Books briefing

Kensuke's Kingdom is an award-winning title by Michael Morpurgo, with black and white illustrations throughout by Michael Foreman. The story is a kind of Robinson Crusoe for the 21st century and concerns a 12-year-old boy who finds himself washed up on an island in the Pacific. As he has no food or water he curls up and goes to sleep, expecting to die, but when he wakes there is food and fresh water waiting for him, provided by an old Japanese soldier who has lived on the island for many years. The unlikely couple become friends and embark on adventures together. The story has now been dramatised and will be touring at theatres nationwide throughout this year. What is also interesting about this book is that it has just been reprinted by Egmont Publishing, one of the largest children's publishers in the UK, on entirely 'ancient forest friendly' paper. This is one of very few books to receive FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certification. The publisher claims it is the first of many and forms part of the company's commitment to be a 'responsible children's publisher'. Egmont also actively seeks to ensure that all the workers involved in the making of the books are treated fairly. Priced 4.99.