When you are to be a king one day is waiting the only thing you have to do to become a king? How to be a really good one? Is war good politics? And the most important question: How tall the best of kings should be? These and other eternal questions are treated with humor, but seriously. A children's book not only for children.
December II, the little pot-bellied king, is about three inches tall and so fat that he can't button up his tiny red velvet coat with its magnificent ermine trim. He lives in a tiny room in a hole in the wall, its shelves piled high with countless colourful boxes, full of his dreams. In King December II's world, you are born big, knowing everything you will ever know - how to close a business deal, how to write a computer programme … And every day you get a little bit smaller and you forget a little bit more, so that at the end of your life you are tiny, and you spend your days forgetting things and chasing shadows in the garden. Childhood comes at the end of your life … but is that a good thing? Well, you'll have to ask the little king. You can ask him anything. You can lie with him on the balcony and look up at the stars and talk about immortality. And when you're with him you see things your eyes won't normally see…
Only the King of Little Things stands between King Normous and his goal of conquering the world. And little things can wield great power. In a world of vast kingdoms lives a king who is happy and content to reign over all things small. Not so King Normous. He wants to be Ruler of All the World. After having erased every empire and raided every realm, Normous is enraged to learn that the King of Little Things still rules over his tiny kingdom. He sends his army to defeat this upstart, but he finds he cannot outfight or outwit a king who holds sway over the small things of the world. After all, it is the small things that keep the big things going. Bil Lepp's imaginative tale of the beauty and importance of all things small is perfectly paired with illustrator David T. Wenzel's bright watercolor paintings.
The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume is a treasure trove of literary diversity, showcasing an exceptional range of styles and themes from the fantastical voyages of Jules Verne to the whimsical realms of Lewis Carroll. This anthology unites the monumental works of storytelling that have shaped the contours of children's literature over centuries. Each piece, whether it be the adventures of Johanna Spyri's alpine landscapes or the morally charged narratives of Harriet Beecher Stowe, contributes to the fabric of this collection, highlighting the evolution of literary forms and the richness of imaginative storytelling. The anthology's breadth invites readers to explore the intersections of fantasy, morality, adventure, and wisdom across different cultural backgrounds and historical periods. The contributing authors and editors, from luminaries like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde to the evocative tales of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, represent a wide spectrum of literary movements and cultural heritages. Their works collectively embody the spirit of their times, reflecting and influencing societal norms, educational values, and the child's place within both the literary and the larger world. This compilation captures the essence of age-old narrations while aligning with significant historical and cultural shifts, bringing to light how these narratives have served as both mirrors and molders of society. For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the foundational stories of childhood literature, this volume offers an unparalleled opportunity. Not only does it encapsulate a wide range of human experiences and philosophies, but it also opens a dialogue between the enduring themes of the past and the inquisitive minds of the present. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection, to uncover the layers of meaning within each story, and to appreciate the vast tapestry of voices that have contributed to the legacy of children's literature. This anthology is more than a reading experience—it is an educational journey through the heart of storytelling, inviting a new generation to discover these classics anew.
When they reached the top of the hill they looked back. Far below was a soft, green valley. In front of it the sea came up into the land and made a fiord. On each side of the fiord high walls of rock stood up and made the water black with shadow. All around the valley were high hills with dark pines on them. Far off were the mountains. In the valley were Halfdan's houses around their square yard...FROM THE BOOK.