I love The King of Space because it is a cross between a graphic novel and a picture book. It is perfect for young boys and girls who love anything about space.
The Story: Rex lives in the Gamma Quadrant and wants to become the King of Space. He builds a warbot that crushes all the robots in the class, much to the disappointment of his teachers. Even detention doesn’t deter ambitious Rex. He builds a factory to build warbots with his friend Blip, and in turn the robots build the rest of his universe. The Emperor finds out about his ambitions and sets on a search but Rex kidnaps the princess and brings the inter-galactic alliance to his doorstep. (The amazing fold-out page is a great visual treat at this point in the story). Playtime has gotten way out of hand and Rex confesses to his parents. While the deal for swapping the princess is done, Rex is now ready with his next plan to make school lunches on the galaxy better. School lunches will always need heroes.
Children would absolutely love the robots, the gadgets and the funny-sounding drink that Rex offers to the princess – Choco-Goo. It’s also funny to see how the parents don’t treat his big situation seriously and deal with it in a no-nonsense way. Every parent has been there and every parent is a fixer.
From the author of anything pirate-y, now we have Rex who wants to conquer the galaxies. The pictures of gadgets and space paraphernalia would delight young readers and maybe even their Dads and Mums. There is a lot of text in The King of Space but because the author is the illustrator he has been able to bring in all sorts of design elements like letters and speech bubbles so the book doesn’t feel heavy.
The book would be brilliant to read during playtime or in school. It could create great opportunities to discuss and learn in a school environment as much as be a dreamy adventure reading at home, sitting in the lap of a dad or grandfather or uncle. There is so much to see and absorb. One reading is not enough. I’m sure children would pore through every inch of the drawings, identifying and understanding the gadgets and jokes inside the illustrations.
After some great pirate fun, here is an out of the world experience from Jonny Duddle.
Ages: 4 +
Author / Illustrator: Jonny Duddle
About Chitra Soundar
Chitra Soundar is the author of over 20 books for children Her latest books include Balu’s Basket and Farmer Falgu Goes on a Trip. She is also available for storytelling sessions. When Chitra is not writing she is either working in a bank, cooking or walking.
Chitra’s website: www.chitrasoundar.com / Chitra on Twitter
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