Kensuke's Kingdom facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Michael Morpurgo |
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| Translator | English |
| Illustrator | Michael Foreman |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Genre | Historical fiction |
| Published | 1998 Egmont UK Ltd |
| Media type | Print (HardbackPaperback) |
| Pages | 161 |
| ISBN | 978-1405201940 |
| OCLC | 429021819 |
Kensuke's Kingdom is a popular children's book written by Michael Morpurgo. The amazing pictures in the book were drawn by Michael Foreman. This exciting story was first released in 1999 by Egmont UK. Since then, many other companies, like Scholastic, have published it.
Contents
The Story of Kensuke's Kingdom
This book tells the thrilling adventure of a boy named Michael. His family decides to sail all around the world. This happens after his parents lose their jobs at the local brickworks.
A Grand Voyage Begins
At first, their journey is fantastic! Michael's family visits many exciting places. They see Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. In Australia, they even stay with their Uncle John.
Lost at Sea
After leaving Australia, the weather gets very dangerous. Their yacht gets damaged, and Michael's mom becomes very sick. One calm night, Michael's dog, Stella Artois, comes onto the deck. She had fallen overboard before, so Michael tries to grab her. Suddenly, a strong wind hits the yacht. Both Michael and Stella are swept into the ocean!
Washing Ashore
Michael is alone, holding onto a football to float. He thinks he will drown. But the next morning, he wakes up on a peanut-shaped island. Stella is there too, both safe and sound. Michael quickly wonders how they got there. Then he starts to worry about how they will survive.
A Mysterious Helper
Michael and Stella search the island. They cannot find any food or fresh water. But then, something amazing happens! Someone (or something) leaves them water and food near their cave. Michael tries to find this secret helper. He decides to build a fire to stay warm and signal ships. While lighting the fire, Michael finally meets the person helping him: Kensuke.
First Meetings and Rules
Their first meeting is not friendly. Kensuke cannot speak much English. But he immediately sets clear rules. Michael cannot light a fire. He must stay on his side of the island. Kensuke lives on the opposite end. Kensuke later gives Michael mats and a sheet for sleeping. But he remains cold and distant. Michael starts to dislike Kensuke's rules. Especially when Kensuke tells him not to swim after a storm.
A Dangerous Defiance
Michael sees a ship pass by. He tries to shout, but it doesn't work. He decides to secretly rebuild his fire beacon. He spots another ship and tries to light the fire. But Kensuke appears! He destroys the fire and breaks Michael's glass. Michael is furious. He runs into the sea to show Kensuke he won't be controlled. But he is attacked by a jellyfish and almost dies.
Friendship Blooms
When Michael wakes up, he is in Kensuke's cave. Kensuke, who was once his captor, is now his rescuer. Kensuke nurses him back to health. Slowly, Michael and Kensuke become friends. Michael teaches Kensuke better English. Kensuke shows Michael how he has survived on the island. He fishes, collects fruit, and makes simple furniture. Michael also meets the orangutans. They seem to be Kensuke's friends and are curious about Michael.
Kensuke's Past
As their friendship grows, Kensuke shares more of his story. He tells Michael about his wife and son in Nagasaki, Japan. He was a doctor and joined the Japanese navy as a medic in World War II. His battleship was bombed and wrecked on the island. Kensuke also heard from American soldiers that Nagasaki was bombed. He believes his family is gone. Kensuke feels his place is now on his island, Kensuke's Kingdom, with the orangutans and Michael.
A Desire for Home
Even though he feels close to Kensuke, Michael misses his own family. He writes a message in a bottle. He throws it into the sea. But it washes back onto the beach. Kensuke finds it. After a quiet time, Kensuke understands Michael has another family. He agrees to help Michael leave. Michael tries to convince Kensuke to leave too. He says Kensuke doesn't know for sure if his family died. He tells him how modern Japan has become.
The Decision to Leave
One night, they watch baby turtles hatch and scamper into the sea. This inspires Kensuke. He decides he will leave the island after all.
A Sad Farewell
Soon after, a group of men arrive. Kensuke calls them 'killer men'. They shoot the gibbons in the forest and steal their babies. Kensuke and Michael rush to save the orangutans. They find all but one and hide them in their cave. Once the men leave, Kensuke and Michael worry about the missing orangutan. But they are happy when he comes running out of the forest, safe and sound.
As they wait for a ship, Michael worries Kensuke won't leave. He fears what will happen to the orangutans. Eventually, they spot a yacht. They light a new fire beacon they built together. The yacht is the 'Peggy Sue'! It's the same yacht Michael's family sailed on about a year ago. Michael is overjoyed to see his family. He rushes to find Kensuke. Kensuke reveals he will not leave his island. He makes Michael promise not to tell anyone about him for ten years. Michael, blinking back tears, promises. He is then rescued by his parents.
After Ten Years
In the epilogue, Michael publishes his story after ten years, just as Kensuke asked. He receives a letter from Michiya, Kensuke's son. Michiya reveals that he and his mother survived the Nagasaki bombing. Michael and Michiya meet. Michael notices that Michiya laughs just like his father, Kensuke.
Adaptations
The story of Kensuke's Kingdom has been brought to life in other ways.
Stage Play
In August 2018, WildChild Productions created a play based on the book. It was written by Stuart Paterson. This play was performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The famous actress Jenny Agutter provided a voiceover for the show.
Animated Film
Lupus Films, a company in the UK, started making an animated movie of Kensuke's Kingdom in 2020. Well-known actors lend their voices to the characters. These include Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe.
