Culture 6: Inclusive Literature - Gay/Lesbian Characters

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

De Haan, Linda and Stern Nijland. 2000. KING & KING. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press. ISBN 1582460612

PLOT SUMMARY:

When the queen decides that it is time for the prince to marry and become king, the search is on for the perfect princess. The prince soon discovers that none of the many princesses who come to the castle to woo him are suitable to his tastes. However, when the last princess arrives with her brother, it is “love at first sight” between the two princes. The princes are married and then become known as “King and King.” True to the story’s fairytale style, “everyone lives happily ever after.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The interesting thing about this story is that it offers homosexual literature for even very young children, which can be difficult to find. Presented in a fairytale format, this story follows a prince as he searches for his true love. The plot is fairly predictable in the beginning as various princesses in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds come to the castle in the hopes of charming the prince. Young readers will easily see the pattern of the prince’s less than enthusiastic response for each princess until the final princess arrives with her brother. Children will quickly put together the fact that the prince is in love with the other prince, not the princess. The plot is simple with an unexpected twist that serves the purpose of gently introducing young children to the concept of same sex couples.

Nearly all of the characters in the story are unique and eccentric in their own way. From the overbearing queen to the unimpressed prince, the characters are all very different from each other and offer readers a clear picture of individual differences. Even the princesses are all unique, opening up the door for a discussion on individuality with young children.

The bright and colorful illustrations will appeal to children and drive the message of the story home. The illustrations are full of activity with some comical aspects that children are sure to pick up on, such as the royal cat dressing up like the princesses in the background. The final illustration shows the two princes kissing with a heart drawn over their mouths to conceal the actual kiss, emphasizing the book’s usefulness and appeal for all ages.

This book offers young readers an introduction to same sex couples without offering graphic or overly confusing information. An upbeat plot, unusual characters, appealing illustrations, and a unique twist on an old tale combine to make this a celebration of love and differences for all ages.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From BOOKLIST (July 2002):
“The text is brief and lighthearted, and it presents the gay relationship with matter-of-fact ease. But it's the illustrations that really shine. Whimsical, textured collages mix beautiful papers, fabrics, and bright paint in scenes that show the bossy queen, the wildly imagined town, the eclectic princesses, the wedding, and finally, a kiss between the two starry-eyed princes. Adults will know what's coming early in the story, but many kids won't. They'll simply like the fun artwork and the final twist on conventions.”

From HORN BOOK starred (Fall 2002):
“In this mischievous twist on a familiar motif, a bachelor prince finds something lacking with each princess his mother draws to his attention until the last candidate brings along her cute brother. Silly but affectionate collage illustrations match the text for whimsical irreverence. Missing the political point, the young audience will probably come to the conclusion that this prince likes boys better than girls, which, of course, he does.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (February 2002):
Move over, Princess Smartypants: this Dutch import arrives to take top honors in the fairytale-fracturing department. It is a joyful celebration that at the same time firmly challenges the assumptions established and perpetuated by the entire canon of children's picture books. Hurrah to newcomers de Haan and Nijland and to the publisher for bringing them to an American audience.”

CONNECTIONS:

Consider sharing the sequel to this story, KING & KING & FAMILY by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland.

Use this story to open up a discussion on individual differences.

Read a traditional fairytale and compare/contrast with KING & KING.