Kensuke's Kingdom
by
Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Michael Foreman
Michael is hungry, lonely and scared when he is washed up on a seemingly deserted island. He soon discovers another inhabitant - Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier - who, although initially unfriendly, provides Michael with food and water.
Gradually, a strong bond develops between the two castaways. This is a beautifully written tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and language.
Publisher: Egmont
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Michael Morpurgo
Children's Laureate 2003-2005
Award-winning children's writer Michael Morpurgo was born in 1943 in St Albans, Hertfordshire. He is the author of many award-winning books for children, including Kensuke's Kingdom, My Friend Walter and Private Peaceful. Many of his books have been successfully adapted for the stage or for film and television including War Horse and Private Peaceful (due to be released in 2012)
As well as writing, Michael runs the charity Farms for City Children with his wife Claire. In 2003 he became the third Children's Laureate (2003-2005), taking on a role he helped to establish together with the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. During his time as laureate he toured extensively, concentrating on sharing the power of stories.
(Credit Richard Cannon)
Reading Age: 10+
Interest level: 10+
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