Michael Morpurgo King of the Cloud Forests
on Goodreads (1,462)
What’s inside...
When Japan invades China, Ashley and his Uncle Sung are forced to flee. It is a perilous journey across the Himalayas, and they face a desperate struggle to survive. Then Ashley is captured by a group of strange creatures. Who are they, and why do they revere him as their king? Escaping from China as the Japanese invade in 1941, Ashley must leave his father and embark with Uncle Sung on a dangerous journey across the Himalayas towards India. Ashley finds himself alone in the hostile mountains, battling for life. He is just about to give up all hope, when he has a mysterious and terrifying encounter with a colony of yetis. However, far from being a threat, the yetis seem to know Ashley and start to worship him as their king. Ashley is uncomfortable with this false position and leaves their warm companionship to continue his hard journey, all alone, across into India. Against the odds, Ashley survives the harsh winter conditions to eventually return home to his father.
Age
8-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ashley Anderson
Uncle Sung
Discussion points
What do you think Ashley felt when he moved to the Himalayas? Would you feel the same?
How do the different characters in the story help Ashley on his journey? Which character would you want to be your friend?
What do you think the cloud forests symbolize in the story? What do they mean to you?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different place?
What lessons did Ashley learn throughout his adventures? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Ashley's journey, comparing it to any personal experiences of moving or facing big changes.
Highlight the relationship between characters, discussing the importance of support and friendship in overcoming challenges.
Explore the symbolism of the cloud forests with your child, prompting them to think about what special places mean to them personally.
Invite your child to imagine different settings for the story, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Discuss the moral lessons from the book and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. This helps in building empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Ashley, demonstrates resilience and courage as he navigates through dangerous and unfamiliar environments after his plane crashes in the remote mountains of Asia.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying strong and brave during tough situations in their own lives, whether it’s dealing with a move to a new city or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding towards different cultures
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ashley encounters various cultures different from his own and learns to appreciate and understand their ways of life and beliefs.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: As Ashley befriends a Tibetan monk and a young orphan, their mutual support and trust become crucial for their survival and overcoming the obstacles they face together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of building trusted friendships and how helping each other can overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Connection with nature and animals
Explanation: Ashley forms a bond with a loyal dog and experiences a deep connection with the natural world around him, leading to a greater understanding and respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore nature, understand the importance of environmental conservation, and appreciate the companionship of animals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and problem-solving
Explanation: Faced with constant challenges, Ashley uses his ingenuity and problem-solving skills to adapt to his new circumstances, which are crucial for his survival.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that being flexible and thinking creatively can help them navigate any problems they face at home, school, or in their personal lives.