Treasured ISLAND

SIR MICHAEL MORPURGO on an animation inspired by his classic children's story

- ELAINE PENN

A mysterious island, a fight for survival and an unlikely friendship are at the heart of Kensuke's Kingdom, an animated version of the celebrated 1999 tale by beloved children's author Sir Michael Morpurgo.

Adapted by current Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the feature-length film, which arrives on BBC1 this week, begins when Mum (voiced by Wonka's Sally Hawkins) and Dad (Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy) lose their jobs and decide to set off on an epic voyage across the world with their children, Becky (Mr Selfridge's Raffey Cassidy) and Michael (rising star Aaron MacGregor).

However, disaster befalls the English family when their boat, Peggy Sue, is caught up in a storm and Michael and his beloved dog, Stella, are washed overboard by a giant wave.