In a Small Kingdom

Reviews / Votes

"DePaola's original story contains all the necessary components of a fairy tale: an innocent child, a jealous villain, and villagers whose love and respect for the king prompt them to reassemble the garment from its pieces.... Salati's mixed-media artwork (digitally colored charcoal and graphite drawings) depicts a distant, agrarian past, although the king's head counselor is female.... Perfect for reading aloud, especially for those preferring nonviolent tales." * Booklist, December 2017 * "DePaola's latest is both a charming fairy tale and a valuable lesson reminding readers that true strength comes from love rather than brute force. Salati's arresting illustrations, filled with beautiful animal imagery, are like a Renaissance woven tapestry come to life . . . A triumphant story celebrating the ability of love, community, and cooperation to overcome any obstacle." * Kirkus Reviews * * "Debut illustrator Salati, a former Sendak fellow, works with the assurance of a seasoned pro; his illustrations, rendered in delicately textured pencil and earth-toned digital color, combine an old-fashioned sense of setting and character with a contemporary approach to casting (the kingdom is matter-of-factly multicultural, and the king's chief counselor is a woman). With its themes of ingenuity, generosity, and the enduring power of community, the story is a lovely and pointedly relevant tribute to those who truly confer legitimacy on any leader: the people." * Publishers Weekly, January 2018, *STARRED REVIEW* *