King & King facts for kids

King & King

Authors	Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland
Original title	Koning & Koning
Cover artist	Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland
Language	Dutch
Subject	Marriage, weddings, gay love, princes
Genre	Children's fiction
Publisher	Netherlands: Gottmer USA: Tricycle Press
Publication date	2000
Published in English	2002
Media type	Print
Pages	32
ISBN	978-1-58246-061-1
OCLC	26563465
Followed by	King & King & Family

King & King is a children's picture book. It was written and illustrated by Stern Nijland and Linda De Haan. The story is about a young prince who needs to find someone to marry. He meets many princesses, but he falls in love with another prince instead.

King & King was first written in Dutch. It has been published in ten different languages. The book's pictures and story have received many different opinions. Some people liked them, and some did not. The book has been discussed for its message about love and family.

The Story of King & King

The story begins with Prince Bertie. He lives on the tallest mountain in his kingdom. His mother, the Queen, wants him to get married. She is tired of ruling and wants her son to take over.

The Prince tells his mother he has never really liked princesses. But the Queen brings many princesses to the castle. They come from places like Greenland and Mumbai. Each princess has a special talent. Princess Aria from Austria sings opera. Princess Dolly from Texas can juggle and do magic.

But none of these princesses interest Prince Bertie. (Though the prince's helper falls in love with the princess from Greenland!) After a while, Princess Madeleine arrives. She is with her brother, Prince Lee.

At the same moment, both Prince Bertie and Prince Lee exclaim, "What a wonderful prince!" The two princes immediately fall in love. They start planning their wedding right away.

All the princesses who were not chosen attend the wedding. The two princes are declared King and King. The Queen can finally relax. She enjoys the sun near the helper and the princess from Greenland. The story ends with a kiss between the two new kings.

About the Book's Release

The book was first published in the Dutch language in 2000. Its original title was "Koning & Koning." Since then, it has been released in ten different languages.

A play based on the book has been performed around the world. It has been shown in places like Vienna and Mexico City. In the United States, the book was published in 2002. It was released by Tricycle Press, a children's book publisher.

Art Style and Book Type

King & King is a fictional children's picture book. It is made for children aged 6 and older. The book uses both pictures and words to tell the story.

The pictures in the book are made using a special technique. They are collages created with cut paper and other materials. This includes ink and paint.

The book's illustrations have caused some discussion among people who reviewed it. Some thought the pictures made the story better. Others felt they were distracting. Reviewers from different magazines shared their thoughts. Some called the pictures "silly but affectionate." Others described them as "colorful cut-paper collages." Some reviewers felt the art was "cluttered" or "ugly." But others saw the pictures as "joyously informal pageantry."

The Next Chapter: King & King & Family

King & King & Family is the sequel to King & King. It was published in March 2004. This book is also 32 pages long and is for children aged 4–8. Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland also wrote and illustrated this book.

This second story follows the two kings on their honeymoon. They explore a jungle and see many animals with their children. King Bertie then wishes that he and King Lee could have a child too.

When they return home, they find a lonely orphan girl. She had hidden in their suitcase. They decide to adopt her and name her Daisy. They raise her as their princess.

In Spanish: Rey y rey para niños