Parents' Guide to

King & King

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Prince marries a guy in fun fairy-tale twist.

King & King Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

age 4+

Cute, gay, and not ashamed to be...

This book is so gay and also charming. It was definitely ahead of it's time but it hasn't aged well since this book could offend actual gay people. Really cute book that is to be taken like a typical 1950's princess tale except the main character is male and likes other prince's.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Fairy-tale traditions get turned upside-down in this sly reworking of the happily-ever-after story, where a bored prince finally meets his true love -- another prince with shining eyes. Groundbreaking when it was published in 2003, King & King now seems clumsy in its handling of gender roles. The prince comes across lazy and dull, his mother unnecessarily shrill. The princesses appear somewhat ridiculous, and all are dismissed as clearly below standards. But the most conventional princess, with flowing blond hair, ultimately brings the prince's beau to the castle. Still, the story's cheekiness keeps it fun to read.

The artistic style is more challenging than the content: Readers will love or hate the collage work. There's an intriguing blend of materials and textures, but the combined effect is disjointed. Some of the facial expressions and harsh and off-putting, making it a hard sell for young ones.

Book Details

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