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Book Details / Review - supplied by Amazon UK
It would be foolish to think that Michael Morpurgo, author of the award-winning When the Whales Came, could create something that would prove to be anything less than stunning and here, in Kensuke's Kingdom, he certainly proves he has not lost his magic touch.
When Michael is washed up on an island in the Pacific after falling from his parent's yacht, the Peggy Sue, he struggles to survive on his own. But he soon realises there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive. Following a close-run battle between life and death after being stung by a poisonous jelly fish, the mysterious someone--Kensuke--allows Michael into his world and they become friends, teaching and learning from each other, until the day of separation becomes inevitable.
Morpurgo here spins a yarn which gently captures the adventurous elements one would expect from a desert-island tale, but the real strength lies in the poignant and subtle observations of friendship, trust and, ultimately, humanity.
Beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman, Kensuke's Kingdom is a stylish, deceptively simple and magical book that will effortlessly capture the heart and imagination of anyone who reads it, ensuring that Morpurgo continues to stand tall amid the ranks of classic children's authors. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison
Books Related to Kensuke's Kingdom Michael Morpurgo - ISBN: 1405221747
'Kensuke's Kingdom' - Rated
This is a superb novel to motivate reluctant (male) readers between the ages of 9 and 13. As usual, Morpurgo's story telling skills combine with excellent use of figurative language. Each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger and as the main character's name is Michael also, children wonder throughout whether or not it is autobiographical. The ending of the novel is bitter-sweet but apt and the classes that I have taught this to always enjoy it. From a teacher's point of view there are many resouces and activities- as is usual with Morpurgo's novels- that can be created and adapted from his text. The paper back edition has far more illustrations than the hard back and therefore, kids seem to prefer that copy.
captains log - Rated
Michael's parents are made redundant, so they buy a yacht and plan to go around the world. There is not much to do on a boat, and Michael gets very bored. They visit various places from around the world. Michael goes over board with his dog Stella and they end up stranded on an island. After this he meets a strange man called Kensuke who has been on the island for over 30 years!
I like this story because of the way it builds up to an expected ending. It shocks you in the way it all fits together in the end.
I would recommend the book to anyone over the age of 9 hopefully everyone will enjoy this book.
louise, age 11
Hooked! - Rated
I have just finished reading this with my 8 year old and we have been hooked! It is a fantastic story, beautifully written and introduces a whole range of themes from the obvious concept of survival on a desert island, to the impacts of war, losing your family, preservation of wildlife and many more. We have thoroughly enjoyed it and will doubtless read it again. The only downside - my daughter had to read the last 5 or 6 pages as I was crying so much!! We will be onto the next Michael Morpurgo book tomorrow night. I really recommend this book to you - it is a gem.
Kensuke's Kingdom - Rated
Who are the main characters? Who is your favourite character and why?
Kensuke, Michael, Michael's mum and dad, Kensuke's wife and son, the dog and the orang-utans are the main characters. I do not have a favourite character because they are all brilliant characters.
What is the basic plot of the book and how does it develop?
Michael's family decide to live on a yacht and sail the seas but as they pass Japan there are storms and Michael and the dog fall out. They are drifting away in the sea for days and Michael gets bored. He sings to cheer himself up and an old, Japanese man hears him sing while he is out fishing. He rescues him and looks after him until he has fully recovered. They do not speak much because Kensuke can only speak a few words in English. They become good friends. They build a boat so they can go back but it isn't very good or strong. After two years Michael sees a yacht and on board is his parents. So off he goes home but Kensuke doesn't go because this island is his home and he has to protect the orang-utans from hunters.
How would you describe the atmosphere of the book?
It is a book about a strange friendship and it is very touching.
What was the most exciting moment in the book?
It was very exciting when one time the poachers come to shoot the orang-utans and one of the baby orang-utans was lost. Michael goes to look for him and nearly got caught by the poachers. Unfortunately he didn't find the baby.
What were the best and worst things about this book?
One of the best bit of the story was when Kensuke learns the song `Ten Green Bottles' because it is a good song and the way he pronounces the words by purpose to make Michael laugh is hilarious! The worst thing is when Michael sends a note in a bottle saying," Help" and his dog brings it back from the sea and Kensuke sees the note and is very upset and does not speak to Michael for a couple of days.
Did this book change the way you thought or felt about anything?
Yes. It has made me more aware about the affects of war and now it makes others feel.
Who do you think would like this book?
Everyone would enjoy it. It is great and exceptionally well written.
Lovely heartwarming book... - Rated
I had this book read to me in primary school, and I remember thouroughly enjoying it, an looking forward anxiously to the next installment!
I reccomend this book.
