The King and the Magician

K-Gr 4— A well-written and beautifully illustrated tale for readers of all ages about a mighty king who rules his kingdom with an iron fist, demanding both obedience and total admiration from his subjects. Upon hearing a rumor that the townspeople value a magician with the ability to see the future, the king becomes afraid that he will no longer be the most powerful in the land. Worried, he devises a plan to test the magician's abilities and have him killed. With wisdom akin to Solomon, the humble magician saves his own life and manages to find himself a role in the kingdom's governance. The two characters become inseparable, and the clever magician serves as a mentor to the foolish king, who begins to rule with wisdom, realizing that perhaps a feared enemy can turn out to be a devoted friend. The story conveys an important lesson about the importance of ruling fairly. Gusti's unique and angular illustrations are rich in form and texture and will draw readers deep into the story.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE