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Her Muddy Majesty of Muck
★
Kirkus Reviews
, starred review
From international star Beatrice Alemagna comes an enchanting new fairy tale set in a mucky, magical underground world where the Mud Princess rules.
A little girl’s too-big feelings spur a cathartic journey of adventure and discovery, in this book for kids ages 5-8, perfect for fans of Where the Wild Things Are .
Yuki is lost in a dark mood on her way home from school. In a flash of frustration, she tosses her house keys down an open manhole. When she climbs down to retrieve them, she discovers another Mudland.
The Mud Princess, an enormous dripping thing made of mud and sticks, greets Yuki and shows her the wonders of her kingdom. Yuki’s dark mood is at home here—her sadness and anger fit right in. As they journey together, the Mud Princess becomes larger, absorbing the anger around her. Everything the princess touches becomes muddy, even Yuki. Yuki faces a choice—to become a Mud Princess herself or to return to the world above ground and its expectations.
As in her other books, Beatrice Alemagna explores children’s feelings in a way that speaks to them directly. Her Muddy Majesty of Muck explores anger and frustration with humor and brings us two unforgettable characters, the relatable Yuki and the strange and fascinating Mud Princess.
From international star Beatrice Alemagna comes an enchanting new fairy tale set in a mucky, magical underground world where the Mud Princess rules.
A little girl’s too-big feelings spur a cathartic journey of adventure and discovery, in this book for kids ages 5-8, perfect for fans of Where the Wild Things Are .
Yuki is lost in a dark mood on her way home from school. In a flash of frustration, she tosses her house keys down an open manhole. When she climbs down to retrieve them, she discovers another Mudland.
The Mud Princess, an enormous dripping thing made of mud and sticks, greets Yuki and shows her the wonders of her kingdom. Yuki’s dark mood is at home here—her sadness and anger fit right in. As they journey together, the Mud Princess becomes larger, absorbing the anger around her. Everything the princess touches becomes muddy, even Yuki. Yuki faces a choice—to become a Mud Princess herself or to return to the world above ground and its expectations.
As in her other books, Beatrice Alemagna explores children’s feelings in a way that speaks to them directly. Her Muddy Majesty of Muck explores anger and frustration with humor and brings us two unforgettable characters, the relatable Yuki and the strange and fascinating Mud Princess.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Beatrice Alemagna
71 books236 followersBeatrice Alemagna was born in Bologna, Italy in 1973. She graduated from the Istituto Superiore for industrial arts in Urbino, Italy. She has won numerous international awards for her illustration. She now lives in Paris, France, where she works as an author and illustrator as well as a designer of childrens books, posters and collages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is an interesting illustrated picture book for children about a little girl who thinks her older brother doesn't like her as he's always so quiet and seems to have no interest in her. One day, on their way home from school, she throws their house keys down an open manhole in the road and then goes down to retrieve them. There, she meets a mud monster called Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, who feeds off negativity and grows with it.
The story is a little confusing as I wasn't sure why she threw the keys down the drain to then go down to look for them, but the message delivers that if we are surrounded by negativity and resentment we feed this within ourselves until it starts to take over but baby steps toa more positive outlook and connection with others helps to shrink it away.
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is an interesting illustrated picture book for children about a little girl who thinks her older brother doesn't like her as he's always so quiet and seems to have no interest in her. One day, on their way home from school, she throws their house keys down an open manhole in the road and then goes down to retrieve them. There, she meets a mud monster called Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, who feeds off negativity and grows with it.
The story is a little confusing as I wasn't sure why she threw the keys down the drain to then go down to look for them, but the message delivers that if we are surrounded by negativity and resentment we feed this within ourselves until it starts to take over but baby steps toa more positive outlook and connection with others helps to shrink it away.
December 27, 2025
⭐ Children’s Fantasy | Quirky Creatures | Dark Humor
Thank you Astra Publishing House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The cover art and typography immediately drew me in the interior illustrations are interesting, capturing the feel of a whimsical children’s book. It would have been cool if some of the cover art typography was used in the interior book.
I was a bit confused about why the protagonist threw the keys down the manhole, and how she was shocked she did it despite it looking intentional, which starts the bulk of the story.
The creatures not aesthetically pleasing, with some even referred to as “boogers,” giving the story a slightly grotesque, almost horror-like vibe. The narrative plays with contrasts, despite the muted colors and unsettling creatures, the illustrations make the story appear somewhat cheerful. One memorable line, “other people’s anger is scrumptious,” perfectly captures the darkly humorous tone, making the story feel like a place to visit for those frustrated with life, though it’s definitely not a vacation resort.
Overall, the story is unusual & playful with an ending that wraps up on a positive note. Fans of quirky, slightly dark children’s stories with mixed media illustrations will likely enjoy this one.
Thank you Astra Publishing House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The cover art and typography immediately drew me in the interior illustrations are interesting, capturing the feel of a whimsical children’s book. It would have been cool if some of the cover art typography was used in the interior book.
I was a bit confused about why the protagonist threw the keys down the manhole, and how she was shocked she did it despite it looking intentional, which starts the bulk of the story.
The creatures not aesthetically pleasing, with some even referred to as “boogers,” giving the story a slightly grotesque, almost horror-like vibe. The narrative plays with contrasts, despite the muted colors and unsettling creatures, the illustrations make the story appear somewhat cheerful. One memorable line, “other people’s anger is scrumptious,” perfectly captures the darkly humorous tone, making the story feel like a place to visit for those frustrated with life, though it’s definitely not a vacation resort.
Overall, the story is unusual & playful with an ending that wraps up on a positive note. Fans of quirky, slightly dark children’s stories with mixed media illustrations will likely enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You might be asking yourself, “What’s this? A picture book?” Well, first of all, just look at the art. If you’re following me, you should know it’s the kind of thing I go nuts over. Secondly, any book that can (credibly) claim a comparison to Maurice Sendak can live in my brain and my bookcase any day.
As we begin, we find young Yuki walking home from school with her older brother Shen, who hides himself inside his hoodie like a caterpillar in its cocoon. Shen hates her, she tells us, because she’s mean and rude, and when she feels that way, she’s loud and stompy. Sometimes she cries too. These are big, confusing feelings, like the tangled wires going into the apartment buildings. They’re ones you can’t control and don’t understand, the ones that can make you feel like a big dummy for having, because at that age you don’t know that everyone else has them too (and that everyone feels like a dummy for having them).
As she comes upon an open manhole cover, Yuki, in a fit of stompy rage, throws their house keys down into the abyss and freezes -- what did she just do? What now? Much more brave and resourceful than I ever was, Yuki climbs down to retrieve them, where she meets a giant muddy monstress -- Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, and her sidekicks, the Boogers.
The art is a showstopper. A mix of gouache, oil, collage and wax pencil (not crayon as I had originally thought) that highlight the mixed-up feeling of being an angry latchkey kid. The characters are cute but not cutesy or cloying, and they should work for boys and girls or nb kids alike, especially the Boogers, who run on pathos instead of gibberish like some yellow goons out there.
So does this hold a credible comparison to something like Where the Wild Things Are or In the Night Kitchen? The comparison is incredibly credible. Alemagna leans into that unchanneled anger that kids feel and can't take a step back from, and helps Yuki find a gentler, less stompy path out, through imagination, which is still the most important tool every kid has in their toolbox.
As we begin, we find young Yuki walking home from school with her older brother Shen, who hides himself inside his hoodie like a caterpillar in its cocoon. Shen hates her, she tells us, because she’s mean and rude, and when she feels that way, she’s loud and stompy. Sometimes she cries too. These are big, confusing feelings, like the tangled wires going into the apartment buildings. They’re ones you can’t control and don’t understand, the ones that can make you feel like a big dummy for having, because at that age you don’t know that everyone else has them too (and that everyone feels like a dummy for having them).
As she comes upon an open manhole cover, Yuki, in a fit of stompy rage, throws their house keys down into the abyss and freezes -- what did she just do? What now? Much more brave and resourceful than I ever was, Yuki climbs down to retrieve them, where she meets a giant muddy monstress -- Her Muddy Majesty of Muck, and her sidekicks, the Boogers.
The art is a showstopper. A mix of gouache, oil, collage and wax pencil (not crayon as I had originally thought) that highlight the mixed-up feeling of being an angry latchkey kid. The characters are cute but not cutesy or cloying, and they should work for boys and girls or nb kids alike, especially the Boogers, who run on pathos instead of gibberish like some yellow goons out there.
So does this hold a credible comparison to something like Where the Wild Things Are or In the Night Kitchen? The comparison is incredibly credible. Alemagna leans into that unchanneled anger that kids feel and can't take a step back from, and helps Yuki find a gentler, less stompy path out, through imagination, which is still the most important tool every kid has in their toolbox.
March 22, 2026
Alemagna reminds us that the feelings we hide aren’t ours alone — they’re shared, human, and worth naming.
----
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is one of the most touching and emotionally resonant picture books I’ve read in a long time. Alemagna’s sparse, expressive illustrations carry an astonishing amount of emotional weight. They mirror the conflicted, swirling feelings inside Yuki while still holding space for the hope and joy she eventually discovers.
This is a book that speaks on multiple levels.
Children will see a gentle, imaginative way to name their feelings — a way to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that can feel overwhelming or too big to articulate. Adults will recognize the quieter, heavier thoughts we learn to push down, the ones we’re taught not to say aloud. Alemagna honors both experiences with such tenderness.
After a rash moment leads Yuki to drop her house keys down an open manhole, she embarks on a journey deep into the “mucky muck” of her own sad, belittling thoughts. Meeting Her Muddy Majesty of Muck helps Yuki understand that these feelings aren’t hers alone — they’re shared, universal, and even reflected in the people she loves. This realization opens a door to empathy, especially toward her brother, and reveals that there is always more beneath the surface than we assume.
And that final page — no spoilers — but it lands with a quiet, lingering truth that speaks directly to adult readers. It transforms the book into a powerful conversation starter for emotional literacy, anger management, family dynamics, or therapeutic settings.
Alemagna has created something rare: a picture book that is whimsical, unsettling, comforting, and profoundly human all at once. I can see this becoming a beloved tool for families, educators, and anyone helping children (or themselves) navigate big feelings.
----
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is one of the most touching and emotionally resonant picture books I’ve read in a long time. Alemagna’s sparse, expressive illustrations carry an astonishing amount of emotional weight. They mirror the conflicted, swirling feelings inside Yuki while still holding space for the hope and joy she eventually discovers.
This is a book that speaks on multiple levels.
Children will see a gentle, imaginative way to name their feelings — a way to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that can feel overwhelming or too big to articulate. Adults will recognize the quieter, heavier thoughts we learn to push down, the ones we’re taught not to say aloud. Alemagna honors both experiences with such tenderness.
After a rash moment leads Yuki to drop her house keys down an open manhole, she embarks on a journey deep into the “mucky muck” of her own sad, belittling thoughts. Meeting Her Muddy Majesty of Muck helps Yuki understand that these feelings aren’t hers alone — they’re shared, universal, and even reflected in the people she loves. This realization opens a door to empathy, especially toward her brother, and reveals that there is always more beneath the surface than we assume.
And that final page — no spoilers — but it lands with a quiet, lingering truth that speaks directly to adult readers. It transforms the book into a powerful conversation starter for emotional literacy, anger management, family dynamics, or therapeutic settings.
Alemagna has created something rare: a picture book that is whimsical, unsettling, comforting, and profoundly human all at once. I can see this becoming a beloved tool for families, educators, and anyone helping children (or themselves) navigate big feelings.
May 13, 2026
3,5 stars rounded-up to 4 stars!
To be really honest, I needed to reread this book like 3 times and looked for underlying meanings and messages before I read this book to my 5 years old son. Because this book was so metaphorical with deep messages. I am 31 years old woman was having hard time to decipher the underlying contexts, really curious how 5 to 8 years old take on this book since this book target audiences are those in that age range.
As for my own 5 years old son, he found difficulty understanding this book. I encouraged him to discuss what his opinions about the story. We reread this book so many times to finally aligned his takes on the story with mine. We concluded that this book mainly quest was to not hold anger. You definitely can get mad at someone and/or something but you need to let it go in healthy ways so it's not eating you up from the inside. My son and I also believed that this book wants us to freely express what we feels.
I am not 100% sure whether what we (my son and I) think about the story and its messages are correct or not. This book was actually (really) hard to understand, even for me. Maybe it's just my comprehension that not in right level to understand this book. Either way, I definitely will reread this book in the future (with my son, of course) to get better understanding on everything going on in this book.
The illustrations were giving painting vibes. Full of soft colors that frankly kinda gloomy (and sad) for children books.
This book definitely is not the kind of children books I usually read to my son. But it was actually fun reading experience since this book opened up long discussion with my son.
Thank you to Beatrice Alemagna, Astra Publishing House, Hippo Park, and NetGalley for the ARC.
To be really honest, I needed to reread this book like 3 times and looked for underlying meanings and messages before I read this book to my 5 years old son. Because this book was so metaphorical with deep messages. I am 31 years old woman was having hard time to decipher the underlying contexts, really curious how 5 to 8 years old take on this book since this book target audiences are those in that age range.
As for my own 5 years old son, he found difficulty understanding this book. I encouraged him to discuss what his opinions about the story. We reread this book so many times to finally aligned his takes on the story with mine. We concluded that this book mainly quest was to not hold anger. You definitely can get mad at someone and/or something but you need to let it go in healthy ways so it's not eating you up from the inside. My son and I also believed that this book wants us to freely express what we feels.
I am not 100% sure whether what we (my son and I) think about the story and its messages are correct or not. This book was actually (really) hard to understand, even for me. Maybe it's just my comprehension that not in right level to understand this book. Either way, I definitely will reread this book in the future (with my son, of course) to get better understanding on everything going on in this book.
The illustrations were giving painting vibes. Full of soft colors that frankly kinda gloomy (and sad) for children books.
This book definitely is not the kind of children books I usually read to my son. But it was actually fun reading experience since this book opened up long discussion with my son.
Thank you to Beatrice Alemagna, Astra Publishing House, Hippo Park, and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2026
A young girl expands her understanding and experience of anger when she enters a strange, muddy underworld. With short, staccato sentences, the first-person narrative pulls readers in close, challenging them to sit with difficult feelings: “My name is Yuki. I have a terrible temper…See those tangled-up electrical wires? That’s how I feel inside.” Utilizing a variety of mediums from colored pencil to ink, Alemagna’s hand-drawn illustrations drip with rich physical texture and feeling. Her Majesty of Muck is a gorgeous, shape-shifting creature born of twig and mud. Our narrator Yuki is a bright yellow beacon in her fluorescent rain jacket, gradually getting muddier with each stop along Her Majesty’s underworld tour. There is “Lake Youbegone”, the “Museum of Cast-Away Things”, and the “Grumporium”, a shop where anger is packaged on shelves in bottles, cans, and boxes labeled “Grr”, “Arg”, and “!”. The movement between stops is Willy-Wonka-esque, with sea-carriages, towering stairs, and twisty tunnels taking Yuki (and reader) for a ride. Children will want to linger and study these imaginative worlds where anger can be discarded, sipped from a bottle, or taken to bed for a nap. A beautiful and moving treatise on befriending the ‘darkness’ that lives within each of us. Themes include sibling relationships (Yuki struggles to feel loved by her preoccupied older brother) and dealing with anger, self-criticism and other difficult feelings. Both Yuki and her brother are pictured with pale skin the color of the page. A work of art that grows in meaning with each rereading. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
May 14, 2026
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck by Beatrice Alemagna is a visually imaginative children’s picture book that explores emotional regulation, particularly anger and sadness, through a surreal underground fantasy world.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is its emotional intelligence. The story externalizes “big feelings” through the character of Yuki and the transformative Mud Princess, giving children a tangible, visual way to understand complex emotional states without abstract explanation.
Another strength is its use of fantasy as emotional metaphor. The Mudland setting and its shifting, absorbing nature reflect how emotions can feel overwhelming and all consuming, while also offering a safe imaginative space for exploration and release.
The central tension between remaining in the comforting but chaotic Mud world or returning to the structured surface world introduces a meaningful emotional choice, encouraging reflection on regulation, identity, and coping strategies.
Richly symbolic, emotionally aware, and visually driven, Her Muddy Majesty of Muck will appeal to early readers, educators, and caregivers looking for children’s literature that thoughtfully addresses emotional development through imaginative storytelling.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is its emotional intelligence. The story externalizes “big feelings” through the character of Yuki and the transformative Mud Princess, giving children a tangible, visual way to understand complex emotional states without abstract explanation.
Another strength is its use of fantasy as emotional metaphor. The Mudland setting and its shifting, absorbing nature reflect how emotions can feel overwhelming and all consuming, while also offering a safe imaginative space for exploration and release.
The central tension between remaining in the comforting but chaotic Mud world or returning to the structured surface world introduces a meaningful emotional choice, encouraging reflection on regulation, identity, and coping strategies.
Richly symbolic, emotionally aware, and visually driven, Her Muddy Majesty of Muck will appeal to early readers, educators, and caregivers looking for children’s literature that thoughtfully addresses emotional development through imaginative storytelling.
April 2, 2026
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is a wonderfully imaginative and visually rich picture book that embraces playfulness, messiness, and creativity in a way that will delight young readers. Beatrice Alemagna brings a distinctive artistic voice to the story, creating a world that feels both whimsical and emotionally expressive.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its celebration of mess and imagination. Rather than presenting cleanliness or order as the ideal, the story leans into the joy of exploration and creative freedom. This makes it especially appealing for children, who naturally connect with curiosity and uninhibited play.
The illustrations carry much of the storytelling power, offering a textured and expressive visual experience that enhances the narrative. The combination of fantasy elements and emotional tone creates a world that feels alive, immersive, and full of personality.
Overall, Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is a charming and visually captivating picture book that encourages imagination and self expression. It is a joyful celebration of childhood creativity that will resonate with both children and adults who appreciate inventive storytelling.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its celebration of mess and imagination. Rather than presenting cleanliness or order as the ideal, the story leans into the joy of exploration and creative freedom. This makes it especially appealing for children, who naturally connect with curiosity and uninhibited play.
The illustrations carry much of the storytelling power, offering a textured and expressive visual experience that enhances the narrative. The combination of fantasy elements and emotional tone creates a world that feels alive, immersive, and full of personality.
Overall, Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is a charming and visually captivating picture book that encourages imagination and self expression. It is a joyful celebration of childhood creativity that will resonate with both children and adults who appreciate inventive storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is weird. A brilliant weird, but weird. A little girl gets walked home from school by her brother every day. Little girl admits that she throws tantrums and isn’t always the nicest. On the way home, she throws the keys down an open manhole. Upon second thought, she goes after the keys, where she meets the Majesty of Muck. This majesty talks about how everyone has days when they’re mean and terrible, and say the wrong things, and when that happens, the majesty grows bigger. But there are ways that the majesty shrinks as well. And our main character will only find out with the help of her brother. I loved the story. But it’s niche. I do not think this is a story kids would pick up on their own and would be a hand sell. Both because of the type of story and because of the cover art. The art is beautiful but if you don’t read the story, the art doesn’t make sense.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to be added to Amazon US and UK on 31 March 2026 - publication day!
I thought that this book was very good.
I liked the idea behind the book and the author has done a great job with the story. It was well written and easy to follow and I had a good discussion with my daughter about the story after we finished reading it - well, she actually read it to me.
As I mum I liked the focus on showing how our feelings can change and turn ugly if we let them. The way that the author chose to show this was well done and I liked how the characters in the story developed, as well as the story itself - there were definitely plenty of points to talk about.
I wasn't a fan of the illustrations at the outset but they did grow on me and they do suit the story very well too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this book was very good.
I liked the idea behind the book and the author has done a great job with the story. It was well written and easy to follow and I had a good discussion with my daughter about the story after we finished reading it - well, she actually read it to me.
As I mum I liked the focus on showing how our feelings can change and turn ugly if we let them. The way that the author chose to show this was well done and I liked how the characters in the story developed, as well as the story itself - there were definitely plenty of points to talk about.
I wasn't a fan of the illustrations at the outset but they did grow on me and they do suit the story very well too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Alemagna always brings out the best of my imagination, even as an adult. Her art is always unparalleled, and her stories are always whimsical. I think the message of the story can occasionally become muddied (lol) underneath the fanciful adventure. Regardless, I do love how this story highlights the ubiquity of anger and the shame, doubt, and impulsivity that seems to inevitably come with it.
“When people get angry, they take it out on the things they love.” 🥲
Thanks, Astra Publishing House, for the DRC :)
“When people get angry, they take it out on the things they love.” 🥲
Thanks, Astra Publishing House, for the DRC :)
May 19, 2026
An exploration of the dark side of children's feelings as only Alemagna can do. Yuki goes down a manhole after the keys she threw in a fit of pique, but really because she felt ignored by her older brother. She meets the titular character and they go on a journey. Without any preachiness and with a ton of impish fun, Yuki and Her Majesty experience unpleasantness, meanness, relishing the taste of of an argument, despair, isolation, and finally rest. When Yuki's brother finds her all is resolved. For now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 Stars
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is quirky and darkly whimsical, leaning into an almost children’s horror vibe. It may be better suited for older kids. I also wasn’t particularly impressed with the illustrations. That said, the ending wraps on a positive note, which lightens the book a bit. I think fans of unusual children’s stories will likely enjoy this read.
Her Muddy Majesty of Muck is quirky and darkly whimsical, leaning into an almost children’s horror vibe. It may be better suited for older kids. I also wasn’t particularly impressed with the illustrations. That said, the ending wraps on a positive note, which lightens the book a bit. I think fans of unusual children’s stories will likely enjoy this read.
May 18, 2026
A curious book where a young girl walks home with her brother looking very morose. She drops the keys down a manhole out of grumpiness. The muddy creature below guides her through the morass of voices in the dark that contribute to one’s anger and disappointment with ourselves. She eventually finds her way back to her brother who it turns out likes his sister just the way she is. Who knew?
April 29, 2026
I’ll be curious to see what my grandchildren think of this book. It was a bit obvious about the message, even a tad preachy, but overall it’s a good exercise in thinking about how one acts in response to anger.
May 12, 2026
A young girl makes a new friend when her impulsive act leads her to a secret underground lair. Kids should love this charming and imaginative tale that features fun illustrations by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hippo Park for sharing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hippo Park for sharing.
May 9, 2026
Book about feelings mostly anger. Can be read aloud to class. Helps realize what happens when we get angry.
May 18, 2026
Jolies illustrations histoire sans queue ni tête
May 29, 2026
An interesting book great for SEL as it explores a young child's big feelings and how to deal with anger and frustration.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley and the publishers.
Yuki throws her keys down a drainage sewer in anger at her brother, Shen. Yuki follows her keys down into the sewer and enters a magical world ruled by Her Muddy Majesty of Muck. The lyrical text takes the reader on a surreal journey through this kingdom, and through meditations on humanity along the way. There is a lot of depth hidden in the text, with the fantastical characters "the Boogers" standing in for observations about humans and how they deal with their emotions. Yuki eventually returns home with her brother and washes off the mud, as if nothing had ever happened. This read like a modern-day Where the Wild Things Are, with a surrealist twist that only Alemagna could pull off. Her Majesty's Kingdom of Muck is a world young readers will love to get lost in.
Yuki throws her keys down a drainage sewer in anger at her brother, Shen. Yuki follows her keys down into the sewer and enters a magical world ruled by Her Muddy Majesty of Muck. The lyrical text takes the reader on a surreal journey through this kingdom, and through meditations on humanity along the way. There is a lot of depth hidden in the text, with the fantastical characters "the Boogers" standing in for observations about humans and how they deal with their emotions. Yuki eventually returns home with her brother and washes off the mud, as if nothing had ever happened. This read like a modern-day Where the Wild Things Are, with a surrealist twist that only Alemagna could pull off. Her Majesty's Kingdom of Muck is a world young readers will love to get lost in.
June 2, 2025
Avec La Grande Cradolasse, Beatrice Alemagna nous emmène une fois de plus là où peu d’autrices osent guider les enfants : dans les tréfonds du ressenti, dans ce que la société tente de taire, de lisser, de ranger. Ici, c’est la colère qui prend toute la place – la vraie, la sale, la rugueuse, celle qu’on hurle, qu’on jette, qu’on ravale parfois. Et comme toujours chez Alemagna, l’exploration émotionnelle passe par l’imaginaire, par un monde à la frontière du rêve et du malaise, superbement incarné dans les pages brunes, épaisses, parfois grouillantes de ce Pays de Boue où tout ce que l’on croit avoir oublié finit par s’accumuler.
Tout commence par une dispute, une de celles qu’on croit anodines : Yuki, enfant sensible, explose après une remarque de son frère. Un cri, un geste, et voilà qu’elle se retrouve aspirée dans une faille du sol, projetée dans un monde souterrain où les cris, les objets cassés, les mots méchants et les coups de pieds sont la matière première du décor. Là vit la Grande Cradolasse, créature fascinante, ambivalente, mi-sorcière mi-princesse, régente de cette contrée tapissée de ressentiment et d’impulsions mal digérées.
Ce que Beatrice Alemagna parvient à capturer ici, c’est la matière émotionnelle de la rage. Non pas sa version policée ou éducative, mais son corps brut, son étrangeté, son pouvoir de transformation. Le Pays de Boue est fait d’objets jetés sous l’effet de la jalousie, de miroirs brisés par dépit, de miettes de phrases blessantes… tout un musée affectif du refoulé. Et au centre de tout cela, la Cradolasse, figure d’autorité autant que reflet de Yuki elle-même, incarne cette part sombre que l’on voudrait fuir mais qu’il faut, à un moment, écouter.
Le texte, d’une richesse poétique rare, alterne entre dialogues piquants et descriptions sensorielles, tandis que les illustrations d’Alemagna, toujours aussi puissantes et texturées, jouent sur les contrastes de matière : le lisse et le rugueux, l’éclat et le terne, le chaud et le gluant. On sent la boue sous les doigts, on entend presque les clapotis des émotions mal rangées. Le livre est une expérience, une immersion dans une psychologie de l’enfance que trop peu d’albums jeunesse osent aborder avec autant de sérieux et de liberté plastique.
Mais La Grande Cradolasse, c’est aussi une invitation à l’apaisement. Car pour sortir de ce royaume, Yuki devra comprendre ce que sa colère voulait lui dire, où elle est née, et comment elle peut la transformer sans la renier. Ce n’est pas une morale simple : c’est un apprentissage, un passage, une descente aux enfers qui mène à une remontée vers soi.
Ce nouvel album de Beatrice Alemagna s’inscrit dans la lignée de ses œuvres les plus marquantes (Un grand jour de rien, Les choses qui s’en vont, Je veux un chien et peu importe lequel) : une œuvre où l’intime devient mythe, où l’enfant n’est jamais pris de haut, et où l’on apprend que la beauté peut naître dans les coins les plus sombres de l’âme.
Tout commence par une dispute, une de celles qu’on croit anodines : Yuki, enfant sensible, explose après une remarque de son frère. Un cri, un geste, et voilà qu’elle se retrouve aspirée dans une faille du sol, projetée dans un monde souterrain où les cris, les objets cassés, les mots méchants et les coups de pieds sont la matière première du décor. Là vit la Grande Cradolasse, créature fascinante, ambivalente, mi-sorcière mi-princesse, régente de cette contrée tapissée de ressentiment et d’impulsions mal digérées.
Ce que Beatrice Alemagna parvient à capturer ici, c’est la matière émotionnelle de la rage. Non pas sa version policée ou éducative, mais son corps brut, son étrangeté, son pouvoir de transformation. Le Pays de Boue est fait d’objets jetés sous l’effet de la jalousie, de miroirs brisés par dépit, de miettes de phrases blessantes… tout un musée affectif du refoulé. Et au centre de tout cela, la Cradolasse, figure d’autorité autant que reflet de Yuki elle-même, incarne cette part sombre que l’on voudrait fuir mais qu’il faut, à un moment, écouter.
Le texte, d’une richesse poétique rare, alterne entre dialogues piquants et descriptions sensorielles, tandis que les illustrations d’Alemagna, toujours aussi puissantes et texturées, jouent sur les contrastes de matière : le lisse et le rugueux, l’éclat et le terne, le chaud et le gluant. On sent la boue sous les doigts, on entend presque les clapotis des émotions mal rangées. Le livre est une expérience, une immersion dans une psychologie de l’enfance que trop peu d’albums jeunesse osent aborder avec autant de sérieux et de liberté plastique.
Mais La Grande Cradolasse, c’est aussi une invitation à l’apaisement. Car pour sortir de ce royaume, Yuki devra comprendre ce que sa colère voulait lui dire, où elle est née, et comment elle peut la transformer sans la renier. Ce n’est pas une morale simple : c’est un apprentissage, un passage, une descente aux enfers qui mène à une remontée vers soi.
Ce nouvel album de Beatrice Alemagna s’inscrit dans la lignée de ses œuvres les plus marquantes (Un grand jour de rien, Les choses qui s’en vont, Je veux un chien et peu importe lequel) : une œuvre où l’intime devient mythe, où l’enfant n’est jamais pris de haut, et où l’on apprend que la beauté peut naître dans les coins les plus sombres de l’âme.
Review of advance copy
Another gorgeously imagined picture book from Beatrice Alemagna! Her imagination and love of exploring the quirky moments of childhood shines through. It's the kind of book you can look at over and over, even if only to enjoy the amazing artwork.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Muddy Majesty of Muck is a play on how our emotions dictate how we feel about ourselves and the actions we take. What starts as a fit of anger; throwing keys because of a lack of attention, introduces us to the Muddy Majesty of Muck who grows with every bad word or action. The illustrations have a horror vibe with monster like figures and a dark pallet. The overall theme of a little sister just wanted to be noticed by her big brother is relevant and timely, and I think young readers will connect with the grossness of the feelings and the characters.
Thank you Astra Publishing for the gifted ARC.
Thank you Astra Publishing for the gifted ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charmingly gross and quirky.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What sounds like a playful, fairytale title turns into a surprisingly thoughtful story about power, mess, and the things we’d rather not clean up. Definitely a story for the younger ones but can be enjoyed by everyone, as the art is ,in my opinion, the best part of this.
The book leans hard into its muddy imagery both literally and metaphorically and uses it to poke at class and personal responsibility. The main character isn’t a shiny, heroic ruler, and that’s what makes her interesting. The humor is dry and clever, and the story doesn’t rush to make anyone fully redeemed or “fixed.”
It’s not a perfectly tidy read, but that feels intentional. If you like stories that are a little strange and have a little one to share it with then this one’s worth your time.
Thank you NetGallery, Astra publishing house and the author, Beatrice Alemagna, for the ARC.
The book leans hard into its muddy imagery both literally and metaphorically and uses it to poke at class and personal responsibility. The main character isn’t a shiny, heroic ruler, and that’s what makes her interesting. The humor is dry and clever, and the story doesn’t rush to make anyone fully redeemed or “fixed.”
It’s not a perfectly tidy read, but that feels intentional. If you like stories that are a little strange and have a little one to share it with then this one’s worth your time.
Thank you NetGallery, Astra publishing house and the author, Beatrice Alemagna, for the ARC.
March 1, 2026
Una obra que segurament hauria tingut una rebuda més càlida si no hagués aparegut en un moment en què el món editorial es troba saturat de "llibres d'emocions", si bé la sensibilitat artística tant gràfica com tonal la diferencia clarament d'exemples molt menys interessants. Amb Beatrice Alemagna no trobarem la simplicitat narrativa i visual ni l'optimisme forçat que solen caracteritzar aquesta tendència.
Malgrat que la història no resulta del tot fluïda, compta amb un principi fort i un final que et fa sentir ben bé la netedat de dutxar-se i veure nevar després d'endinsar-se en el fang.
Malgrat que la història no resulta del tot fluïda, compta amb un principi fort i un final que et fa sentir ben bé la netedat de dutxar-se i veure nevar després d'endinsar-se en el fang.
June 15, 2025
Cet album aurait pu être un 4 étoiles, mais je reste accrochée dans certains passages, certains mots qui semblent inappropriés. On dirait que certains passages ont perdu de leur superbe en passant dans le tordeur de la traduction, ou alors c'est le ton un peu trop européen qui me chiffonne. Je ne saurais dire avec précision, mais je ne parviens pas à être ravie, malgré un scénario qui a tout pour me plaire.
November 7, 2025
совершенно прекрасная и изящно нарисованная история о том что если слишком долго злость и обиды копить в себе — однажды окажешься в такой канализации что огого
но все мы там бываем ant that’s ok
но все мы там бываем ant that’s ok
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February 4, 2026Titolo italiano: "Sua altezza poltiglia, principessa di fango"
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