book review of kensuke's kingdom

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Melanie lynskey praises husband jason ritter for his devotion, ‘kensuke’s kingdom’ review: michael morpugo’s novel becomes a timeless castaway fantasy – annecy film festival.

By Damon Wise

Film Editor, Awards

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Michael, however, pushes his parents’ patience a bit too far when it is revealed that he has smuggled their dog Stella onto the craft, but once the deception is revealed, a storm in the Indian Ocean sweeps both boy and dog away into the surf. They wake to they find themselves washed ashore a desert-island paradise, but it soon becomes clear that they are not alone.

The other human on the island is Kensuke (Ken Watanabe), who furtively greets Michael with bowls of water and fruit before making his appearance. He is an elderly Japanese man who speaks no English, but his exquisite watercolor paintings help him to communicate. Kensuke came to the island after his ship was bombed by the Americans, but not before finding out that his family, and indeed entire home city, had been wiped out in the final days of the Second World War. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Kensuke is a humble man with a keen sense of karmic balance and an equally strong environmental conscience.

When help finally arrives, Kensuke’s Kingdom doesn’t waste much time on tearful reunions, and the sudden fade to black simply seems to seal the story in amber. The eco-emphasis may be fashionable, but its handling is respectful and, obviously, organic to the material. It also adds to the timeless quality of the animation, which alludes to a gentler, fairer time, far away from the place where we now find ourselves.

Title:  Kensuke’s Kingdom Festival: Annecy (Competition) Director:  Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry Screenwriter: Frank Cottrell Boyce, from the book by Michael Morpurgo Running time:  1 hr 24 min Sales agent:  Bankside

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Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

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.

9/10 The writing is distinctive; the execution masterful.

• Buy on Amazon

Review by Floresiensis

252 positive reader review(s) for Kensuke's Kingdom

Michael Morpurgo biography

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I disappeared the night before my twelfth birthday. July 28th 1988. This book captured me straight away. Although the simple language is a slight adjustment, I found it extremely hard to put down. 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 jellyfish, 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...

Alexie from England

It is etstatic!& amazing

Maja from Poland

In some places it makes no sense but I like it.

LYNNEhi from Australia

Great book.

Secret from England

Amazing book!!!

Sarah from England

Maryam from UK

I found it intertaining and fun. I usually don't like books but I enjoyed this one! 

Callum Ridley from South Africa

An impeccable book that is so amazing that I cannot stop reading it! Michael Morpurgo is an old man, no offence, but he really makes this book all adventurous and full of excitement! I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages.

Ella from England

AMAZING BOOK!!!

Sophie from England

A bit boring at first but gets more exciting as you go along

E from Singapore

It was a great, thrilling, interesting and fun book to read.

Peace from South Africa

This book has a been really inspirational and i learnt so morals.it was a class novel INSPiRATIONAL

Nidhikshana from Qatar

So good, quite interesting and it seems that some of this was based on a true story. And as you know Michael Morpurgo is quite an old man so they want to base it on something real. 😃

Katie Saunders from England

Amazing book. I feel like I am really a character in Kensuke's kingdom but why don't they make Kensuke's Kindom 2 and Kensuke's Kingdom 3�'-😍😎

Pag from Aussie

Grace from UK

This book really kept my interest throughout the whole story. Friendship and trust was the key point of the story.

Maja Szul from England

This is an amazing emotional roller coaster. Michael is washed out to an island where he is stranded alone or he thinks so... But soon he discovers Kensuke. I love this book. It has a very heart warming end not leaving you agitated but relaxed. :)

Sherlynn from St Albans

So amazing! Best books i have ever read!!!

Ad from Holland

Just the best book ever!

Avery from Canada

My teacher finished reading this book with this and our class doesnt really read books aand so it blew us away. I guess the only thing I can say for improvement is writing more books since i have ready all of Michael Morpergo's books and currently doing a Book review at school for the book. I highly recommed everyone young or old to read this book as it has alot of cliffhangers and upside downs throughout the story.

Sanvi from India

Simon from United Kingdom

Brilliant book.

Lily from UK

I love this book. Great description. Dramatised in parts where needed and extremely upsetting and worrying sometimes. Michael seems real- his story seems real and this is why this book is one of my favourites. Michael Morpurgo is extremely talented and knows how to please his readers.

Holly from England

This book is honestly the best and my favourite character is Kensuke. I would rate it 10/10 and recommend it for everyone.

Debbie from England

At first I didn’t want to read it but now I’m all over the book. I really love it, it’s one of my favourite books I would give it 10 out of 10!

Lukmaan from England

This book is great, most parts are fun to read however some parts are a bit boring. I was reading it as a class reader in Y6.

Sarah from USA

Its a really good book. Some parts can be boring but is very fun to read.

Anon from UK

This book is amazing. I am in year 5 we are reading this book, I don't agree with the people that don't like this book. I've only read some of the book but so far I think it is fabulous in my point of view so all the people who dislike this is a weirdo and very very very stupid.

Jana from Egypt

Pretty nice book but some parts are boring

Fatima from UAE

I love this book.... it is a mix of emotions. It is emotional, funny and historical fiction. This book is amazing..... you must read this book.

Ellie from UK

It's amazing.

Sharnie from England

Love this book. It is good for all ages. I like reading his books, they are really effective and are very exciting. They are especially good for reading them in class at primary school or high school. Best book ever!!!

Ebony from England

I read this book in class and its the best book ever. It's so sad though. PS Spoiler alert for anyone that hasn't read it: Michael gets stung all over by a white jellyfish.

Saim from Pakistan

Best book ever for all type of people recommended for school & home or any place else where you are bored just read it and you’ll feel better

Lilly from England

Love the book it's so awesome that's why I'm rating 10 stars.

Filipe from France

TRÈS BON LIVRE À LIRE EN CLASSE OU À LA MAISON RECOMMANDÉ POUR TOUS(VERY GOOD BOOK TO READ IN CLASS OR HOME RECOMMENDED FOR ALL)

Peter from England

Best book ever!

Lily from England

It is very good and you should read it today.

Quinten from Scotland

Exciting and fun book. I like reading Kensuke's sentences.

Ella from UK

I read it in class!

Megan Wood from UK

I read it in class. This book is for all ages, everyone should read it.

Lola from America

This book is amazing.

Shanza from Pakistan

I luv it because it is so interesting and adventuristic, I don't know if that's a word...

Alice from England

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo is such an amazing book! In the part where Michael gets stung by the jellyfish was such a extraordinary bit in the chapter because the chapter ends there and you want to read on! This is why I rated this book 10 stars, best adventure book in the whole WORLD! 😃

Ashley from America

Jeff from Australia

Fantastic book.

Alex from Morpeth

One of my favourite books! Brilliant!!!

Ella from Australia

One of the best books ever! Brought me to tears at the end. Very emotional book for me. Wonderful book.

Georgina from England

It's an amazing book, so interesting.

Raeesa from South Africa

It's a really good book.

Aleisha from Perth WA

Never read any book better.

Daniela from Ireland

One of my favourite books of all time!! Really descriptive btw!

Kwanele from KZN ESHOWE

I love this book so much!!

Azmat from England

Zahid from England

NEVER READ A BOOK BETTER!!!!!!

Brika from UK

Mika from England

It's GREAT I love the use of speech

Habiba from England

I enjoyed reading this book so much. I loved it!

Mahesh from England

I love this book.

Anon from England

It is an amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! book.

Dylan from UK

Sad at the end but worth reading. It was my class novel.

Hajra from UK

When I read it I loved the adventure and as a class we loved it more than any other book.

Andrei from Mk

When I read this book in my class I really enjoyed it. It was really interesting and exciting, there were a lot of good pictures and I enjoyed the book. Thank you for writting such a great book.

Kala from Australia

Really good book and amazing.

Linda from United Kingdom

I love it ,one of the best books I have ever read!!!

Amelia from Scotland

Loved it. It is really good!

Maya from Canada

It was great

Ilgorbek from Uzbekistan

It is excellent for writing reviews... brilliant book!!!*

Holly from Britain

It is an amazing book and my best part is when Michael arrived on the island.

Jassim from Bahrain

It is a great book but some parts from the book I don't understand :)

Faoz from Dubai

The amazing book.

Angie from Virgin Islands

I read this book in school and it was amazing. I recommend this book to anyone who like happy endings and "Peter Pan".

Martin Lopez Casuso from Spain

I give this book ten stars because It Is very interesting. It Is a very good book.

Ahmed from Oman

It's the best book ever!

Amy from Northern Ireland

I think this book is amazing and should be no one in series though like some of these people I have to do a 4 page book review on it!

Zak from United Kingdom

A very good book if u want to bring your child in touch with human emotions. My 10yr old daughter and I both cried. It's a fantastic story. Don't miss it.

Katerina from Greece

Really inspiring.

who u gonna call no one from UK

I love this book and would recommend it to everyone, as it is in my opinion one of the best books out there, and for all those readers out there this book shallot disappoint you,

Caris from England

I think this is a really good book and I love when we read it in class. It is a bit sad though.

Emma from England

I would definitely recommend this book, but I now have to write a two page review on it. BORING!!!!!!

Sophie from Bangkok

I really liked it because there is suspense and adventure! Love Michael Mopurgo's books! I recommend it to everyone!

Zeyad from UAE

The book is very awesome. I love it. So much high vocabulary. I would recommend to read it.

Emma from Australia

I love it so much😄

Nandini from India

So cool! Interesting. I have read this book in my school library. It is so amazing.

Grace Wardle from UK

I like the book because it is full of adventure. EBI you could make the story even longer.

Alanoud from United Arab Emirates

I have read this book it is awesome and we are reading it again in class I never stopped reading it when I started thanks Micheal Morpurgo :)

Elle from UK

I loved the book and I wish i knew whether or not it's true????

Domoniqe Mitchelle from London England

This book was fantastic. I would recommnend this book for 10 years and over this book was great.... what do you think.....

Adi from India

Aditya from India

Thanks for making this awesome book.

Lea from Italy

ITZ A GREAT BOOK WELL DONE MICHAEL MORPURGO! BTW I JUST READ ADOLPHUS TIPS!

Hasib from England

It was really fun. I really enjoyed this book.

Michael Morpurgo from England

Thank you for your comments.

Viwe from South Africa

I'm still reading the book but I really think it is a great book and I would recommend it.

Ella from Wales

It is very good and I would recommend it to every one !!!!!!!!

Kian from Jersey CI UK

We read this in class and it was an amazing tale with a very touching end, although I would like to find out more about what happens at the end of the story. It was so sad that some of my classmates cried at the end!😭

Rosie from Ireland

I am ten years old and I read this book in a day. It is sincerely beautiful and I would highly recommend it!

Kris from Finland

Simply Amazing...

Mary from Colombia

I loved this book, it's so cool and in some parts funny... the only thing is that in my book there were some words that I couldn't understand! BUT THE OTHER PART OF THE BOOK WAS REALLY GOOD

Talissa from UK

I am reading it now in class it is really good thank you to my teacher Mrs Debbie Batch for getting me into it

Akshaya from France

Je suis allee content.

Rohna from UK

I found this book really interesting and would recommend it 100%.

Queenie from Scotland

It was amazing!!!

Max from UK

Good book but a little hard to understand so I would recommend for readers 11+

Joe from UK

I listened to it in school and I really enjoyed it. Now my homework today is to write a book review in my book!

Wow just ... This is so so brilliant!

John Cena from USA

8 out of 8 cuz its gr8 m8

Timirq Hassan from UK

I read this book in school and as homework. I had to make a review and this is the best example to help me and many other children.

Fakar from Dubia

Breathtakingly beautiful. A book that must be on your Christmas wish list.

Estrella from UK

I got this book in a library and it is so good and my rating is 10.

Flavia from UK

I first read Kensuke's Kingdom in year 6 when we were writing our own fantasy stories. I was so intrigued in the book I could not wait until we had English so we could read the next chapter. I am now in year 7 and have read the book twice already. The first Michael Morpurgo book I read was Friend or Foe, I read it in year 4 and even though I was only nine I enjoyed it very much. I think Michael Morpurgo is an amazing author who writes amazing books.

Aryan from Walsall

Fantastic. Interesting and fun book. Nearly my best book ever.

Denis from Kyiv

It is awesome. I like it very good hook and very interesting intrege scary.

Michael from London

Really good book, made me into tears 100% recommend reading it! Literally, it's so amazing.

Fin from England

A really good book.

Ria from England

It's an amazing book written by an inspiring writer.

Joan from US

I purchased this book for my 13 year old grandson and decided to read it first. What a fantastic read!!! So far this summer, this has been my favorite book. I gave it to my grandson and can't wait to hear his opinion and to discuss this great book together!

Luke from Perth

Amazing book, great job Michael.

Bailey from Canada

This is a very great book! I loved it so much! a MUST READ!

Tyler from England

It's breathtaking!

Charlotte from England

It is just so cool.

lol from Australia

It's a great book guys.

Klara from Texas

This is a good book ya´ll have to read it. As a writer-in-practice I thought of this book as really inspiring. I practically LOVE Kensuke's style of life and how he is calm and mature with his problem. This is very good for lessons and Michael is the most realistic writer ever.

Alex from London

It's a confusing book I don't recommend for young people.

Mia from england

This is the best book in the world I love it .

Chyzancku from France

Bonjour! Bravo Michael Morpurgo. Le livre est magnificent....

Yertha from Canada

It's awesome!! But not when you have homework on it....

Rosie from UK

I love this book, it's really touching and inspirational. Kensuke's Kingdom is based around the time of the 1980's. I would recommend anyone who likes suspense books to read this. If you enjoyed this book then I recommend you reading The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett. The same again, it's a really touching inspirational book, based on a garden that has many wonders.

Ella from Reading

I love this book so much. It's a brilliant book which has a great plot and really makes you think. It is full of excitement and suspense.

Shanzeh from Pakistan

Awesome book, must read y'all :):)

Nathan from UK

It's full of action and problems which makes any book interesting.

Dana from UK

It was really good and nearly every one likes it.

Annalise from Ireland

Kensuke's Kingdom is a brilliant book. It is the best book I have ever read. I really enjoy reading Micheal Morpurgo's books; he has such tasteful stories and they all seem so real, it's like they really happened.

Mymoona from UK

I love this book :) It is amazing, I had to write a review for my homework. It's the best lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):) :) :) :(

Carter from UK

I love this book I think it should be the No.1 for Michael Morpurgo's books. It is about a boy called Michael who 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.(Lovely review Carter - Lee @ Fantasy Book Review)

Basel from Jordan

Amazing build up of the plot but very easy and poor language for smart students.

Ayaan from Uganda

I love the book but is it true?

Jenny from England

Amazing but I'm curious whether it's it real?

Yolo McSwagens from UK

Ramyah from England

I loved this book it personally isn't my best favourite book but it surely is in the list of my "recommended books". This book taught me survival skills and I couldn't put this book down. In my opinion I wanted to read more since I think it ended unexpectedly. It really was fantastic and realistic, it could of happened. This book was filled with thrills and excitement and suspense...

Estela from UK

I love reading this book. It is just amazing, Kensuke's Kingdom.

Femke from Netherlands

I red this book for my book report for school. I love this book, the way I could not stop reading it because I wanted to now what would happen next! I really can remommend this book!

Rida Owais from Pakistan

This book is very good and it is the best as it is written by its author.

Tyrique from UK

GREAT book, read it twice and I sill want to read it again. It's a real page-turner.

Adam from Burnley

I wish I could give it 11/10 cos it's the best book in the world :-)

Dhruv from India

This is an awesome book. It is a must read for children. You even learn a lot of things from this book.

Natascha from Pakistan

Kensuke's Kingdom was an amazing book filled with adventure and also had small small parts which were sad. I loved it!

It was an amazing book filled with adventure and also had small small parts which were sad. I l

Jawad from Slough

Really good book, a real page turner.

Onder from England

I would give it a 7/10. I could not say it was the best book I ever read but from my side the book was a good book. I liked the end, it was very nice as well as emotional and I'm definetely not going to spoil it. This is a book that I would say is for the 9-12 age group who would understand it. I have to write a review of this for homework BORING. I would rather just read the book (Onder Tekin)

Epic book but I've got homework on it and it's hard. 

Abuaker from Southall, England

I found it great plus it was a Brobdingnagian book meaning big.

Anna from UK

I absolutely love this book! I couldn't put it down when I started it. I disagree about it taking a while to get into, I thought it was exciting from the very start. I'd like to know if it's true or not, as at the end of the book it refers to a letter from supposedly Kensuke's son. READ THIS BOOK!!!I absolutely love this book! I couldn't put it down when I started it. I disagree about it taking a while to get into, I thought it was exiting from the very start. I'd like to know if its true or not, as at the end of the book it refers to a letter from supposedly Kensukes son. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kulsuma Begum from Birmingham

It was a mind blowing adventurous amazing story which kept on leaving mysteries and suspense which I merely enjoy and I hope you, yes you, the one with a cup of tea ;p I hope you guys understand the true meaning of this wonderful book! Kensukes Kingdom, let's give a round of applause (clap! clap!).

Matias from Heredia, Costa Rica

It was amazing! It had a lot of excitement and was very nice.

Josh from England

I like this book because it had a good story to it.

Adam from UK

The book is really good but what I want to know is if the book based on a true story? Was Kensuke real because at the end of the story it has a reverance from Kensuke's son and how he thought his father was dead.

i think this was verry good and at school our topic is storms and shipwrecks we are reading it at school i give this a 10

Rosa from St. Croix

I love love love this book!

Leah from Phillipines

Kensuke's Kingdom was really awesome.

Chloe from England

Haven't finished yet but so far it is a cool book.

Jasmine from Brighton, England

I found it really interesting, in some bits I liked it because there were lots of cliff-hangers.

Helen from UK

Ted from UK

This book is amazing. I read it like a thousand times now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pete from England

It's an awesome book.

Sharnileigh from Engll

I liked this book I've read it about 5 times! But why is Michael a good character

Bob from UK

It's so cool. I have it, how cool is that?

Molly from Ellesmere Port

Wow, amazing and brilliant. Cool.

Helena from England

We read it at school and this book was AMAZING! It wasn't as interesting at the start but most of the class got into it nearing the end. The book is really sad and it made me think a lot. I would really recommend it, but I would love to know the story behind it. :D

Kate from UK

This book is amazing I read it last year and really enjoyed it . Then yesterday this girl in my class was talking about it and when I got home I was looking for it but couldn't find it ! So I went on my iPad and downloaded iBooks and but in Kensuke's Kingdom ......... But it came up with every other book but kensukes kingdom :( I am very sad wanted to read it again, great book.

Rachel from Nantwich

Michael is an 11 year old living in England with his mum dad and dog, when his dads work shuts down that had no choice but to move, his dad buys boat called the Peggy Sue. In a storm one night Michel and Stella (the dog) are washed off the boat in the cold, dark sea of the night. When he wakes up he finds that he's washed up on a deserted island. He spends the day exploring and looking for food and water, he curls up in a cave that night waiting to die but the next day finds food and water waiting for him. He then realises that he's not alone. Over the next few weeks he learns about Kensuke the owner and only other human of the island, Kensuke tells the sad tale of how he was stranded on the island during the war and believes his wife and daughter to be dead. So begins a wonderful, heart-wrenching tale of friendship. This book will grip you from start to finish, and let you understand the true meaning of trust and friendship. Mopurgo captures the essence of human emotion which is deftly interwoven through every page. I found that although the language used is simple (the target audience being children) the read still manages to lock the reader to the book regardless of age. I would strongly recommend this powerful and epic tale to anyone who wants to experience a book full of adventure and curiosity.

Niamh from Somerset

Roksana from UK

Wow! I just finished reading this book and I'm crying! So sad ending- but oh, so lovely friendship they built up... Great book! Well done, Michael! Also, that letter at the end made me think and stop- was it true or not? It wasn't, but I felt it was- fab!

Hollie from Canvey Island

I read it at school and I love it so much. Is it real? Did you get lost on a island? Please tell me!

Michelle Conabeer from Westhill Gardens

I was an amazing book and I would read it over and over again. So well done to you Michael.

Tabby from Wokingham

I think this is an amazing book, the way he writes it makes you feel like you are in the story. Must read this book!!!!!!!

Lillie from Stowmarket

I love the story but I'm only half way through so far but it's really good. I don't know what happens at the end but I bet it's really good.

Shafah Ahmed from Preston, United Kingdom

Umm, I think this book is brilliant, the language is great and it makes it sound like Michael is mature :) My opinion is that it's good

Krisi from London

Kensuke's Kingdom is an amazing book and I think it is an adventures book and should be read by pupils from the age 9 and up.

Oliver from Leeds

It is a good book but even though it is hard to put down it is a hard book to get into.

Emily from Luton

I love this book!

Its a great book I think it should be bought by different people from ages 10 and up.

Amazing! Brill, it is the best book that has ever been written!!! :)

Aston from UK

I liked this book, it was very good and Michael Murpurgo is a great author.

Sam from Sweden

Our class is reading this book and it's pretty good so far!

Samuel from Europe

Although the class are still on Chapter Four (Page 45), the book is far from boring! This is one of the greatest book's I have ever read! This Michael Morpurgo classic is highly recommended for children 10+. Absolutely marvellous!

Jason from Handsacre, Staffs

Our class read the book over the period of a few weeks, it blew us away!!! Very emotional and I am not surprised by it's excellent reviews and awards.

Angela from Houston, Texas

This book is so touching and factinating. It is the best book I have ever read because it has cliff-hangers that hook you.

Emma from London

I love the book. My teacher read the last part and I was crying!!! I am even getting the book even though I have read it!!!! I am excited to get the book!!

dani from london

i do agree with you its a breathtaking story

Gwyneth from Ireland

I thought it was a breathtaking novel. Full of excitement and adventures. I bought this book thinking nothing of it but when I read it- I had a completely different aspect of it! I would recommend it to anyone! From about 9 years old and up. My Mum and my younger brother enjoyed it just as I did. Another great book from Michael Morpurgo.

Alecia from Channel Islands

I do agree it takes a while to get into but I think its one of the best books I've ever read

Gabriel from Middlesbrough

Upon reading Kensuke's Kingdom I found that although the language used is simple (the target audience primarily being children); the fast-paced read still manages to encapsulate the reader regardless of age. Throughout the novel, the reader is confronted with the strong sense of family that the novel, in its entirety, explores. At the start of the novel, we find that the main character Michael has a great life with his parents and the lovable family dog, Stella Artois. And the opening clearly and avidly describes the amazing sensation the family experiences when "on the water...we'd go skimming over the waves, exhilarating in the speed of it, in the sheer joy of it". In particular, use of the 1st person singular object deems to reinforce this ecstasy of emotion. However, this amazing picture is thrust into disarray as both parents are suddenly made redundant. All the fun Michael's family had now seems like a dream that never happened. Upon this realisation, Michael's father decides they should go around the world... in a yacht. As the reader we see the amazing sights and experiences from Michael's perspective as they travel around the world from England all the way to Australia. But one day, Michael is sent overboard by a tumultuous wave and he fears he will never survive; "The terrors came fast, one upon another. The lights of the Peggy Sue went away into the dark of the night, leaving me alone in the ocean, alone with the certainty that they were already too far away, that my cries for help could not possibly be heard. I thought then of the sharks cruising the black water beneath me - scenting me, already searching me out, homing in on me - and I knew there could be no hope. I would be eaten alive. Either that or I would drown slowly. Nothing could save me". Michael finds himself stranded on a desert island, and with no food or water believes it is the end. But as he wakes up every morning, there appears fresh food and water for him which he finds was set out by an elderly Japanese man, Kensuke. Despite hostility towards Michael, Kensuke saves him from the close clutches death by a swarm of jellyfish. For days and weeks, Kensuke slowly and tenderly nurses Michael back to health; often singing softly in Japanese to lull Michael to sleep. Thus begins a deeply moving bond between the characters. Michael fishes, paints, and plays football with Kensuke. We as the reader find the sad tale of how Kensuke was stranded on the island during the war and believes his wife and daughter to be dead. So begins a wonderful, heart-wrenching and poignant tale of friendship and of course, family. Michael eventually leaves the island leaves Kensuke and his kingdom, forever. I would strongly recommend this powerful and epic tale of to all to experience. It is a book that will grip you from start to finish, and enlighten you of the true meaning of trust and friendship. By far, Mopurgo captures the essence of human emotion which is deftly interwoven through every page.

Niamh from UK

We have just finished reading this book in class. At first I thought it a little boring, but after a while I started savouring every minute we spent reading it - it was funny at times, suspending at times, and had amazing vocabulary. The ending left me devestated but I absolutely loved it. The first 80 pages are a bit boring but then you start to get into it! I loved.

Jess from UK

A very good, atmspheric book which I enjoyed reading and could hardly put down!! I wonder what happened to Kensuke though...

Kelan from England

It was good, I really enjoyed reading it.

Kobi from England

I like this book because you don't expect what will hapen next!

Ladi from London

I love this book because the boy has a choice, but a very hard one because he has to chose between his loving family and his special friend.

Barish from Netherlands

This is amazing!!! Breathtaking adventures, amazing, and I especially love that cute sheep-dog, Stella. I vote 10 out of 10 and this is the best book I have read (I've read about 100-150 books and this is the best. I hope they read this book in our class soon (we are currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl).

Ruth from Rugby

It is a great book of adventure. I truly recommend it.

Alisha from Scotland

I love this book because it is adventerous and tells you what it feels like to stay on an island for so long.

Gianni from England

I think this is my favourite book. It's so tempting to see what happens next.

Judah Chandra from Birmingham

Upon reading Kensuke’s Kingdom I found that although the language used is simple, (The target audience primarily being children); the fast-paced read still manages to encapsulate the reader regardless of age. Throughout the novel, the reader is confronted with the strong sense of family that the novel, in it’s entirety, explores. At the start of the novel, we find that the main character Michael has a great life with his parents and the lovable family dog, Stella Artois. And the opening clearly and avidly describes the amazing sensation the family experiences when “on the water” “...we’d go skimming over the waves, exhilarating in the speed of it, in the sheer joy of it.” In particular, use of the 1st person singular object deems to reinforce this ecstasy of emotion. However, this amazing picture it thrust into disarray as both parents are suddenly made redundant. All the fun Michael’s family had now seems like a dream that never happened. Upon this realisation, Michael’s father decides they should go around the world... in a yacht. As the reader we see the amazing sites and experiences in Michael’s perspective as they travel around the world from England all the way to Australia. But one day, Michael is sent overboard by a tumultuous wave and he fears he will never survive; “The terrors came fast, one upon another. The lights of the Peggy Sue (the boat) went away into the dark of the night, leaving me alone in the ocean, alone with the certainty that they were already too far away, that my cries for help could not possibly be heard. I thought then of the sharks cruising the black water beneath me - scenting me, already searching me out, homing in on me - and I knew there could be no hope. I would be eaten alive. Either that or I would drown slowly. Nothing could save me.” Michael finds himself stranded on a desert island, and with no food or water believes it is the end. But as he wakes up every morning, there appears fresh food and water for him which he finds was set out by an elderly Japanese man, Kensuke. Despite hostility towards Michael, Kensuke saves him from the close clutches death by a swarm of Jellyfish. For days and weeks, Kensuke slowly and tenderly nurses Michael back to health; often singing softly in Japanese to lull Michael asleep. Thus begins a deeply moving bond between the characters. Michael fishes, paints, and plays football with Kensuke. We as the reader find the sad tale of how Kensuke was stranded on the island during the war and believed his wife and daughter to be dead. So begins a wonderful, heart-wrenching and poignant tale of friendship and of course, family. Michael eventually leaves the island leaving Kensuke and his Kingdom, forever. I would strongly recommend this powerful and epic tale of to all to experience. It is a book that will grip you from start to finish, and enlighten you of the true meaning of trust and friendship. By far, Mopurgo captures the essence of human emotion which is deftly interwoven through every page.

Mrs Cass from 26 Jesmond Gardens, Hartlepool

This is a fantastic story that the year 5 children read as part of our lessons. Two children took the role of Kensuke and Michael in our hot seat. They were excellent at questions asked and could answer with confidence about how their feelings changed for each other. The children would really like to know if this brilliant book is based on a true story.

Hanna from Cardiff

This book is fantastic and so is are all of the other books Michael Mopurgo writes. I like Kensuke's Kingdom but I like one of his other books better than this, so that is why it is a 9 from me.

VIiraji from Seychelles

It's a book that is full of mysteries which is why I like it. Our whole class is reading it and to me it's a great story.

Alisha from 29 The Crescent

I think it was amazing, you would not be disappointed. READ IT!!!!!!!!

Big Fan from UK

We read this particular book in class. I loved it. It is so catchy and it draws you into the book. I don't think it's true, but that makes it better.

Soria from Chesterfield School, London

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENED TO U. 3 WORDS: DEVASTATING!!! BREATHTAKING!!! ") ") ") RECOMMENED!!!

Soria from London

This book was given to my reading group. At first, when I started to read it, it was boring. But when I started to read a bit more each day I started to enjoy it. It was heartbreaking and breathtaking. The use of vocabulary made me feel I was in the story, in the scene standing next to Kensuke, listening to every word he said (even though it says he dosen't talk much). Me and my friends used to write down the interesting vocabulary Michael used in the book. I recommend this to all the children in the world ")")")

Abdullah from Qatar

Very nice book, touching and breathtaking... adventurous, sad and fantastic! Keep it up Michael!

Sharnali from London

It was a heartbreaking yet breathtaking story. It is full of adventure and mystery . I loved the book this is my first Michael Morpurgo book and I think he is a genius. I felt like I was witnessing the events as I was reading it. Even though I rate the book ten stars I wish I could rate it 30 stars!

Tugce from London

It is a fantastic story full of adventures and brilliance. When I was reading I could imagine the picture in my head, it was like I was in the story. I was really happy when the family was back together again, when I read the book I wanted to read on. It was sad when mum and dad lost their jobs but then they decided to sail around the world and many thing good things happened on the boat and many bad things happened but they all survived no matter what happened.

Stephens from London

It is a very funnily heartbreaking book which is packed with fascinating situations and solutions. This book is a book that most readers would love to read. The life of Kensuke was a quite an adventurous life. All the problems were quite predictable (not all of it so don't worry about it) but come-on, who wouldn't think the main character of a story wouldn't be rescued if they were stuck on an island. But overall it was probably the third best book I've ever read so far (you might want to make some more new books).

Dogukan from Enfield, United Kingdom

This book is awseome. I loved it from start to end. It was an amazing adventure story which had its ups and downs. It had vocabulary which made my heart skip a beat! I wanted Kensuke to come with Michael but unfortunately he did not as he wanted to stay in the kingdom. I also loved the part when the letter came at the end of the book which leaves it as a cliffhanger. I wanted this book to never end because I loved it so much! I want Michael Morpurgo to write more books like this! While I was reading the part when Micheal fell off the Peggy Sue my eyes went wide open and I struggled to keep them down!

Kevin from Southmapton

I like his book, it's the best ever.

Michael from Wales

I like Michael Morpurgo books because his book's are so good.

Mikey from Northampton

WOW I think Michael Morpurgo is a sensational writer and I think I would definitely give this book 10/10. I think it had all the points a good story needed. A bit of tension and suspense, along with a bit of sadness but a happy ending. I don't in any way think this book should have been improved. I think this book was moving because it was sad when Michael had to leave Kensuke, since they had become very good friends. It was also happy because Michael got to see his parents again. In addition it was funny because Kensuke's English was so bad! I would recommend this book to anyone who just loves good reads because the language is a bit complicated but you can still understand what the author is trying to say.

Govind from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Michael Morpurgo is a fantastic author and I hope that he writes more books like Kensuke's Kingdom. I really believed that it was a true story. Hats off to Mr. Michael!!

Meercat aged 8 from Berkshire

Michael Morpurgo, is a brilliant author, but sometimes a bit sad! Apart from that the amazing adventure of Kensuke and Michael in Kensukes Kingdom is a fabulous book about how Kensuke and Michael make there life work together on Kensukes very own island!

It is exciting and funny and I loved it.

Shafira from Salsiah

I love this book! at first it was boring but I was very interested by the end. So sad.

Michael from Pontarddulais

I think that Kensuke's Kingdom is good and cool!

Charlie from Mallorca

I love all of Micheal Morpurgo's books even though they are so sad but I really liked Kensuke's Kingdom.

Charlotte from Buckinghamshire

I loved this book and I think all the people that say its boring need to have a re-think. Also I'd like to say a big big thank you to Michael Morpergo, he is absolutely brilliant. 10/ 10 definitely. I loved every single bit of the story, it was truly amazing, everyone should read the book. My favioroute part was all of it. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MICHAEL. I was thinking it was a true story as well. A+M+A+Z+I+N+G

Keira from England

I love love love it! Amazing, is it true though?

Gabriella from America

Excellent book!!!

Halima from Africa

It was an excellent book with good vocabulary. Thank you to Mr Burgess for getting me to read and enjoy it! 6RB

Hannah from Chester

Love, love, love the book. Michael, YOU GENIUS, I love all of your books but this is A+M+A+Z+I+N+G!

Katie from Peterborough

This book is so amazing and I am learning about it at school. So cool!

Olivia from Leeds

The book is really good. It is a 10 out of 10 because everyone will like it.

Amy from England

I thought it was great and it hooked me in. I would recommend it to any child but it is a bit sad but i still loved it.

Georgette Campbell from Bradford

I really liked Kensukes Kingdom because it kept you in suspense, especially the gibbons shooting part (that was my favourite!)

Elleina Morgan Swainhouse from Bradford

I think it was a really good book. My favourite character was Stella because she was always confused and didn't know what was going on. I liked the book because Kensuke really changed his attitude towards Michael. My favourite part was when Michael got hurt and Kensuke was caring and kind to him.

Hollie from Bradford

It was a very good. It had suspense at the end of every chapter which was a perfect example of a perfect author!!

Paige-Amy from Bradford

I really liked the book and I would like to read more books like this one! ;)

Maggie from Bradford

I think this book is fantastic. It is a great adventure and is the best book I've ever read so far.

Jovana Lugonja from Swain House Primary School

It was a very good and exciting book. In every chapter it would leave you in suspense. The best book I've ever read.

Adam and Rhys from Bradford

It was a fantastic book (you know just like the colour of magic book).

NANCY PATEL from AUSTRALIA

I usually like reading Geronimo Stilton books but now I am going to read books written by Michael Morpurgo because I really liked Kensuke's Kingdom.

Aara from Surrey

I really like this book so I am recommending it to everyone. My cousin hasn't read it so I am buying it her for her birthday which is soon - so happy birthday cuz!

Bob from London

It is the best book I have ever read!!!!

Sophie from Smith

It was quite a good book although some of it was a bit unbelievable. Apart from that it's quite a good book, my favourite character is Stella Arois because she sounds cute.

Rebecca from Poynton

It is a great book and I think that you could not get bored of it.

Rina from Vancouver BC

I'm a 39 year old woman who is very picky when it comes to books and for me to love this book, obviously it has to be amazing. Michael Murpurgo, you are a genuis. What a fanastic book you have written.

I loved the book. My fave part was when Kensuke talked about his life.

Sue from America

I loved the book, expecially when he met Kensuke.

Molly from England

I loved it! It was one of the most touching books I've ever read, especially at the end when Michael left Kensuke. I suggest to everyone who hasn't read it to do so!

Catherine from Northern Ireland, Londonderry

I love the book! 10 stars! Full of trills and very exciting. My teacher loves Michael's books! We are doing a lot of work on his books.

Rachel Jones from Chester

I thought it was a very intresting book.

It is a fantastic book. It is the best book I've ever read.

Young reader from UK

I love reading Kensuke's Kingdom and I was wondering if it was a true story?

Heerthana from West London

I love all the books Micheal Morpurgo wrote. The book that he wrote that I loved the best was Kensuke's Kingdom. It is full of adventure, amazement and thrills.I really don't know what else to say about this fantastic book!

9.5 /10 from 254 reviews

All Michael Morpurgo Reviews

• Kensuke's Kingdom
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KENSUKE’S KINGDOM

by Michael Morpurgo ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2003

More adventure than ordeal, this survival tale will fit the bill for thoughtful readers discomfited by extreme violence or gross details. To Michael, the round-the-world sail he’s taking with his parents aboard the 42-foot Peggy Sue is great fun, until the moment he and his dog Stella Artois are washed overboard. Michael comes to on a small island, inhabited by gibbons, a colony of orangutans—and Kensuke, a Japanese naval doctor stranded there more than 40 years before. The plot centers around Michael’s emotional ups and down as he battles loneliness and mosquitoes, then grows closer to his rescuer, who supplies him with food and water, but makes him stay on one end of the island, at least until he’s stung by a jellyfish, and needs nursing back to health. Kensuke has built a small, beautiful world for himself that he teaches Michael to see, and to paint, in exchange for English lessons and news of the outside. When Michael’s steadfast parents arrive, after nearly a year’s searching, to carry him and Stella away, Kensuke opts to stay behind—but it’s plain that his spirit and simplicity have worked profound changes on his young charge. A prizewinning import: sensitive, perceptive, and well-told. (Fiction. 10-12)

Pub Date: March 1, 2003

ISBN: 0-439-38202-5

Page Count: 176

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2003

CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION

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by Michael Morpurgo ; illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole

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CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE TERRIFYING RETURN OF TIPPY TINKLETROUSERS

From the captain underpants series , vol. 9.

by Dav Pilkey & illustrated by Dav Pilkey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 28, 2012

Is this the end? Well, no…the series will stagger on through at least one more scheduled sequel.

Sure signs that the creative wells are running dry at last, the Captain’s ninth, overstuffed outing both recycles a villain (see Book 4) and offers trendy anti-bullying wish fulfillment.

Not that there aren’t pranks and envelope-pushing quips aplenty. To start, in an alternate ending to the previous episode, Principal Krupp ends up in prison (“…a lot like being a student at Jerome Horwitz Elementary School, except that the prison had better funding”). There, he witnesses fellow inmate Tippy Tinkletrousers (aka Professor Poopypants) escape in a giant Robo-Suit (later reduced to time-traveling trousers). The villain sets off after George and Harold, who are in juvie (“not much different from our old school…except that they have library books here.”). Cut to five years previous, in a prequel to the whole series. George and Harold link up in kindergarten to reduce a quartet of vicious bullies to giggling insanity with a relentless series of pranks involving shaving cream, spiders, effeminate spoof text messages and friendship bracelets. Pilkey tucks both topical jokes and bathroom humor into the cartoon art, and ups the narrative’s lexical ante with terms like “pharmaceuticals” and “theatrical flair.” Unfortunately, the bullies’ sad fates force Krupp to resign, so he’s not around to save the Earth from being destroyed later on by Talking Toilets and other invaders…

Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-545-17534-0

Page Count: 304

Review Posted Online: June 19, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2012

More In The Series

by Dav Pilkey ; illustrated by Dav Pilkey

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by Dav Pilkey ; illustrated by Dav Pilkey color by Jose Garibaldi & Wes Dzioba

by Dav Pilkey ; illustrated by Dav Pilkey ; color by Jose Garibaldi & Wes Dzioba

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE REVOLTING REVENGE OF THE RADIOACTIVE ROBO-BOXERS

From the captain underpants series , vol. 10.

by Dav Pilkey ; illustrated by Dav Pilkey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 15, 2013

Series fans, at least, will take this outing (and clear evidence of more to come) in stride.

Zipping back and forth in time atop outsized robo–bell bottoms, mad inventor Tippy Tinkletrousers (aka Professor Poopypants) legs his way to center stage in this slightly less-labored continuation of episode 9.

The action commences after a rambling recap and a warning not to laugh or smile on pain of being forced to read Sarah Plain and Tall . Pilkey first sends his peevish protagonist back a short while to save the Earth (destroyed in the previous episode), then on to various prehistoric eras in pursuit of George, Harold and the Captain. It’s all pretty much an excuse for many butt jokes, dashes of off-color humor (“Tippy pressed the button on his Freezy-Beam 4000, causing it to rise from the depths of his Robo-Pants”), a lengthy wordless comic and two tussles in “Flip-o-rama.” Still, the chase kicks off an ice age, the extinction of the dinosaurs and the Big Bang (here the Big “Ka-Bloosh!”). It ends with a harrowing glimpse of what George and Harold would become if they decided to go straight. The author also chucks in a poopy-doo-doo song with musical notation (credited to Albert P. Einstein) and plenty of ink-and-wash cartoon illustrations to crank up the ongoing frenzy.

Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-545-17536-4

Page Count: 224

Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2013

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Kensuke’s Kingdom

By michael morpurgo.

Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone . . .

Michael Morpurgo Kensuke’s Kingdom

This book made me feel Excited

This is a really good book , Miss Shepherd read it to the class and with the expressions she made it turned out hilarious.

This book made me feel Happy, Excited, Curious

The book was absolutely awesome it’s about an island on the coral reef which only two people live on.

This book made me feel Happy, Excited, Curious, Amused

This book made me feel Excited, Curious

This book was ok. It was interesting and a bit about animals, but it was not my favourite. This boy Michael gets stuck on an island and he finds a man already on the island.

This book made me feel Curious

I thought this book was fantastic

This book made me feel Happy, Excited, Curious, Moved

I thought this book was amazing it made me feel a bit sad that Kensuke didn't believe his family was still alive. I loved that when Kensuke calls out, the monkeys come back to him. It get's a bit sad during the middle of the story but at the end its all happy. I think any other child would enjoy this book as much as I did because it's a great story.

This book made me feel Sad

Amazing book, I loved it it was very fun and one of the best parts was when he lit the fire and Kensuke got angry (I found it funny)

I thought this book was great! I recommend this book because it is very exciting

This book made me feel Curious, Intrigued

I loved this book . It is really sad because he and his family go out on a boat and michael and stella fell off and got lost!!

This book made me feel Sad, Excited

I loved this book it was a bit scary and frightening sometimes and intriguing at other times. I recommend this book to people ages nine and over and people who likes to be intrigued ,excited, amused and curious.

This book made me feel cheerless

It was so good and dramatic and the orangatans are soooo cute!

This book made me feel Happy, Sad, Curious, Intrigued, Moved

It was scarry and epic.

This book made me feel Happy, Sad, Excited, Curious, Scared, Intrigued, Amused

Andrew Searle ( Imogen6322’s parent )

I love this book SO MUCH! Michael Morpurgo is my favourite author. I love the twists ; like how Michael got stung by a jellyfish and when he fell off the boat.😞 The end was very emotional.😪 But this book is amazing and I highly recommend it 😉. Hope you enjoyed this book if you read it!!🤪

This book made me feel Happy, Sad, Curious, Scared, Moved

I loved it because there are sad, exciting, happy and scary moments like when Michael got stung by a massive jellyfish and when Micheal went and Kensuke's stays to look after the orang-utan and when Kensuke and Michael became friends.

I enjoyed this book because I like diaries and like books by him.

This book made me feel Sad, Curious, Intrigued, Amused

This book made me feel Happy, Sad, Excited, Curious, Scared, Intrigued, Moved

I thought that this book was very good because it is about a boy called Michael who gets lost by jumping of a boat to save his dog . Then he washes ashore on an island and meets a Japanese man called Kensuke .

This book was REALLY sad and REALLY happy . A young boy called Michael is traveling with his parents around the world a yacht, The Peggy Sue, after his parents loose their jobs at the brickworks and decide to sail the seven seas. Michael's parents teach him what he would have normally learned at school and he has a log where he writes about his experiences. They travel from England to Africa, South America and Australia. One night Michael is on lookout duty with his dog, Stella, when a storm throws them overboard...

This book made me feel Happy, Sad, Excited, Curious, Scared, Intrigued, Amused, Moved

Full of Adventure

I thought this book was full of adventure and thought you a bit of history when it tells you a bit of Kensuke's back story

This book made me feel Intrigued

Great book Very interesting

It never gets boring.

I think this book is very easy to follow and the description is great throughout the whole story. It never gets boring. Briefly, a man is stuck on an island and a boy called Michael ( main character) is stuck with him... This is great for 9+ Readers.

I thought this book was exciting because Michael (the main character) was stranded on an island with a man, who loved and cared for apes and monkeys on the island. It is an excellent book to read in a group of about 4 or 5.

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Book Review: Kensuke's Kingdom

In the book Kensuke’s Kingdom which was written by Michael Morpurgo,a family of 3 and a dog named Stella Artois decided to go on an 18 month journey around the world after Michael's parents lost their jobs. As they take a vast journey across England to Africa and then from South America to South Africa in a yacht named Peggy Sue. Everything was going great for everyone, they traveled to so many countries around the world, until one night when Stella Artois and Michael went off board the Peggy Sue one night. What happened to them is what you’ll have to find out. This book has many cliffhangers after every chapter, for me I just couldn't put the book down. Plus the book does a great job of describing the setting and giving you a great description of what's happening. If you are into animals and geography then this is the perfect book for you. This in my opinion is a great book and everyone should read it.

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Spaghetti Book Club - Book Reviews by Kids for Kids

Kensuke's kingdom.

Written by Michael Morpurgo

Reviewed by Sean P. (age 11)

"I disappeared on the night before my 12th birthday, July 28, 1988." No one knew what happened to Michael when he was lost at sea. He was thrown overboard while sailing around the world with his Mom, Dad and dog, Stella. Thinking he was alone on the island he had washed up on, he soon found out there was someone else helping him. From the food to the water, he began to wonder who was feeding him. They both enter each other's unknown world and grow respect for one another while waiting for rescue.

This book is full of suspense with its never-ending adventures. While trying to survive Michael must protect himself during the storms on the island. In my opinion, this book has enough detail for you to picture it in your head. When they introduced Kensuke you could visualize his exact appearance in your mind as he acted throughout the story. At points in this book you will be on the edge of your seat. You will be wondering deeply if Michael is going to survive. As the author uses great suspense you will feel adrenaline rushing through you. This book is a page turner that will keep you reading for hours. It is similar to Storm Breaker by Anthony Horowitz because you won't want to stop reading it.

I recommend this book to readers because it helps people understand how things can happen in the wild. It tells about some real places in the world. It also shows you how adventurous it can be to travel the world by boat. I recommend this book to a little more advanced readers because of its large variety of vocabulary and because some descriptions may get confusing at times. People who enjoy survival stories with a great deal of suspense will probably enjoy this book.

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Kensuke's Kingdom

By Michael Morpurgo, and and, Michael Foreman

103 reviews

Washed up on an island in the Pacific, the author struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone… This title tells his remarkable and unforgettable story.

A great book!

I thought it was a very good book. I'm reading this at school

This book really kept my interest throughout the whole story. Friendship and trust was the key point of the story. My favourite character is Kensuke.

I really enjoyed this book - Michael's adventures at sea were so exciting and I learned so much from his descriptions and from his friendship with Kensuke. I would recommend this book to anyone - and Michael loves football too, just like me.

Re-read this brilliant story in one sitting. Love the way that Michael Morpurgo tells a fascinating fictional story but interweaves elements of historical fact too. Entertaining as well as educational.

I like Michael as he was so brave to live on an unknown island with a stranger for a month, and strongly believed his beloved family would come and rescue him.

I absolutely LOVED the book. It might seem a bit boring at first, but we had it as our class book this Literacy unit and I really loved it. It's about a 12 year old boy, Michael, who fell overboard while sailing around the world with his parents and pet dog, Stella. He was washed up on a deserted island and met a new friend. The book seemed very real, so a few people in my class were surprised when my teacher said it wasn't even based on a true story. Obviously, my favourite characters were Michael and Kensuke. I would really recommend reading it.

I realy liked this book as we read it as a class it was great I hope Michael makes a few more books

This was quite long and hard to read.

I rate this book a 3 because it has a good meaning and is well detailed, however it could be a bit more exciting. It is about a boy called Michael (obviously) and his family who go sailing around the world in their boat (The Peggy Sue). When, Michael encounters a terrible accident that separates him from the rest of the family, he struggles to survive with his only companion, his dog (Stella Artois). Unexpectedly, he meets a threatening man who seems scary at first, but then ends up as family.

An excellent fiction story as seen through the eyes of a twelve year old boy. He describes his life on the Pacific Ocean and then tells of his adventures being marooned on an island. I particularly liked the character of Kensuke as I could picture him quite clearly in my imagination. Morpurgo's words are like magic and seem to come alive on the page.

I really liked it and it was mysterious. I would recommend to read this book about this boy whose parents are poor and they have decided to live on the boat and then he falls off it. Read it to find out more!

it was a non fiction book and i liked kensuke . i would recommend it because it was very interasting

It was okay but to improve, it needs to be more picturesque and if you want to make it look sad, add some pictures to create an impact on how bad it was. Overall, the diary and the writing wasn’t too bad.

My favourite character was definitely Michael, as I feel that we are both rather similar, as he is very stubborn however is rather considerate towards Kensuke, the man who gives him sufficient appliances such as clean water and fresh food to survive. I would definitely recommend it to someone else as it is a very emotional book and has a very suitable yet emotional end.

Kensuke is the main character of this book. He is an old man who is kind and caring. He was a doctor during the war. He experiences traumatic experiences throughout his life and learns very valuable lessons. This is a wonderful book.

This book is about a boy named Michael whose friend moves and Michael travels around the world with his family and fell overboard.

My favourite character is Kensuke as he healed Michael from being paralysed by the jellyfish.

I recommend this book for ages 9 - 12 and for people who like stories about ships.

I love this book because it was really exciting to read about Michael's travel on ship.

varios amunt of emotions and a bit of sadness.

A good book about a boy

I thought this book was good, a bit sad at the end and it dragged on a bit at the start. Apart from that it’s great.

Kensuk's Kingdom is a very poignant book which is very heartwarming and touching to the heart. My favourite character was definitely Michale, as I feel that we are both rather similar, as he is very stubborn however is rather considerate towards Kensuke, the man who gives him sufficient appliances suh as clean water and fresh food to survive. I would definitely reccomment it to someone else as it is a very eotional book and has a very suitable yet emotional end.

loved it. the book was a page turner

An incredible story filled with heartwarming moments. I couldn't put this book down. In fact, I read it in one go. I loved how Morpurgo describes nature, the orangutans, the jellyfish, the weather. It shows the pure power and beauty of the natural world. I can imagine any child liking this book, and it will keep them guessing throughout. The subtle history of Nagasaki and the war was perfectly threaded through.

This book was amazing! My favourite character was either Stella Artois or Kensuke. I would recommend this book to anyone 8+.

I quite liked Kensuke. I would recommend this book to people who like books with happy endings.

A magical book full of adventure. I loved this book when I first read it over 20 years ago, and I love it equally as much today.

sad adventurous fun

I loved this book because whenever I picked it up I could not put it down. A really good read, I wish it had never ended. I would definitely recommend it.

I thought this book is a very good book and I loved reading this book. I would definitely recommend it to others.

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Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo (Book Analysis)

Kensuke’s kingdom by michael morpurgo (book analysis), detailed summary, analysis and reading guide.

This practical and insightful  reading guide  offers a  complete summary  and  analysis  of  Kensuke’s Kingdom  by  Michael Morpurgo . It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including friendship, nature and adventure. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 56-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Michael Morpurgo
• Presentation of  Kensuke’s Kingdom
• Summary of  Kensuke’s Kingdom
• Dr Kensuke Ogawa
• Stella Artois
• Michael’s parents
• A blend of realism and adventure
• The theme of friendship
• A classic setting for an adventure novel
• Finding a home in nature
• A coming-of-age novel

About  Kensuke’s Kingdom

Kensuke’s Kingdom  is a children’s novel in which a young man named Michael tells the story of an adventure he had ten years earlier. Michael and his parents were sailing around the world when a fierce storm swept Michael overboard, and he was left marooned on a desert island with no one for company except his dog, Stella Artois, and a mysterious old man who refused to let him leave. However, over time the initial animosity between Michael and the elderly Kensuke softened and blossomed into a powerful friendship that would change Michael’s life forever…

About Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best-loved children’s novelists. He discovered his passion and talent for storytelling while teaching English at a primary school in Kent, and has penned over 100 novels and short stories over the course of his prolific literary career. He has received a number of literary awards and other honours, including an OBE in 2006, and held the position of British Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005.

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Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo - review

This is a wonderful adventurous and exciting story. It is all about a boy who lived on a boat with his mum, dad and dog. The boat was called the Peggy Sue. They travelled all around the world until one day a massive waves hits the boat and the boy and his dog fall over board and wash up onto a far away island.

They meet a strange and magical stranger who has no family except the orangutangs. They form a great friendship until one day some horrible people arrive on the island. They shoo them away and live in peace.

Read this book to find out what happens and if the boy ever goes home to his parent and if his parents ever find him.

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Book review, kensuke's kingdom by michael morpurgo (1999).

A desert island story. This starts off as a great family adventure. Michael's father loses his job at the brickworks and his parents decide to sell their house and all their possessions and buy a yacht to sail round the world. Of course, sailing the world's oceans is a bit different from messing about in a dinghy on the local reservoir, but Michael's mum qualifies for her Yachtmaster's Certificate and everyone practises his own job - Mum is the skipper, Dad is first mate and handyman, Michael is the ship's boy and Stella Artois (the dog) is the ship's cat.

The voyage goes well. They master their fears and handle their vessel well. They visit Africa and South America and Australia, having the time of their lives. But as they leave the Great Barrier Reef behind them and head up through the Coral Sea towards Papua New Guinea disaster befalls Michael. Left alone at the wheel one night while his parents sleep below Michael is washed overboard:

The terrors came fast, one upon another. The lights of the Peggy Sue went away into the dark of the night, leaving me alone in the ocean, alone with the certainty that they were already too far away, that my cries for help could not possibly be heard. I thought then of the sharks cruising the black water beneath me - scenting me, already searching me out, homing in on me - and I knew there could be no hope. I would be eaten alive. Either that or I would drown slowly. Nothing could save me.

But something does save Michael. His football, which was washed overboard with him, provides just enough buoyancy to keep Michael's head above water. Hours later Michael awakes to find himself washed up on a desert island. He is exhausted and hungry and thirsty. How he would have managed if he had been quite alone on the island, I'm not sure. But he is not alone, on a rock shelf above his head is a bowl of fresh water and fish and fruit laid out on palm leaves.

One solitary man lives on this island, and if you want to know his story, you will have to read the book. Michael tells us, in his own words, how he learned to live with Kensuke, and how he came to love him.

A quietly told story, but plenty of drama and emotion.

What can I read next?

Michael Morpurgo has written a lot of other books. You might like to look at this one:

• Why the Whales Came
• The Wreck of the Zanzibar

If you enjoy desert island stories, you could look at this one by Theodore Taylor:

Not a desert island, but surviving in the Australian outback, you might perhaps look at this one by James Vance Marshall:

I don't know how else to describe it, but if you really like the quietness of Kensuke's Kingdom, I think you could look at anything by David Almond, but perhaps especially this one:

Also, the Bookchooser has found these books with a similar profile:

• Toro! Toro! by Michael Morpurgo (Score: 96%)
• Why the Whales Came by Michael Morpurgo (Score: 89%)
• Peter Duck by Arthur Ransome (Score: 89%)
• The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier (Score: 89%)
• Elephant Ben by Geoffrey Malone (Score: 86%)

Kensuke's Kingdom features in these lists:

• Adventure books
• Real life books

Book Review: Kensuke’s Kingdom

by Alexandra Wldokowski | Adolescence , Book Reviews , Later Adolescence (15-18) , MFA , Montessori Middle School , Montessori Secondary / High School

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