When asked by a reader what he would do if he were stranded on a desert island, Michael Morpurgo said he would make himself “as comfortable as I could. Kensuke, the Japanese soldier who Michael meets on the island, is named after one of Micheal’s fans who he met at a book signing event.

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

The front cover of the early edition has an illustration inspired by the work of Japanese painter Hokusai Katsushika. Michael Morpurgo thought he had finished writing Kensuke’s Kingdom, but after reading it again, he decided it need something else. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.

To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Like Private Peaceful, War Horseand several other of Michael Morpurgo’s novels, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been turned into a play. Michael got the name for the main character’s dog, Stellas Artois, from a boy who came to stay on his farm in Devon.

Kensuke’s Kingdom (Audio Download): Michael Morpurgo, Derek Kensuke’s Kingdom (Audio Download): Michael Morpurgo, Derek

As a child Michael Morpurgo enjoyed reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, and although this book is very different to Kensuke’s Kingdom, they do share some common ground.