The King Who Banned the Dark (Paperback)
Emily Haworth-Booth (author)- In stock online
Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019
An illuminating tale of power, rebellion, darkness and light
There was once a little boy who was afraid of the dark. There's nothing unusual about that. Most children are afraid of the dark at one time of another. But this little boy was a Prince, and he decided that when he became King, he would do something about the dark.
He would ban it.
When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing "anti-dark" laws, it seems like a good idea. The citizens don't need to worry about any of the scary things that might live in the dark.
But what happens when nobody can sleep, and the citizens revolt? Will the King face his fears and turn the lights off?
The King Who Banned the Dark is a beautiful and thought-provoking story about how we need the dark in order to enjoy the light.
Publisher: Pavilion Books
ISBN: 9781843653974
Number of pages: 32
Weight: 199 g
Dimensions: 280 x 220 x 4 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A beautifully illustrated fable for our times.' - The Daily Express
'Talented writer-illustrator Emily Haworth-Booth uses just three colours to paint this powerful picture of fear and hope, and the moral of the story will stay with you long after the lights get switched back on.' - Nancy Groves, HuffPost UK
'A thought-provoking picture book... Haworth-Booth's pencil-shaded artwork is pleasing, while her text warns gently but firmly against responding too readily to fear.' - Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
'A truly delightful new picture book talent brings us a sweet fairy tale, in charming, retro black-and-yellow drawings...' - Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times
'It's not often that you get a children's picture book that perfectly sums up prevailing social and political attitudes, how power works to corrupt, and how easy it is to get worked up over nothing. This is a brilliant book, which does not need to be read as political satire.' - Early Years Educator Magazine
'A clever and beautiful story.' - Parents in Touch
'This book works on two levels: first of all, as a great story, and secondly, as an interesting modern fable.' - Juno Magazine
'This debut is wonderfully political & thought-provoking...A brilliant story of the abuse of power & the strength of protest. Perfect for schools.' - Rhino Reads
'A modern fairy-tale, akin to The Emperor's New Clothes, told with sophistication and paired with extraordinary beautiful illustrations in monotones, juxtaposed with vibrant yellow.' - Space on the Bookshelf
'Definitely a book 'de nos jours!' - Ann Lazim - Centre for Literacy in Primary Education
'A timeless tale of courage, consequences and unexpected wonder with quirky, lively illustrations.' - INIS 2018-19 Reading Guide
'A truly fresh and formidable debut by Emily Haworth-Booth. This is an outstanding first offering from the multi-faceted author/illustrator, undoubtedly a new name to keep an eye on.' - Picture Books Blogger
'This is a gorgeous picture book and its only possible downside is that your kids, like mine, might start banning things willy-nilly.' - Robyn Wilder, The Pool
'A charming modern fable.' - Absolutely Mama
You may also be interested in...
“A Perfect Bedtime Story”
I love beautiful picture books that use a limited colour palette, like The King Who Banned The Dark. Immediately, I was drawn to read it, and I'm very glad that I did because I've found a new favourite! The... More
“Political Satire for the Under Fives”
When a young boy with a fear of the dark grows up to be King, he is determined to use his monarchical powers to outlaw night. But persuading his subjects of the benefits of such a ban is going to require all his... More
Please sign in to write a review