REVIEW: The Lying King by Alex Beard

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviewspicture books / social activism / social critique1 Comments

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Can warthogs fly? Do tigers eat broccoli?

For answers, follow along as Warthog lies his way to the throne in this timeless, yet most timely, Tale from the Watering Hole.

Will the Truth catch up with the king?

Find out as Alex Beard’s whimsical animals come to life to illuminate real world truths for children of all ages. With a nod to Aesop and Kipling, this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!

Dear Mr. Beard,

Though “The Lying King” is described as a children’s book, I have to agree with other reviews I’ve read that I think it’s more effective as a social commentary for adults or teens. Children will probably enjoy the spare but elegant illustrations and the rhyme that tells the story of a lying warthog who turns truth on its head, bullies his way to power and then learns his lesson the hard way (karmic payback from black biting flies and mosquitoes is hell), but I’m not sure young children will be able to grasp the lesson being delivered to the lying king. I would have liked to see the king show signs of learning his lesson and not just enduring his payback and also see his former subjects righting his wrongs. My vote is for the Mouse to take over. B

~Jayne

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Jayne

Another long time reader who read romance novels in her teens, then took a long break before started back again about 15 years ago. She enjoys historical romance/fiction best, likes contemporaries, action- adventure and mysteries, will read suspense if there's no TSTL characters and is currently reading very few paranormals.

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