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Kensuke’s Kingdom

By: Michael Morpurgo
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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Summary

A desert-island adventure, and a subtle observation of friendship, trust and humanity.

Winner of The Children’s Book Award.

Superbly read by DEREK JACOBI.

When Michael is washed up on an island in the Pacific after falling from his parents’ yacht, he struggles to survive on his own. He can’t find food and he can’t find water, and as Michael and his dog curl up to sleep, he knows they cannot last long.

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.

©2011 HarperCollins Publishers Limited (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

"This is a wonderful book, a modern day Robinson Crusoe and is simply too good to miss." (Wendy Cooling)

What listeners say about Kensuke’s Kingdom

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Like a bresth of fresh air!!

Just loved it. Brilliant story, superbly narrated. just could not put it down, totally believable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Definite read/listen!

Had heard this book mentioned many times as a great book to read and I must say I was not disappointed!
Possibly my favourite Michael Morpurgo book so far!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful spell binding

A beautifully simple short story. Beautifully narrated. The music unusually added to the experience. Nothing more to be said!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book

This book is excellent, one of the best I’ve listened to in a long time.
It’s one that you can’t put down or switch off.
Just a bit on the short side.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Breathtaking.

Where does Kensuke's Kingdom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top,

What did you like best about this story?

An amazing story of loss, courage and friendship, beautifully read by Derek Jacobi. The whole family listened and we were glued to the spot listening as the story unfolded.

Which character – as performed by Derek Jacobi – was your favourite?

Kensuke was portrayed so well - sensitive, kind and with such depth of understanding

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! Very much so, I was close to tears at the end.

Any additional comments?

An absolute must. Morpurgo at his best and this reading is simply sensational. Did someone really give this only one star out of five? I am staggered, it must have been an error.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book and very intense and with a heart

this was a great book the narrator was great and it had a heart of gold

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful

Outstanding! Written beautifully, told beautifully. Didn't know it really was true to Michael Morpurgo's life. So brilliant. Loved all!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful & heartwarming

A beautiful adventure & story of love & friendship, of being lost & found. Great narration by Sir Derek Jacobi. We really enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A touching story, read very well indeed.

This story come's alive in one's mind, the voice over is done so well, I love his English in 'Japanese accent'.
The music added a bit of flavor to it and all in all a really touching story, read very well indeed.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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wonderful

absolutely beautiful story. kids will love. I certainly did. I'd give it a thumbs up.

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