The King of Books

by Gina Perry

A laugh-out-loud story about an enthusiastic king who learns the power of books!

It’s Book Day, everyone!

And the King of Books cannot wait to show off all the things that he can do with his magnificent collection.

He can make dizzying book towers, fearsome book-quakes, and even handy book trays for his meals. Much to the horror of his trusty advisors, though, it seems that the King of Books is oblivious to their original purpose.

But when a fearsome Moat Monster takes exception to the King’s antics, the King of Books has to unlock the full potential of reading in order to save the realm.

Gina Perry has crafted a comical story with friendly and bright art that treats all of her subjects with grace and compassion, and showcases the power of the written word (and also that books are much easier to read when you hold them the right side up).

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 15, 2025

Reviews

[Elayne Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fun dialogue-only picture book (that I was lucky to read an advanced copy of!), The King of Books has declared, "Book Day"--and he's got all kinds of play-book ideas for how to run it. In fact, plans to use them for nearly everything--except reading.

Will his patient friends and subjects finally fill him in on the MOST special thing about books? And how, exactly, are they going to deal with a vengeful moat monster who has had a little TOO of the king (literally) throwing the book at him?

With snappy dialogue that paints a picture of each character's personality and illustrations that create a cheery, quick-paced read, you're sure to keep even the littlest littles engaged for as long as the King reigns!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book. This is a fun book dealing with book care. The tiger king uses books for building, soup trays, and so much more, but never thought to open them! His loyal subjects know what books are really for, but they are a bit nervous about standing up to the king. Finally when the moat monster threatens, they tell the king that a book can show the best way to help.

The illustrations are very fun, and I can imagine the cries from preschoolers or young elementary schoolers when the king throws books into the moat. A clever way to introduce both the power of reading and the best way to treat books.

[Gaia Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read an advanced copy of this delightful book by Gina Perry. The King of Books is so much fun! Little readers will delight in a silly main character who often needs help from his friends (–or the reader,) and the brightly colored, playful illustrations are full of details that encourage repeat readings. The many interactive moments–phrases to say together, movements like stomping–make it a great read aloud for both groups, or one on one.

I can't wait for this cast of characters to have another book!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable tiger cub king thinks he knows exactly what books are for - everything except reading! Hilarious scenes show him confidently using books for such things as building moats, while his loyal subjects try in vain to suggest what books are really for, reading. It isn't until King's actions cause a moat monster to get upset and he needs information about how to make things better that King realizes what books are all about. The bright, energetic illustrations and giggle worthy story will keep readers turning the pages until the end, and then back to page one to read again.

[Sarah Scheerger · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lively and endearing illustrations that children are sure to love, Gina Perry’s “The King of Books” introduces a tiny-but-tough king who proclaims his love of books… but gets it all wrong.

Children will delight in telling their adult reader and the “king” how to actually enjoy books. Nope, books are not for tower building or soup-eating or book-quaking. They are for reading. They may even help defeat a moat monster. Or better yet, befriend one.

Vibrant colors bounce off the page in this upbeat, fun, humorous and fresh new celebration of books.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young king proclaims that he loves book and declares it is Book Day. However, his idea of Book Day involves building book towers, bookquakes and book trays. His subjects are afraid to say anything and it doesn't go well when one is brave enough to try. Eventually, the king goes too far when he throws books into the moat to tidy up. Finally, the king is willing to listen to his subjects when they point out that books are for reading. "I never really looked inside my books." An entertaining picture book that celebrates books that will be fun to read and share.

[Vita Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of The King of Books, and hear ye hear ye - I declare this book is WONDERFUL! Funny, silly, and sweet all rolled up into one, plus the cutest warthog I’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect book to read aloud and have all the little ones join in on the proclamations. Huzzah!

[Nancy Goulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book RULES! It really does. Every page is packed with fun, creativity, beautiful art, and inspired ideas about what to do with books… not the least of which is (SPOILER ALERT)… read them! You and the kiddos will want to read Gina Perry’s romp of a good time THE KING OF BOOKS (out July 15th, 2025 by Feiwel and Friends) over and over again!

[Jack Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEAR YE HEAR YE! I have an important proclamation!

This book is super cute and fun. The illustrations are brightly colored and engaging, and I can see this being a great book for story time. Readers can ask listeners if the King is using the books properly or not and what kind of animals they can see on the page.

Highly recommend!

Thanks so much to MacKids for the review copy!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, fun story about the power of books...not just for stacking, using as food trays, and creating book quakes...but for learning, knowledge, and joy. A great book to introduce the power of reading to the preschool crowd. Great illustrations!

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny dialogic book about a tiger who doesn't understand that books are for reading, and runs into some trouble that only a book can solve! With dialogue format it would be really easy to switch to a puppet skit.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little straightforward, and I don’t love the “books are for reading message” which I think feels dismissive of other things you can do with books. But I think this one would be a good welcome to story time book.

[Kerri Kokias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention book lovers! The King of Books is certainly the best character to share a love of books with!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read this with PK classes. A fun look at the purpose of books and how to treat them.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tiger king says he loves books but doesn't know they're supposed to be read. Meh story, meh illustrations.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely adorable from the "king" who loves books for all the wrong reasons to the bright illustrations. I enjoyed the characters and the twist at the end delighted me.

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read aloud and great illustrations!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I searched for the proper pronoun to use for the main character of this story, I noticed that the crown wearing tiger refers to him- or herself always in third person as “the king.” It’s also subtly yet completely told through dialogue so all the other characters refer to him/her as “king” or “you.”. The king declares a Book Day and uses piles of books for towers, bookquakes, and food trays. The other animals try to tell the king that books are for reading but are frightened off. To clean up, the king throws all the books into the moat which angers the moat monster. After retreating into the castle, the animals are finally able to teach the king about the true purpose of books—to read. After reading one about moat monsters, the king comes up w a plan. This book is cute, bright, and silly. Its message is not subtle (in a fun kid-appropriate way), modeling friendliness, cooperation, and proper book care and use.