Charmingly unconventional … with wisdom and humor to spare.
The King and the Sea
These stunningly illustrated, ultra-short stories are seemingly simple but ultimately profound tales.
In each story, the king has an encounter which he tries to rule over. But of course the rain doesn’t stop just because a king orders it, and tired eyelids can be much stronger than a king’s will. The king sees that his power has limits; the world is diverse and much of it operates under its own rules.
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Book Details
Country of Origin Germany Reader Age 5-7 year, 6-8 year Book Size ISBN
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Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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Best Picture Books of 2015, Publishers Weekly (US) –
This thought-provoking picture book consists of a series of encounters between a king and various people, objects, and intangible forces, which offer profoundly revealing insights on the nature and limitations of power.
http://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2015/picture-books#book/book-9
Huffington Post (US), August 2015 –
Charmingly unconventional . with wisdom and humor to spare.
Weekend Herald (NZ), July 2015 –
Subversive and humorous hardback which questions authority and the human race’s need to rule its environment.
Starred review, Publishers Weekly (US), June 2015 –
A treasure box of curious ideas for a thoughtful child.
Look Book (UK), May 2015 –
Janisch’s writing is beautifully sparse with short, uncomplicated sentences, simple vocabulary, and snappy dialogue … [It is] also an offering of philosophy for children, and would be well suited as a classroom discussion-starter. … The King and the Sea evokes deep and complex empathy from the reader-yes, indeed, dogs will be dogs, and children will be children, but adults will be children too.
The Bookworm Baby (UK), May 2015 –
Full of humour and wisdom, and the childish nature of the King is simply adorable. Each story is simply told, with each one dealing with big questions which are answered in a simple unpatronising way. … A book to treasure.
NZ Poetry Box, April 2015 –
The best picture book I have read in ages so if you are going to read one picture book this year make it this one!
Starred review, Kirkus (US), May 2015 –
This gem’s childlike warmth, whimsy, and wisdom bring to mind The Little Prince.
The School Library (NZ Book Council), April 2015 –
I particularly enjoyed deciphering the messages within each story. They showed how the King and his self-importance are really unimportant in the greater scheme of life.
The Source (NZ), March 2015 –
Each tiny fable [poses] a question about the balance between true leadership and authority. Young readers are left to spot the moral of each story.
Bookrapt (NZ), reviewed by Chris Wright, February 2015 –
Thought-provoking and magical.