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Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
When a grouchy queen tells her layabout son that it's time for him to marry, he sighs, "Very well, Mother.... I must say, though, I've never cared much for princesses." His young page winks. Several unsatisfactory bachelorettes visit the castle before "Princess Madeleine and her brother, Prince Lee" appear in the doorway. The hero is smitten at once. "What a wonderful prince!" he and Prince Lee both exclaim, as a shower of tiny Valentine hearts flutters between them. First-time co-authors and artists de Hann and Nijland matter-of-factly conclude with the royal wedding of "King and King," the page boy's blushing romance with the leftover princess and the assurance that "everyone lives happily ever after." Unfortunately, the multimedia collages are cluttered with clashing colors, amorphous paper shapes, scribbles of ink and bleary brushstrokes; the characters' features are indistinct and sometimes ugly. Despite its gleeful disruption of the boy-meets-girl formula, this alterna-tale is not the fairest of them all. For a visually appealing and more nuanced treatment of diversity in general, Kitty Crowther's recent Jack and Jim is a better choice. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grades 3-5--In this postmodern fractured fairy tale, a worn-out and badly beleaguered Queen is ready for retirement. After many hours of nagging, the crown prince, who "never cared much for princesses," finally caves in and agrees to wed in order to ascend the throne. Their search for a suitable bride extends far and wide, but none of the eligible princesses strikes the Prince's fancy, until Princess Madeleine shows up. The Prince is immediately smitten- with her brother, Prince Lee. The wedding is "very special," the Queen settles down on a chaise lounge in the sun, and everyone lives happily ever after. Originally published in the Netherlands, this is a commendable fledgling effort with good intentions toward its subject matter. Unfortunately, though, the book is hobbled by thin characterization and ugly artwork; the homosexual prince comes across as fragile and languid, while the dour, matronly queen is a dead ringer for England's Victoria at her aesthetic worst. Some of the details in the artwork are interesting, including the "crown kitty" performing antics in the periphery. However, that isn't enough to compensate for page after page of cluttered, disjointed, ill-conceived art. The book does present same-sex marriage as a viable, acceptable way of life within an immediately recognizable narrative form, the fairy tale. However, those looking for picture books about alternative lifestyles may want to keep looking for a barrier-breaking classic on the subject.
Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming...,
By A Customer
This review is from: King and King (Hardcover)
This book gives the reader an opportunity to see the classic Cinderella story in another light. Too many people focus on the sexuality of relationships rather than considering the emotions involved. Luckily, de Haan gives the reader the opportunity to experience the coming together of two people in a loving and natural fashion. This book is heartwarming, comforting, and gives me hope for the future.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE THIS BOOK...and the editors,
By "jportillo74" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: King and King (Hardcover)
(...) I understand that parents have a right to monitor what their child is reading (and I think its great that parents do that), but really this book could be an opportunity to talk to you children about Homosexuality (maybe not in those words exactly), and begin to prepare the for the world full of different people with a varity of lifestyles. Isn't that what this book is really about. Isn't that the purpose of childrens book to entertain, but also to teach them lessons, and ecourage conversations with their parents. Can we afford to be so narrow minded with our future generations?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book!!!,
By
This review is from: King and King (Hardcover)
Ignore all the bad reviews and open your minds! This is a wonderful book and story. The authors and illustrators do a beautiful job of telling the story of Prince who cannot find his true love in the choices the Queen provides him. There is no corruption in this book. It is a tale of love and the prince in the story just happens to fall in love with another prince. I have read this to my 3 year old son and he enjoys the story. A very good read for all ages.
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