It’s just
so wonderful to open a book and have your toes curl with delight. So wonderful
to feel an entire catalogue of retro childhood picture books come rushing back
as you flick through each page - an
idyllic balance of visuals, text and plot that leave you as breathless as the
impressionable child you once were.
Such is the
perfection of Grumpy Little King.
Michel
Streich has created a timeless classic that straddles both the past and the
future in this truly delightful book. Following the travails of a king with
serious small-man-syndrome, this story covers war with humour and a featherlike
touch that nonetheless manages to pack a powerful moralistic punch.
When the
Grumpy Little King consults his advisers on how to make his country bigger and
richer, he’s told the fastest track to world domination is war.
But first
he has to find an enemy.
Choosing
the Lanky King, the Grumpy Little King sets about amassing an army – from
farmers and teachers and bakers – tanks, ships and guns – then he returns to his
palace and gives the order to attack.
It’s not
until the imminently warring soldiers realise their respective kings are
missing from the front line… and indeed, the grumpy one is sitting at home in
his palace sipping a nice cup of tea – that they take things in their own
hands.
Subtle,
powerful, funny, charming, visually encapsulating, this is a timeless tale that
has utterly delighted our family – and if repeat readings have anything to go
by – it will continue to delight for a long time to come.
Title: Grumpy Little King
Author/Illustrator:
Michel Streich
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication
Date: 1 October 2011
ISBN: 9781742375724
Format: Hard cover
For
ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book
