King and King written and illustrated by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland Published in 2002
This book was originally written in Dutch and has since been published in over eight languages. The story follows a young Prince whose mother is trying to find him a princess to marry. He claims that he does not care for princesses much, but goes along with the process anyways. After meeting many princesses, the prince soon meets one of their brothers who he says is perfect for him and "At last, the prince felt a stir in his heart . . . It was love at first sight." The two get married and live happily ever after.
This story definitely goes against the normal fairy tale motif, where the prince must marry a princess. The main character of the book would therefore be outside of mainstream culture, because at the end of the book is it shown that the prince is homosexual and has found another prince. First and foremost, I think that this book is not about his homosexuality, but more about being able to love who you want, and not who you are supposed to. The prince is supposed to marry a princess! and every child will tell you that. But here is a new message: love who you want. I love that this is a different fairy tale and it shows children that there can still be a happily ever after when the situation does not go as they expect it to.
Although this story is primarily about a gay prince, there are no gay stereotypes in the text nor in the illustrations. The prince is a prince, and goes about meeting all of the princesses in say way. In the illustrations, he is not dressed in overly flamboyant attire like, but rather what any other prince might wear. The illustrations themselves are just as diverse as the story; there is a collage of materials used throughout the book, and every page is different. I think that the authors did a great job of not making this story inappropriate but also got their message across. In particular, the last page of the book shows the two newly wedded kings kissing each other. I feel that the authors took the safe route with this image, yet it is still powerful and their message of love is clear.
Another important aspect of this book is that it portrays a diverse array of characters. When the prince begins meeting all of the princesses, they come from all over the world. The different races are not portrayed in negative or derogatory way, but rather honest and real. The variety of differences shows that not all princesses must be tall, blonde and skinny- they all are different like we really are. I think that this is another important sub-message that the book delivers for young children. This book goes against many children's preconceived notions about how a princess must look and act.
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| Princess Dolly from Texas |
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| Princess Rahjmashputin from Mumbai |
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| Princess Aria from Austria |
Of course, there is much controversy surrounding this book because of the homosexual message. Many schools have tried to ban the book from being present in the classroom, and just from experience it was very hard to find! In some states, there were petitions to shelve this book in the adult sections of the library to that children could not access it. (Wachsberger, Ken (2006).pp. 198–201; 314; 321.) Many of these petitions never made and progress, but the book continues to stir controversy regardless. The main reason for this is that social conservatives fear that children will become confused by the gay marriage as well as interfere with the beliefs that parents may be trying to teach their children. One site that I found from the opposition point of view analyzes this book strictly from a conservative stand point, and is very interesting (or frustrating, rather) to read. On the other hand, this book has also helped make many gains in the LGBT community as a teaching tool for instilling acceptance at a young age. (Publishers Weekly. February 25, 2002.)
I personally would love to read this book to young children, and welcome their questions in order to prevent their confusion. As a teaching tool, this book could expose children to a different way of living that could help them understand differences in their future. This book can help them learn about the many different types of families that there are and can be also be coupled with a number of different themes.
Works Cited
- Bliss, Kellie. (2014). Evaluating Children's Literature. Retrieved from https://sierra.instructure.com/courses/245205/assignments/2570955
- California Department of Education, Council on Interracial Book for Children. (1998). 10 Quick Ways to Analyze Children's Books For Racism and Sexism. Sacrament, CA; Bill Honig.
- Haan, Linda De, and Stern Nijland. (2002) King & King. Berkeley: Tricycle,
From reading your review, I would love to read this book! The images and the messages are beautiful. The fact that the reader gets to view the self-discovery of homosexuality in the protagonist, could start a wonderful discussion with children about love and acceptance. I am very curious of the reaction of the prince’s parents when he told them he wanted to marry a prince instead. If they were kind and welcoming, this would be a great story.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful children's book with a quality message about acceptance and living a life you love. I think it is great that the author did not stereotype the prince. I also think its nice that the princesses were not your typical characters in that role and that they were from different parts of the world. Based on your review, I understand why there is a little controversy surrounding the book but I also believe that it would be a great addition to any classroom.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see that children's books that have positive messages about homosexuality are starting to find their way into libraries and schools! I remember when Proposition 8 was on the ballot and the "No" vote was ahead in the polls. The "Yes on 8" campaign focused on the idea that, if California gave rights to gay couples, then our children would be subjected to learning about homosexuality in our schools. That fear is what allowed horrible proposition 8 to pass. I am so happy that it was finally struck down and that we may start seeing books like this in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYour post is well written and summarizes the story nicely. My only concern is that the princesses seem a little like charicatures. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but do they follow racial stereotypes?
All in all, I would really like to take a look at this book. I think it's important for children to learn about and accept relationships between all people.
To be honest, I had to reread your summary of the book a few times because I was totally thrown off by the Prince marrying another Prince. This is not a storyline you typically see in a children's book, but I LOVE it! I love that it goes against the grain of the relationship "norms," especially with royalty involved. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI think this would be good in a classroom, particularly an early childhood program.
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DeleteThank you for sharing this book, it's awesome! The illustrations are sweet and I love that they include princesses of every shape, color and background. It's exciting to live in a time in which people are FINALLY becoming accepted for who and what they truly are. Your analysis is excellent as well, I like that you shared the difficulties faced in actually getting this book into the hands of children. Can you imagine finding this book in the "adult" section of a library???! I would take it down and walk it right over to the children's section myself!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks and sounds amazing! I love that the story ends with the Prince able to marry the other Prince and not being denied that opportunity. It shows children that it's not something to be ashamed of and you really can love who you want to love and not be forced into anything. I never really knew any kinds of books like this existed for children, so I would say that's what I learned most about this. About your blog, what I really liked was that you brought up how the author also brought about diversity of the princesses from all different kinds of places instead of just the typical blonde hair and blue eyed girl. Honestly, I couldn't find any way that you could improve your book analysis. I think you did a great job and you have inspired me to go out and get this book so I can share it with my daughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing book!! I love that it openly talks about homosexuality. This would be so great to teach kids about acceptance! I would love to have this book as well! You analysis was really good!!
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