The languid descriptions and the clusters of coincidences create the ambience of fantasy this story reads like a pleasantly extended daydream. With compelling characters and a captivating plot. Filled with mystery and discovery, Kensuke’s Kingdom follows the story of Michael, an adventurous twelve-year-old who finds himself stranded on an island in the Pacific Ocean.

Instead will find a highly romanticized tale in which a saddened but wise Japanese army doctor, shipwrecked near the end of WWII and unwilling to return home, not only rescues Mike but teaches him to fish, cook and paint ('As I watched I became so engrossed that the failing light of evening always came too soon for me'). 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. Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo is a classic adventure tale for students of all ages. Readers hoping for a survival story on the order of Hatchet After hours in the water and losing consciousness (he dreams someone with strong arms has hauled him to safety), Mike comes to on the shore of an apparently deserted island.

But one night, while alone on deck, Mike falls overboard. Before long Mike and his parents, and his faithful dog, Stella, are off on a voyage around the globe. The two develop a close understanding in this remote place, but the question of rescue continues to divide them. But when Michaels life is threatened, Kensuke slowly lets the boy into his world. His fellow-castaway, Kensuke, is wary of him. When the brickworks that employs Mike's parents closes, Mike's father comes up with a novel idea: he invests the family's life savings in a sailboat and hires someone to train the three of them to operate the boat. Hes washed up on an island, where he struggles to survive. Loved by children, teachers and parents alike, Michael Morpurgo, the former Children’s Laureate, has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.Whitbread winner Morpurgo ( Waiting for Anya) tries his hand at high-seas action in this tale of a 12-year-old who washes up on a tiny island in the Pacific in 1988. Kensuke’s Kingdom was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and won the FCB Award. Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. Kensuke’s Kingdom is a gripping adventure from the author of War Horse. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. Gorgeous new colour illustrations for the best-selling Kensuke’s Kingdom. I disappeared on the night before my twelfth birthday.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo