By Jake Weatherill from Lewisham Branch
Kensuke's Castle cover
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been enjoying using this blog to take a stroll down memory lane, and today is no different!
The book I am writing about today is Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo. The very first time I remember being introduced to this book was back when I was in Year 6 by my teacher Mrs Rogers. She knew Michael and would often read us his books at storytime. The first one I really remember being read was Kensuke's Kingdom.
Kensuke's Castle cover
Our story starts in a English town. Michael is a young boy who loves his dog Stella and playing football with his mates. They even have a team name, The Mudlarks.
His parents work at the local brickworks. Everything is going well. That is until his parents lose their jobs.
His parents have an idea though. They will purchase a boat with the money they have, travel the world, and take Michael with them.
They buy a boat, call it The Peggy Sue, and set sail upon the seas. His mum and dad teach Michael what he would have learned in school, and get him to keep a journal of his journey. Oh and he has to keep watch at night.
They go from England to Africa, then on to South America and Australia. It's all going brilliantly until one stormy night. Michael and Stella are on watch, making sure nothing goes wrong. Except Stella gets thrown overboard and Michael attempts to get her back in the boat, only to join Stella in the sea. A confused Michael eventually wakes back up in a cave up on a seemingly deserted tropical island. But if the island is deserted, then who is leaving fresh fruit and water in his cave...
Kensuke's Kingdom is beautifully written and touching story. It deals with themes of family, loneliness and loss incredibly well. I would give this book a 8/10
Kensuke's Kingdom is beautifully written and touching story. It deals with themes of family, loneliness and loss incredibly well. I would give this book a 8/10
If you want to read it you can get your grown up to call us on 020 8314 8430 and see if we have it available for Click & Collect.
Did you know that we have an online Reference Library which can help you do your homework? With your library card, you have free access to Encyclopedias, Newspapers from as far back as 1710, magazines, comics and books too. Visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/elibrary with your library card to find out more.
Comments