What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lying King
2018 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner
Amazon Best Seller in Children's Books > Animals
Can warthogs fly? Do tigers eat broccoli?
For answers, follow along as Warthog lies his way to the throne in this timeless, yet most timely, Tale from the Watering Hole.
Will the Truth catch up with the king?
Find out as Alex Beard’s whimsical animals come to life to illuminate real world truths for children of all ages. With a nod to Aesop and Kipling, this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!
Amazon Best Seller in Children's Books > Animals
Can warthogs fly? Do tigers eat broccoli?
For answers, follow along as Warthog lies his way to the throne in this timeless, yet most timely, Tale from the Watering Hole.
Will the Truth catch up with the king?
Find out as Alex Beard’s whimsical animals come to life to illuminate real world truths for children of all ages. With a nod to Aesop and Kipling, this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!
54 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 5, 2018
"A runt who wanted to be a huge pig..."
The Lying King, wordplay noted, is a wonderfully illustrated, hilariously told modern day fable about a warthog who wanted to be king. He made promises he couldn't keep, told lies that grew more preposterous with each telling and bullying all who got in is way. He lied to get money, questioned whether the truth was actually the truth and pitted those in the kingdom against one another to gain favor for himself.
Hmmm... why does this sound so incredibly familiar? No idea. Soon, the king's lies catch up to him and bring about his folly.
Written for children and obviously for adults who never learned the very important lesson that LYING is not acceptable and, ultimately, you will get caught; this book is utterly delightful for "kids" of all ages. Beard is an artist as well as a writer and his illustrations are a beautiful, captivating addition to the book. I read this out loud to guests staying with us and everyone loved it - especially the kids! It's a perfect "lesson" book that can teach all of us the importance of the truth in this era of "fake news" and alternative facts. FIVE brilliant shiny stars for The Lying King - no lie!
I'm super happy to have received this book from #Netgalley and to #AlexBeard for his collection of children's books. Although this was a download originally, I'm now the proud owner of his entire collection. They are too good not to own!
September 24, 2018
this is the most fantastic allegory for the hypocritical, lying clot of congealed cream-sickle of spray tan goo we currently have as president.
August 23, 2018
Satire at it's best in a wonderfully illustrated package. Some reviewers seem to be missing the part of the blurb that says, "this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!" They aren't getting it, satire isn't for everyone, sadly.
From the dedication to "Uncle Sam" to the warthog telling bigger and bigger lies, to creating distractions and divides, it speaks of a truth that many don't want to hear. That today's runt of a pig will eventually topple, let's just hope that it happens before our and other governments crumble.
Thanks go to NetGalley for the copy and Beard for the hope that one day our current warthog will choke!
From the dedication to "Uncle Sam" to the warthog telling bigger and bigger lies, to creating distractions and divides, it speaks of a truth that many don't want to hear. That today's runt of a pig will eventually topple, let's just hope that it happens before our and other governments crumble.
Thanks go to NetGalley for the copy and Beard for the hope that one day our current warthog will choke!
October 23, 2018
Great book!
The Lying King is a book I won from Goodreads Giveaway! It is a terrific book about lying and deceit all bundled up in rhyme. Great colorful artwork too! This book won't just be a hit with kids, this is a perfect example of our White House at this time....I can't wait until we get to the part of the story when all the animals quit listening to the pig's lies!
The Lying King is a book I won from Goodreads Giveaway! It is a terrific book about lying and deceit all bundled up in rhyme. Great colorful artwork too! This book won't just be a hit with kids, this is a perfect example of our White House at this time....I can't wait until we get to the part of the story when all the animals quit listening to the pig's lies!
September 24, 2018
It's about Trump, guys. It's about Trump.
September 21, 2018
The Lying King
Author/Illustrator: Alex Beard
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a whimsical morality tale for kids and is a trenchant social commentary for adults.
Plot
The Lying King is dedicated to Uncle Sam. That should tell you a little bit about the tongue-in-cheek tone of this book. As an adult, I completely loved his sly references to our current political climate.
“He said he was great at whatever he tried. Tremendous! Outstanding!”
Kids won’t necessarily catch all of the levels that adults will see but they will love this well-told tale. The warthog is a bully of the worst type. He lies outrageously and belittles others to get to the top. Kids will recognize this type of person from their own lives. The best part of this morality tale is that the nasty, truly obnoxious warthog gets his comeuppance at the end. If only all bullies were truly and properly punished.
Illustrations
I loved the pictures in this book. They are almost musical if that makes sense. The simple line drawings curve and dance around the page. They are full of swirls and bulges that cavort across the surface. Each page has an illustration surrounded with white that just serves to bring the eye to the main point of each picture. The main warthog practically prances he is so full of himself. Even the leaves surrounding him seem to be part of his dance. My favorite part is the human expression on the animals. This is especially true on the sad-eyed giraffe with his beautiful jigsaw coat. There is this image of the majestic giraffe bending almost to the ground in utter subservience (proffering a rose no less!) and still the despot warthog is accusing him of thievery. The only lines that are not flowing and lyrical are the straight-lined crown. It has hard edges that end in firm points.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book. Kids will love seeing this outrageous bully get his just desserts and parents will appreciate the author’s nuanced commentary on our current political situation.
Author/Illustrator: Alex Beard
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a whimsical morality tale for kids and is a trenchant social commentary for adults.
Plot
The Lying King is dedicated to Uncle Sam. That should tell you a little bit about the tongue-in-cheek tone of this book. As an adult, I completely loved his sly references to our current political climate.
“He said he was great at whatever he tried. Tremendous! Outstanding!”
Kids won’t necessarily catch all of the levels that adults will see but they will love this well-told tale. The warthog is a bully of the worst type. He lies outrageously and belittles others to get to the top. Kids will recognize this type of person from their own lives. The best part of this morality tale is that the nasty, truly obnoxious warthog gets his comeuppance at the end. If only all bullies were truly and properly punished.
Illustrations
I loved the pictures in this book. They are almost musical if that makes sense. The simple line drawings curve and dance around the page. They are full of swirls and bulges that cavort across the surface. Each page has an illustration surrounded with white that just serves to bring the eye to the main point of each picture. The main warthog practically prances he is so full of himself. Even the leaves surrounding him seem to be part of his dance. My favorite part is the human expression on the animals. This is especially true on the sad-eyed giraffe with his beautiful jigsaw coat. There is this image of the majestic giraffe bending almost to the ground in utter subservience (proffering a rose no less!) and still the despot warthog is accusing him of thievery. The only lines that are not flowing and lyrical are the straight-lined crown. It has hard edges that end in firm points.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book. Kids will love seeing this outrageous bully get his just desserts and parents will appreciate the author’s nuanced commentary on our current political situation.
July 27, 2018
Thanks to #kidlitexchange for sharing a review copy of this book!
The Lying King by Alex Beard is a very interesting story. We absolutely loved the title and cover! It is about a warthog who becomes king by lying his way through. His lies continue until they become too much. The animals finally start to stand up for themselves.
.
This is definitely a book with many lessons. It reminds me of Aesop’s fables.
.
I found that I was thinking a bit deeper into many of the ideas ~ a leader lying and all of the consequences it has on the kingdom. Even though this is a ‘picture book,’ it would also be an interesting read for high school kids or young adults. I am sure there would be a lot to discuss with the current events of the world!
The Lying King by Alex Beard is a very interesting story. We absolutely loved the title and cover! It is about a warthog who becomes king by lying his way through. His lies continue until they become too much. The animals finally start to stand up for themselves.
.
This is definitely a book with many lessons. It reminds me of Aesop’s fables.
.
I found that I was thinking a bit deeper into many of the ideas ~ a leader lying and all of the consequences it has on the kingdom. Even though this is a ‘picture book,’ it would also be an interesting read for high school kids or young adults. I am sure there would be a lot to discuss with the current events of the world!
October 11, 2018
I really appreciated this book. If only real life could be so simple. Obviously a timely story that parents and kids can appreciate and a message that still needs to be heard since some folks seem to have missed this lesson regarding truth and lies. I like the style of the artwork. Told with humor.
March 27, 2019
For all the others out there who gave it either 4 or 5 stars, THANKS!
I will not be able to use this at my preschool story times, due to "knowing" my adult audiences, however, I am going to tell all my adult friends who "yearn" for the truth these days to read it.
I will not be able to use this at my preschool story times, due to "knowing" my adult audiences, however, I am going to tell all my adult friends who "yearn" for the truth these days to read it.
October 18, 2018
I loved the message in this book. It is a message very important for children but a lot of adults need to take a very hard look at it too. A lot of adults seemed to have completely forgotten that the truth matters and there will be consequences in the end for all liars. I really liked the artwork in this book. The book is very well done and would make a great addition to any child's library especially if the adults read along too. I received this book for free through Goodreads First reads.
August 23, 2018
The Lying King is a clever and delightful illustration of a current political times, suitable for the young or old. Dedicated to "Uncle Sam", this children's book clearly lays out how an immoral leader can grab power. through falsehoods and gas-lighting.
August 27, 2018
This fabulous fable should be read by everyone. It is a tale for children that all adults need to read as a reminder that truth is truth and up is up no matter how much a king likes to lie and say differently. Dedicated to Uncle Sam.
November 20, 2018
The meta is deep with this one. A good lesson for kids not to lie, but also not to be taken in by a liar. Plus a deeper metaphor for adults relating to the current political situation in America and elsewhere in the world.
August 31, 2018
Finished reading: August 31st 2018
“And while such behavior was
thought of quite badly,
what could be done more
than think on it sadly?”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
October 10, 2018
Can warthogs fly? Do tigers eat broccoli?
For answers, follow along as Warthog lies his way to the throne in this timeless, yet most timely, Tale from the Watering Hole.
Will the Truth catch up with the king?
Find out as Alex Beard’s whimsical animals come to life to illuminate real world truths for children of all ages. With a nod to Aesop and Kipling, this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!
This was a cute and fun book and after all the lies the warthog finds out what happens after all the lies. The pics in the book were also really cute and this would be a great addition to a child's library,
I received this from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Grou for an honest review
For answers, follow along as Warthog lies his way to the throne in this timeless, yet most timely, Tale from the Watering Hole.
Will the Truth catch up with the king?
Find out as Alex Beard’s whimsical animals come to life to illuminate real world truths for children of all ages. With a nod to Aesop and Kipling, this funny and pointed parable has lessons for everyone, from the playground to the boardroom and beyond!
This was a cute and fun book and after all the lies the warthog finds out what happens after all the lies. The pics in the book were also really cute and this would be a great addition to a child's library,
I received this from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Grou for an honest review
December 20, 2019
Kai's review: I like this one because it teaches you not to lie.
February 4, 2019
Nothing against the story, which I found very amusing; some of the rhyme schemes are just too much of a stretch for me.
January 16, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Lying King by Alex Beard, part political satire and part cautionary tale of what dishonesty can do when unchecked.
In the savanna, there is a king – a warthog who wears an ostentatious pointed crown and speaks in nothing but lies. His fibs are ridiculous: he claims that the rain is dry, that the nighttime is day, that he can fly (he cannot). It all started when he was just a piglet, the runt of the litter, who compensated for his size by lying. As he got older and his dishonesty went without repercussion, the lies got bigger. And when it came time to find a new ruler, the warthog ascended to office on the backs of lying to bully, lying to cause unrest, and or simply lying to make himself look better than he was. Now that he’s on the throne, the lies are only becoming more ludicrous and unsustainable. The Lying King may have broke the final straw… and his subjects are fed up.
So, yeah. I think we can all guess what figure from current events this is a rather cutting (and sadly accurate) parody of. But politics aside, this is a story about dishonesty that stands on its own. While most books about lying serve to teach children why lying is wrong, this is a great way to encourage them to recognize and stand against those who chose to be dishonest anyway. It reminds readers that the truth is not a subjective thing, and in an era in which those in power are all too willing to sow dissent and spread disinformation to stay in power, well… it’s a lesson that needs to be taught. The illustrations are good, featuring semi-realistic animals other than the King, who is exaggerated enough to highlight his antics. The length is good, the rhyming text flows well, and JJ seemed to enjoy it. A necessary lesson in questioning one’s leaders, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
August 26, 2018
4.5 stars
An absolutely delightful morality fable for our troubled times. Though I was given access to an e-galley of this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I have already pre-ordered a hard copy for my bookshelf of children’s books. After all, we must teach the young about the mistakes of the past so they will not be repeated. The satire and clever wit and rhythm of the writing is a treat for adults who need something to make them smile these days. The illustrations are delightful, with plenty of additional commentary on the tale, that has been so cleverly dedicated to Uncle Sam.
*The free access to this book in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions expressed herein are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for their generosity in feeding my brain! :)
An absolutely delightful morality fable for our troubled times. Though I was given access to an e-galley of this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I have already pre-ordered a hard copy for my bookshelf of children’s books. After all, we must teach the young about the mistakes of the past so they will not be repeated. The satire and clever wit and rhythm of the writing is a treat for adults who need something to make them smile these days. The illustrations are delightful, with plenty of additional commentary on the tale, that has been so cleverly dedicated to Uncle Sam.
*The free access to this book in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions expressed herein are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for their generosity in feeding my brain! :)
September 8, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author through the Goodreads Giveaway Program.
It is wonderful.
Yes it can be described as a 'children's book' but it is so much more. Once you finish talking about it with children, and discuss the 'lessons' from the book, you can then move into adult conversations!. Ones we desperately need to have in this country. Especially now.
I'm planning on passing it along to a senatorial candidate in my state. I'm thinking of one who should read it...but I'm afraid he wouldn't 'get the message,' so I'll give it to the one who will hopefully win!
It is wonderful.
Yes it can be described as a 'children's book' but it is so much more. Once you finish talking about it with children, and discuss the 'lessons' from the book, you can then move into adult conversations!. Ones we desperately need to have in this country. Especially now.
I'm planning on passing it along to a senatorial candidate in my state. I'm thinking of one who should read it...but I'm afraid he wouldn't 'get the message,' so I'll give it to the one who will hopefully win!
August 26, 2018
I downloaded this free from NetGalley to read to my kids, but as soon as I saw that it was rhyming and the pictures were amateur at best, I didn't even bother. I skimmed it, and was irritated to have my time wasted. This is the type of story that should've been self-published with a handful of copies for his descendants. There is a reason indie picture books don't do well. Mostly because anyone that can draw well has already been snatched up by the big five.
September 10, 2018
Quick and easy read, good rhyme and meter, and an interesting mix of Emperor's New Clothes meets Boy Who Cried Wolf....and for those who choose to see it, a parable of modern politics couched for kids to understand.
Above all, the flowing and evocative art impressed me greatly and I highly recommend this book for parents to read to their kids.
Disclosure: Won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway for a review
Above all, the flowing and evocative art impressed me greatly and I highly recommend this book for parents to read to their kids.
Disclosure: Won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway for a review
September 3, 2018
Very obvious, almost infantile, parody on today's political situation. I guess I was hoping for something at a higher level.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an eBook at no charge through NetGalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an eBook at no charge through NetGalley
September 25, 2018
What a fantastic fable for today!
Great art, wonderful story, and an excellent moral.
I really liked this…and will probably purchase it for my shelf.
Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a copy in return for an honest review.
Great art, wonderful story, and an excellent moral.
I really liked this…and will probably purchase it for my shelf.
Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a copy in return for an honest review.
October 7, 2018
The illustrations are good. The reference to today political turmoil is why I gave it this rating. It is more for adults than a cute learning book for children. Does everything have to be about the mess our country is in?
October 1, 2020
Terrible for a young child. This is a children’s book meant for adults to read, without your child!
July 18, 2021
I have to say that in large part I agree with The Baby Bookworm’s review of this children’s’ book from her website, September 2018.
“So, yeah. I think we can all guess what figure from current events this is a rather cutting (and sadly accurate) parody of. But politics aside, this is a story about dishonesty that stands on its own. While most books about lying serve to teach children why lying is wrong, this is a great way to encourage them to recognize and stand against those who chose to be dishonest anyway. It reminds readers that the truth is not a subjective thing, and in an era in which those in power are all too willing to sow dissent and spread disinformation to stay in power, well… it’s a lesson that needs to be taught. The illustrations are good, featuring semi-realistic animals other than the King, who is exaggerated enough to highlight his antics. The length is good, the rhyming text flows well, and JJ seemed to enjoy it. A necessary lesson in questioning one’s leaders.”
A couple of positives: I think there are some good lessons here about knowing in black and white when some things are just a fact. This opens up discussion with your child about fact vs fiction vs opinion. Learning these new words and concepts, and more importantly how to identify them. A concept missing from the book: how to kindly educate someone who has their facts wrong. Although, this book is portraying a narcissistic personality and you can never convince narcissists they are ever wrong. A whole addictions lesson there! I do like the ending where the warthog gets his comeuppance. Sadly, too often in life wrong doers get away with their crimes and lies. One additional criticism: the illustrations are a bit stark. I feel like there are not enough colors and overall pictures per page for a child’s liking.
“So, yeah. I think we can all guess what figure from current events this is a rather cutting (and sadly accurate) parody of. But politics aside, this is a story about dishonesty that stands on its own. While most books about lying serve to teach children why lying is wrong, this is a great way to encourage them to recognize and stand against those who chose to be dishonest anyway. It reminds readers that the truth is not a subjective thing, and in an era in which those in power are all too willing to sow dissent and spread disinformation to stay in power, well… it’s a lesson that needs to be taught. The illustrations are good, featuring semi-realistic animals other than the King, who is exaggerated enough to highlight his antics. The length is good, the rhyming text flows well, and JJ seemed to enjoy it. A necessary lesson in questioning one’s leaders.”
A couple of positives: I think there are some good lessons here about knowing in black and white when some things are just a fact. This opens up discussion with your child about fact vs fiction vs opinion. Learning these new words and concepts, and more importantly how to identify them. A concept missing from the book: how to kindly educate someone who has their facts wrong. Although, this book is portraying a narcissistic personality and you can never convince narcissists they are ever wrong. A whole addictions lesson there! I do like the ending where the warthog gets his comeuppance. Sadly, too often in life wrong doers get away with their crimes and lies. One additional criticism: the illustrations are a bit stark. I feel like there are not enough colors and overall pictures per page for a child’s liking.
December 20, 2018
Full review at Combing Through the Pages
The Lying King is incredibly timely given the current political climate in the U.S.A. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss in that it has an obvious “hidden” statement. As Seuss wrote Yertle the Turtle King with Hitler in mind, I’m sure that author Alex Beard had the problem of lying as an acceptable practice in our current society in mind, when he wrote The Lying King.
I often wonder what the effect the current situation both here and around the world is going to have on our children. They are growing up in an environment where you cannot click on the television, read an article on the internet, or watch the news without seeing someone getting ahead, profiting both monetarily and politically, by spouting obvious lies. I love that Beard wrote a book like this that unequivocally tells our children that Lying is NOT okay! It is NOT acceptable! And it’s certainly NOT a way to become king!
As Beard says in The Lying King:
‘Cause that’s in the end how it always goes down…
The king who tells lies loses his crown.
The illustrations in The Lying King are fun and I enjoyed them just as much as the story! I’m sure I’ll be reading this one for many years to come…
I definitely recommend this book for anyone, not just children.
I received a free review copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program. This in no way influenced my review.
The Lying King is incredibly timely given the current political climate in the U.S.A. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss in that it has an obvious “hidden” statement. As Seuss wrote Yertle the Turtle King with Hitler in mind, I’m sure that author Alex Beard had the problem of lying as an acceptable practice in our current society in mind, when he wrote The Lying King.
I often wonder what the effect the current situation both here and around the world is going to have on our children. They are growing up in an environment where you cannot click on the television, read an article on the internet, or watch the news without seeing someone getting ahead, profiting both monetarily and politically, by spouting obvious lies. I love that Beard wrote a book like this that unequivocally tells our children that Lying is NOT okay! It is NOT acceptable! And it’s certainly NOT a way to become king!
As Beard says in The Lying King:
‘Cause that’s in the end how it always goes down…
The king who tells lies loses his crown.
The illustrations in The Lying King are fun and I enjoyed them just as much as the story! I’m sure I’ll be reading this one for many years to come…
I definitely recommend this book for anyone, not just children.
I received a free review copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program. This in no way influenced my review.
January 9, 2019
This “children’s book” is every bit as pointed as the rhinoceros tusk and porcupine quills used to impeach the lying, bragging, bullying, grifter of a “runt who wanted to be a huge pig” from office. Er...excuse me, I meant to say “eject the warthog king from his throne.”
Some of the most pointed passages include:
“Before he was king
he lied to feel big,
a runt who wanted
to be a huge pig.”
“And even though many
thought him a lout,
too few spoke up
to call his lies out”
This is followed by an illustration of the hear/see/speak no evil monkeys
“And so much emboldened
with dishonest might...
the king called into question
all that was right.
“He turned loyal subjects
against one another
by making each question
the aims of the other.”
This stanza is followed by an illustration of the king saying, “white zebras with black strips are better than black zebras with white stripes”
“In the confusion
the king got his way,
the lies a distraction
to hide his foul play.
And that’s how he ruled
from his ill-gotten seat,
his kingdom secured
by doubt and deceit.”
This children’s story has a happy ending: the king is ensnared by his own lies, and the animals open their eyes and kick him off the throne.
If this book happened to be inspired by actual events, I hope things turn out as well in real life as they did in this “Tale from the Watering Hole,” which is dedicated to Uncle Sam, of course.
Some of the most pointed passages include:
“Before he was king
he lied to feel big,
a runt who wanted
to be a huge pig.”
“And even though many
thought him a lout,
too few spoke up
to call his lies out”
This is followed by an illustration of the hear/see/speak no evil monkeys
“And so much emboldened
with dishonest might...
the king called into question
all that was right.
“He turned loyal subjects
against one another
by making each question
the aims of the other.”
This stanza is followed by an illustration of the king saying, “white zebras with black strips are better than black zebras with white stripes”
“In the confusion
the king got his way,
the lies a distraction
to hide his foul play.
And that’s how he ruled
from his ill-gotten seat,
his kingdom secured
by doubt and deceit.”
This children’s story has a happy ending: the king is ensnared by his own lies, and the animals open their eyes and kick him off the throne.
If this book happened to be inspired by actual events, I hope things turn out as well in real life as they did in this “Tale from the Watering Hole,” which is dedicated to Uncle Sam, of course.
March 19, 2021
The Lying King by Alex Beard is the tale of a warthog whose wish to be more results in the creation of an avalanche of lies that gets him exactly what he wants ... until he gets swept away in it.
A runt warthog's lies start out small to make himself feel better, but as that succeeds, he realizes he wants more. His lies become bullying and morph into such ridiculous and impossible things that the other animals begin to question what is real. What begins as bowing down due to confusion and intimidation becomes a rally cry to overthrow the king of lies.
While the rhythmic text and simple, whimsical watercolor illustrations are aimed at the intended audience of 4-8 year olds, the length of the book and the meaning behind the Aesop-inspired fable, belie that ... as does the dedication of "For Uncle Sam." While there is some value to this as a children's book, and it will certainly be a great jumping off point for discussion, it will definitely appeal to adults who can see the hidden meaning behind this 2018 book of an unlikely politician's rise to the top.
Thank you to the Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to give my honest review of.
A runt warthog's lies start out small to make himself feel better, but as that succeeds, he realizes he wants more. His lies become bullying and morph into such ridiculous and impossible things that the other animals begin to question what is real. What begins as bowing down due to confusion and intimidation becomes a rally cry to overthrow the king of lies.
While the rhythmic text and simple, whimsical watercolor illustrations are aimed at the intended audience of 4-8 year olds, the length of the book and the meaning behind the Aesop-inspired fable, belie that ... as does the dedication of "For Uncle Sam." While there is some value to this as a children's book, and it will certainly be a great jumping off point for discussion, it will definitely appeal to adults who can see the hidden meaning behind this 2018 book of an unlikely politician's rise to the top.
Thank you to the Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to give my honest review of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews