1) What was the title of the book you read, and who wrote it?
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
2) Who are the main characters? Who is your favourite character and why?
Kensuke, Michael, Michael’s mum and dad, Kensuke’s wife and son, the dog and the orang-utans are the main characters. I do not have a favourite character because they are all brilliant characters.
3) What is the basic plot of the book and how does it develop?
Michael’s family decide to live on a yacht and sail the seas but as they pass Japan, there are storms and Michael and the dog fall out. They are drifting away in the sea for days and Michael gets bored. He sings to cheer himself up and an old, Japanese man hears him sing while he is out fishing. He rescues him and looks after him until he has fully recovered. They do not speak much because Kensuke can only speak a few words in English. They become good friends. They build a boat so they can go back but it isn’t very good or strong. After two years, Michael sees a yacht and on board is his parents. So off he goes home but Kensuke doesn’t go because this island is his home and he has to protect the orang-utans from hunters.
4) How would you describe the atmosphere of the book?
It is a book about a strange friendship and it is very touching.
5) What was the most exciting moment in the book?
It was very exciting when one time the poachers come to shoot the orang-utans and one of the baby orang-utans was lost. Michael goes to look for him and nearly got caught by the poachers. Unfortunately, he didn’t find the baby.
6) What were the best and worst things about this book?
One of the best bit of the story was when Kensuke learns the song ‘Ten Green Bottles’ because it is a good song and the way he pronounces the words by purpose to make Michael laugh is hilarious! The worst thing is when Michael sends a note in a bottle saying,” Help” and his dog brings it back from the sea and Kensuke sees the note and is very upset and does not speak to Michael for a couple of days.
7) Did this book change the way you thought or felt about anything?
Yes. It has made me more aware about the affects of war and now it makes others feel.
8) Who do you think would like this book?
Everyone would enjoy it. It is great and exceptionally well written.
9) What rating would you give this book out of ten?
I would rate this book 10/ 10.
Conclusion
This book is a marvelous master piece which you just have to have. Without this book on your book shelf it would be a failure.