The talented illustrator and graphic designer, Taro Miura has created a visually delightful book about a king and his unique family. The book begins with "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a Tiny King." This very small king lives all alone in a huge castle, surrounded by overwhelming array of very large things. One day the Tiny King falls in love with a big princess. When she becomes his queen his life changes forever. Suddenly he is no longer lonely and his castle is soon full of a laughing family. Miura stated "If this story reminds the fathers, mothers, and children who read it about the joy of having a family, it will make me very happy." A beautiful message about family and love illustrated with ingenious and bold collage, this is unlike any other fairy tale. The Tiny King has everything a royal could ever want--a castle for a home, sumptuous foods, and even an army. But his house is too large for one person and his dining table contains far too much food for him to ever be able to eat. It's safe to say that the Tiny King is miserable until he finds a big princess and starts a family. Suddenly, all that space and all that food is just perfect for a big family, and he is no longer miserable. While I liked the idea that one's life can become richer through sharing it with others, I don't necessarily think that becoming a parent is the only way to happiness, which this book implies. The digital collage illustrations are interesting and eye-catching, and young readers will smile at the closing pages of the book with the Tiny King's family, all 12 members, lined up in bed, fast asleep.
What do You think about El Pequeno Rey (2012)?
he's so tiny and silly. i think he should've married thumbolino.
—elis0201
Loved the illustrations, but I wasn't crazy about the story.
—Thea
