Toro! Toro! is a heart-warming and thought-provoking book by the award-winning children's author Michael Morpurgo. It tells the story of Antonito, a young boy who lives in the Spanish countryside and loves nothing more than spending time with his beloved pet bull, Paco. Antonito’s world is turned upside down when he realises that Paco is destined for the bullring.
Toro! Toro! is a powerful and emotional story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complex relationship between humans and animals. The book is particularly powerful in its depiction of the Spanish bullfighting tradition, which is portrayed in a nuanced and thoughtful way.
Morpurgo weaves together the historical context of the Spanish Civil War and the treatment of animals preparing for the bullfighting. While the novel explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, it never feels preachy or didactic. Instead, Morpurgo trusts his young readers to make their own judgments and draw their own conclusions.
Toro! Toro! is beautifully written and full of vivid and evocative descriptions of the Spanish countryside. The author also creates wonderfully drawn characters, particularly Antonito, who is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist. The bond between Antonito and Paco is particularly well-drawn, and readers will find themselves rooting for the two of them throughout the book.
My son, John aged 9, enjoyed reading Toro! Toro! out loud to me. The story was engaging and gripping as we followed Antonito and Paco's story. It is a powerful exploration of important themes. A thought-provoking read.
- William
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars
