King of the Cloud Forests

By Michael Morpurgo
  • Fantasy
  • Junior Fiction

This children’s book is set initially at a medical mission in China. The main character is a child - Ashley Adams, son of the director and founder and his wife, the head doctor. When Japanese troops invade China, Ashley is forced to flee the mission. He is in the care of the medical assistant and Tibetan - Uncle Sung. Ashley is disguised and poses as Zong Ho, son of Uncle Sung.

White people are in danger of their lives, so the pair go to great lengths to keep Ashley's disguise. They struggle to get through the Himalayas, especially as winter comes in and have to endure much hardship and suspicion from fellow travellers and others they meet who offer them hospitality along the way.

Soon after, Ashley is captured by Yetis and taken to their kingdom high above the clouds where the Yeti community revere him as their king. They show him an old photo of a young white man , who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ashley. Ashley is uncomfortable with his new status, particularly when he faces tests, as the Yetis expect him to have magical powers. A good portion of the book describes Ashley's life in the community of the Yetis and the love he develops for them and their way of life. Eventually an opportunity to break free arises and he escapes but not without sadness for his Yeti friends. The rest of the story describes how Ashley is reunited with Uncle Sung and travels to England where he meets and, along with Uncle Sung, comes to live with his relatives and also succeeds in piecing together the reasons for his status among the Yetis. The end of the story also describes the effect the Yeti experience has on Ashley life.

This is a very imaginative and very stimulating and enjoyable book, both the plot and the descriptions and teaches tolerance for other races, people and animals and the unknown.

I would recommend it for readers of 10 years +

Michael Morpurgo is really a Master-Craftsman of Stories

Staff Pick By
Caitriona