When a 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 monsters, crime, or any of the other scary things that might live in the dark. But what happens when nobody can sleep? Will the citizens revolt?

Waterstones' Children's Book Prize 2019, Klaus Flugge Prize 2019 and Independent Bookshop Week Awards 2019

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.

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.

About the Author

Emily Haworth-Booth is an award-winning author, illustrator and educator who teaches at the Royal Drawing School in London, England. Alongside her children's picture books, Emily is currently working on a long-form graphic memoir for adults. Her short comics have previously appeared in print in the Observer and Vogue. Along with her sister, Alice Haworth-Booth, she is an activist with Extinction Rebellion.

Reviews

'A powerful modern fable, The King who banned the dark is sure to become a classic, which, with its political undertones, will be read, shared and loved on many levels'

-- It's All About Stories

'A timeless tale of courage, consequences and unexpected wonder with quirky, lively illustrations. An illuminating tale of power, rebellion, darkness and light'

-- Children's Books Ireland

'The illustrations and words by Emily Haworth-Booth are exquisite and it isn't a surprise it has been nominated for so many prizes. This is a really clever, imaginative and nuanced book that you will definitely be able to use across the primary age range'

-- The Values Bookshelf

'This is sophisticated and compelling storytelling about the machinations of politics and manipulating the populace ... The illustrations provide a feast for the eyes complementing the story with comical and delightful touches'

* Armadillo Magazine *

'What's beautiful about this modern fable is not just the atmospheric black, white and yellow artwork by Emily Haworth-Booth, but the many levels at which the story operates. There's the obvious topic of a fear of the dark, but it also sends a subtle message about power, revolution and the balance and light and shade in life.'

* Books with Baby *

'Definitely a book 'de nos jours!'

-- Ann Lazim * Centre for Literacy in Primary Education *

'A beautifully illustrated fable for our times'

* Daily Express *

'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 timeless tale of courage, consequences and unexpected wonder with quirky, lively illustrations'

* INIS 2018-19 Reading Guide *

'A really thought-provoking book with clever use of colour'

* Toppsta Reading Record *

'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 truly ingenious and unique tale on the manipulation of power, revolution and how we need the dark to appreciate the light'

* The Little Book Society *

'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 *

'An engaging read for young readers ...The predominantly yellow, black and white colour palette is perfect for spotlighting the messages of the story, whether literal or figurative, and given the depth of the story, one that spans many age groups'

* The Bottom Shelf *

'A truly delightful new picture book talent brings us a sweet fairy tale, in charming, retro black-and-yellow drawings...'

-- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *

'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 *

'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 clever and beautiful story'

* Parents in Touch *

'An up-to-the-minute picture book that deals with an age-old fear in a very modern way'

* Minerva Reads *

'A clever, engaging story which encourages readers to think about the importance of nighttime in our lives and also how power might be used, abused or resisted.'

* Love my Books *

'A witty picture-book with a lot of contemporary relevance, which skewers government propaganda and the misuse of power'

* Little Rebels Children's Book Award *

'This book works on two levels: first of all, as a great story, and secondly, as an interesting modern fable'

* Juno Magazine *

'A charming modern fable'

* Absolutely Mama *

'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 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 *


Awards
Short-listed for Cambridgeshire Libraries 'Read it Again!' Award 2019 (UK) and Hampshire Picture Book Award 2019 and Independent Bookshop Week Book Award (UK) and Klaus Flugge prize 2019 (UK) and Little Rebels Children's Book Award 2019 (UK) and Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019 (UK). Long-listed for 2020 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2020.



Book Information
ISBN 9781843653974
Author Emily Haworth-Booth
Format Paperback
Page Count 32
Imprint Pavilion Children's Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 180g
Dimensions(mm) 280mm * 220mm * 3mm