Boy in for adventures after escaping tsunami with elephant

Running Wild Michael Morpurgo Published by HarperCollins ISBN 9780007267019

Michael Morpurgo's new novel is a thrilling and thought-provoking epic adventure set in the jungles of Indonesia. Authors pick up ideas from everywhere, and Morpurgo was inspired to write Running Wild after reading about a boy who escaped the terrible 2004 tsunami by riding into the jungle on the back of an elephant.

The best-selling author had always wanted to write a jungle adventure with a majestic elephant, his favourite childhood animal, as one of the central characters.

Running Wild begins at an emotional peak; its first chapter will bring tears to your eyes. Will is a normal English boy who suddenly has to face up to the unthinkable. His father, a professional soldier, is killed in the Iraq war, and Will and his mother are devastated.

The boy's kind grandparents secretly book a holiday in Indonesia for Will and his mum, hoping a different environment might help the healing process. This trip is an escape, a new start and a chance to forget the horror of Dad's death.

One of Will's Christmas presents is an elephant ride along the resort's beach. On Boxing Day, as Mum is swimming in the sea, Will is introduced to Oona, his elephant for the day. But as he is riding Oona along the water's edge, she is suddenly spooked by something and charges off into the jungle. Will clings on for dear life as the frightened elephant runs further and further into the jungle.