighty today. He’s enjoying watching the boys in the park knock a football around and this afternoon he’ll be cheering on his team, Chelsea, as he has done all his life. In 1939 Billy was picked for Chelsea. Not quite nineteen, and his dreams had come true: ‘Billy! Billy the Kid!’ they shouted as he scored goal after goal. Surely life could get no better. But in 1939 too, the Second World War began and Billy’s life was never to be the same again. Through the story of ‘Billy the Kid’, Michael Morpurgo reaches across the generations and with Michael Foreman’s nostalgically vivid illustrations, creates a life with a past that will be moving and inspiring for young and old alike

Review

‘a thrilling and moving story about a Chelsea footballer who gets caught up in the ravages of the Second World War, with the focus on the Beautiful Game as a common bond that can link nations and generations.’ Foreman’s shimmering watercolours and line, so agile and expressive, are a perfect match for Morpurgo’s assured and memorable narrative. This is a book that will be treasured by any child or teacher learning about the Second World War.’ TES

‘It’s wonderful!’ Kate Agnew

‘Michael Morpurgo, whose command of his material is absolute, told with all the author’s open-hearted clarity, and richly illustrated by Michael Foreman.’
Guardian

‘A story that combines football and war. It is a lot like an afternoon at Stamford Bridge, and ideal for football fans aged eight and over.’ Daily Telegraph ‘If you just love good stories, stunning pictures and beautiful books, you’ll want this book for your own.’ Young Writer. –This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover
`I was faster than all the kids twice my age and somehow I could always make a football d whatever I wanted it to. It just came easy to me, I don’t know why, but it did.’

The only thing Billy every wanted to do was to play for Chelsea. His dream came true when he was picked for the team – but that was 1939, and the Second World War began, and then Billy’s life. Like everyone else’s, was changed for ever.

Billy’s no kid now – he’s eighty today. But he’s got memories, such memories… –This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.