Kensuke's Kingdom [Paperback]

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

"'A dazzling adventure' (by The Times.)" --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Washed up on a desert island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. He can't find food or water, and lies down to die. When he wakes up there is a plate of fish and fruit and a bowl of fresh water beside him. Then he realizes he is not alone on the island after all.

When Michael is washed up on an island in the Pacific after falling from his parents’ yacht, 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, the mysterious stranger – Kensuke – allows Michael into his world and they become friends, teaching and learning from each other, until the day of separation becomes inevitable.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Michael Morpurgo has written over one hundred books and won many awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play. Michael is a tireless champion for children's books and was formerly the Children's Laureate. Francois Place is a French author and illustrator specialising in children's literature. He wrote Les Dernier Geants (The Last Giants), a book which went on to win numerous awards. He has since won the Grand Prix de la foire de Bologne for l'Atlas des Geographes d'Orbae (The Atlas of the Geographers of Orbae) as well as winning a special award from Les Librairies Sorcieres. He lives in France. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.