About the Book

Billy has just been picked to play for Chelsea when WWII breaks out . . . Master storyteller Michael Morpurgo weaves a powerful tale of triumph and tragedy on the pitch and off it.

Book Synopsis

Billy has just been picked to play for Chelsea when WWII breaks out . . . Master storyteller Michael Morpurgo weaves a powerful tale of triumph and tragedy on the pitch and off it.

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 would never be the same again . . .

From the world renowned author War Horse, War Boy, War Game and Farm Boy and the creators of The Boy Who Would Be King and There Once Is a Queen.

Full colour artwork throughout, from world-renowned illustrator Michael Foreman.

Review Quotes

'A book that will be treasured.' - TES

About the Author

Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children, and has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children's Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

Michael Foreman OBE has illustrated a vast range of books, many of which he has also written. His worldwide travels provide ideas and locations for his books which, for decades, have frequently promoted peace and concern for the environment. He has won many prestigious awards, both as author and illustrator, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to literature.