King and King by Linda de Haan & Stern Nijland.

A.Bibliographic Data:
Haan, Linda & Stern Nijland. 2000. King & King. Tricycle Press: Berkeley, California. ISBN 1-58246-061-2.

B. Plot Summary:
This fairy tale is the story of a young prince who lived in a castle with his mother the queen, and the crown-kitty. The queen is urging her son to marry and nags him until he finally agrees, although he warns his mother that he has never cared much for princesses. The queen arranges for princesses to go to their castle so that her son can choose one. Princess after princess is dismissed because the prince was not “hitting it off” with any of them, and the queen and prince realize that this is not an easy task. The prince finally falls in love with the brother of one of the princesses. The two princes marry and they they proceed to live happily ever after.

C. Critical Analysis:
The story has all of the elements of a fairy tale and the story line is amusing but I agree with the following review excerpt from the School Library Journal below. Considering that this is an issue that some students may not have been exposed to the artwork in the book is a bit distracting.

D. Review Excerpt:
From School Library Journal:
“Originally published in the Netherlands, this is a commendable fledgling effort with good intentions toward its subject matter. Unfortunately, though, the book is hobbled by thin characterization and ugly artwork; the homosexual prince comes across as fragile and languid, while the dour, matronly queen is a dead ringer for England's Victoria at her aesthetic worst. Some of the details in the artwork are interesting, including the "crown kitty" performing antics in the periphery. However, that isn't enough to compensate for page after page of cluttered, disjointed, ill-conceived art. The book does present same-sex marriage as a viable, acceptable way of life within an immediately recognizable narrative form, the fairy tale. However, those looking for picture books about alternative lifestyles may want to keep looking for a barrier-breaking classic on the subject.” By: Threadgill, Catherine, Mandell, Phyllis Levy, Minkel, Walter.

E. Connections:
Have the students create a collage of a fairy tale of their choice.

Have the students study the components of a fairy tale, group them, and have them create a fairy tale of their own, they will then choose their own method of presentation (Powerpoint presentation, acting out the scenes etc.)