Kensuke's Kingdom Award-winning by Michael Morpurgo (author) (UK edition)

Author/Illustrator

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, weaving captivating stories full of drama and intensity that are coming to be regarded as true classics. Exploring the most profound subjects with a light yet powerful touch, his books tell unforgettable stories in simple, direct words.

Michael Morpurgo discovered his talent for writing while working as a teacher. “We had to read the children a story every day and my lot were bored by the book I was reading. I decided I had to do something and told them the kind of story I used to tell my kids – it was like a soap opera, and they focused on it. I could see there was magic in it for them, and realised there was magic in it for me.”

Living in Devon, listening to Mozart, and working with children have provided most of the stimulae Michael needs to discover and write his stories. He spends about half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories. “For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers.”

Reviews

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What kids think

1. smint
   on 26 February 2017

   TOTALY AWESOME . It just feels so real

2. Jaibmtv7
   on 24 July 2015

   This is the best book I have ever read.

3. bluepeter123456
   on 26 June 2015

   The book was good. I have seen a stage version of it at the Polka Theatre in Wembley.

   I like the part when Michel meets the old man for the first time.

   5 out of 5

4. diamondforever786
   on 31 January 2015

   Mysterious genre! I like it♥

   5 out of 5

5. EA-2886
   on 17 October 2014

   This book is all about adventures and bravery.

   5 out of 5

6. missyc
   on 28 March 2014

   Kenzukes kingdom, was a very interesting story. I started to read it at school and then I decided to by the book myself. P.S, I love Michael Morporgo!

   4 out of 5

7. Magicme11
   on 23 March 2014

   I honestly though this will be boring, but instead it was breathtaking!

   4 out of 5

8. Ballerina11
   on 21 March 2014

   This book is very good.My self I would not want to be learning on a boat!

   4 out of 5

9. AngelofDeath
   on 9 March 2014

   It’s a nice story but too much detail so it bored me.

10. Potterfan7
    on 8 March 2014

    This book is great. Kensuke, the oldest living person on the island, rescues micheal when he goes to far. But watch out, this book is full of suprises…

11. Mohsen1010
    on 7 March 2014

    This book improves with every page. An exciting adventure, readers will get hooked! Exploring the values of friendship and loyalty, it shows the true spirit of human nature and will surely bring a tear to its reader eyes!

12. Eymane143
    on 7 March 2014

    The only thing that I could possibly think could be improved is the length of the book. I think that the story was very short, as I finished the book very quickly. I feel that he could have just extended the middle a little. But otherwise, I find this a flawless book. Anyone who likes books will love this one!

    I would rate this book a 10 out of 10. This book is a great addition to any bookshelf. I recommend it for boys and girls 11 and up.

    5 out of 5

13. Cheerforevers
    on 7 March 2014

    This is about a boy who gets washed up on a deserted island.

14. sparklesheep02
    on 7 March 2014

    I read this in school for a project and immediately knew this was going to be a wonderful adventure. After reading this book i purchased my own copy. You have to read this it is amazing !

    5 out of 5

15. Spidergirl
    on 6 March 2014

    good book

    4 out of 5

16. books2000
    on 6 March 2014

    its good

17. Celine1
    on 5 March 2014

    I love this book and micheal murpoga so good

18. birdie90
    on 4 March 2014

    Fab! An amazing adventure. Enemies become friends.And kindness returns life

19. Sushi21
    on 4 March 2014

    I thought about what I would do if I am left alone on an island. This book is full of wisdom of an old man, Kensuke, who has been on the island alone for a long time.

    5 out of 5

20. button2004
    on 16 February 2014

    Michael goes overboard, and he lands on an island with his dog, hungry, thirsty and tired. But, the next day, he finds a bowl of fruit next to him. Could it possibly be that he is not completely alone on this strange, mysterious island? Read the book to find out…..

    I think that this is one of the best books I have read. The story goes slowly and steadily, but without dragging. The characters are all powerful and realistic, and they make the story interesting. I loved how the author made Michael a childish, but brave and honest character. The ending was strong and it almost made me cry (I won’t tell you what it was).

    The only thing that I could possibly think could be improved is the length of the book. I think that the story was very short, as I finished the book very quickly. I feel that he could have just extended the middle a little. But otherwise, I find this a flawless book. Anyone who likes books will love this one!

    I would rate this book a 10 out of 10. This book is a great addition to any bookshelf. I recommend it for boys and girls 11 and up.

    Kensuke’s Kingdom is a thrilling adventure story from exceptional children’s writer Michael Morpurgo. Michael, his parents and their faithful dog Stella set sail around the world in their yacht the Peggy Sue. Michael has never been so happy and then disaster strikes when he and his dog are swept overboard and find themselves stranded on an island where he discovers Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier and obstinate old man. Seemingly determined to thwart any attempt Michael makes to be rescued yet, unswerving in his generosity, sharing precious food and water and watching over him. Michael soon looks on Kensuke as both saviour and captor. It is not until both boy and man begin to understand one another and a bond of trust builds. Having lost his own family in the war Kensuke realises he must do all he can to help Michael find his own family even though he desperately wants to keep his island secret from the outside world he has turned his back on. This poignant tale of trust and mutual respect is a thrilling and emotive story, written in the first person narrative giving the reader a sense of a true story being related to them. The final page of the book reinforcing this effect beautifully. The characters of Michael and Kensuke’s characters are as far removed from each other as is possible but it is this contrast that engages the reader and adds such interest to the story. Morpurgo’s style of writing is distinctive and his execution of a storyline masterful leaving you able to relax and simply enjoy a cracking good read.

21. normio
    on 15 February 2014

    the best book of all time along side diary of a wimpy kid

    5 out of 5

22. tomgates27
    on 27 January 2014

    the worst book ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 5

23. sophie76324
    on 9 January 2014

    I think this book was really good because I HAVE READ IT BEFORE, but not online, this makes it more interesting for me !

    5 out of 5

24. friends-rock123
    on 9 January 2014

    i did it in class was really goood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

25. horseloveratbeingme
    on 9 January 2014

    wow this is a brilliant book the best one morpurgos done defiantly read it!

    5 out of 5

26. starwars04
    on 9 August 2013

    I found this Kensukes Kingdom book quite enjoyable, the reason is that it had influential language

    4 out of 5

27. Princessa28
    on 6 July 2013

    It was alright, but really interesting. Okay, so it was just a teeny bit boring at first. But as I read further, it became more brilliant each time. I was urging to find Kensuke’s story, but right in the middle, I got what I wanted.

    4 out of 5

28. luvhorsesforever
    on 20 June 2013

    bad and really boring for me I only read half the book it was that boring

    1 out of 5

29. Chocolatelover10
    on 18 June 2013

    I thought this book took you on a real adventure this book was quite dramatic and emotional maybe too dramatic and emotional for me but all in all this book was great.

    3 out of 5

30. comedy
    on 4 June 2013

    excellent!!!!!!:-D

    5 out of 5

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