King and King

Module 6

DeHaan, Linda and Stern Nijland. 2000. King and king. Berkely, CA: Tricycle Press. ISBN 1- 58246-061-2

Summary: The queen wanted her son to take over the kingdom, but he wasn’t married. She decided it was time for the prince to choose a princess to wed. The next day, princesses from near and far arrive. None of them meet the princes’ expectations. The truth is, the prince doesn’t care for princesses. Instead he falls in love with the brother of one of the princesses, Prince Lee. So they were married and as the story says “everyone lived happily ever after.”

Critical Analysis: This picture book is written like a fairy tale, but it takes the elements of a traditional fairy tale and rearranges it to create a different message. The intended message tries to get across an updated social idea or message. In this case, the message the authors are trying to convey is the acceptance of the gay lifestyle. By presenting this topic in a fairy tale form, the message doesn’t come across in a strong overbearing way. While the book definitely strays away from “traditionalism, it isn’t preachy about it. It simply presents a story from a particular perspective.

The illustrations are bright and colorful and use a mixture of watercolor and collage. Some of the pages are a little “busy” artistically. One of the illustrations of the queen is actually scary. For these reasons the book may not be the best choice for very young children, who need simple, clear illustrations.

This book is controversial because of the subject matter. It presents an alternative lifestyle, which some conservative families may find offensive. Librarians and teachers should be aware that this book might be challenged. On the other hand, alternative lifestyle families may appreciate this book as a way of passing on their values.

Originally published in the Netherlands, this book has received the Lamda Literary Award. It has been recommended for grades 3-5.

Review Excerpts:“This story recognizes no differences between homosexual and heterosexual relationships. Many youngsters will accept this in a matter-of-fact way, but others will have questions so parents should be prepared with age-appropriate answers. “ (Children’s Literature, 2002)

“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.” (School Library Journal 2001)

Connections: Readers who enjoy this book, may wish to read its sequel, King and King Family which continues the story of the two kings.