A group of animals try to keep an ailing king alive with their storytelling. King Mansolain has reigned over the Copper Mountains for a thousand years, but his heart is failing. His time could be up. One of the king's loyal subjects, the hare, sits on his long beard and anxiously listens for his heartbeat. The Wonder Doctor, however, may be able to help. If he can get the leaf of the Golden Speedwell plant, he can make a potion that will save the King. But it is going to take time. He will have to travel far, and in all types of weather, to attain his object. As the Wonder Doctor travels, he tells the animals he meets to go to King Mansolain's castle and tell him a story. Only stories that can prolong the King's life. A steady stream of animals arrive, one by one, at the castle and tell their tales. A wolf, a squirrel, a duck, a beetle, a lion, a dragon, a field mouse, a swallow, a donkey and ten bumblebees, who all sing various parts of their story. Dutch children's writer Paul Biegel first published The King of Copper Mountains in 1964. It is one of those timeless classics, a series of fantasy tales spoken by charismatic and intriguing forest creatures. The King's magnificent castle is a sublime piece of magic, with its various theme rooms and glorious gardens. At the end of each day, the creatures retire to an assigned part of the castle to sleep. The book gives off a warm glow as the castle slowly fills up with animals who have all made a vow to live peaceably. A perfect children's book that people of all ages can enjoy. The King of the Copper Mountains, by Paul Biegel. Published by Pushkin Children's. $15.99 Review by Chris Saliba Comments are closed.
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