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King Matt the First : A Classic Kids' Book written by Janusz Korczak , Teaching Empathy, Dealing with Difficulties, and the Values of Peace
Young Matt learns that it’s not easy to be king, but his innate abilities take him far!Matt was just ten years old when he had to ascend the throne and become king after his father’s death. He discovered that being a king is not as much fun as one might think, with many restrictions that prevented him from being like other children, finding friends, and just playing.
When three kings declare war on his kingdom, he decides to fight them and, although not an adult and perhaps because of this, he manages to make peace using his good nature and human compassion.
King Matt shows us just how right Janusz Korczak was to believe in children!King Matt the First was originally written by Dr. Janusz Korczak, whose educational doctrine was belief in the power of children, as reflected in King Matt’s thoughts and deeds. Artist Itzchak Belfer adapted and illustrated it to suit young children and to expose them to one of the most beloved works of 20th century literature.
Scroll up now to get your copy of King Matt the First!
When three kings declare war on his kingdom, he decides to fight them and, although not an adult and perhaps because of this, he manages to make peace using his good nature and human compassion.
King Matt shows us just how right Janusz Korczak was to believe in children!King Matt the First was originally written by Dr. Janusz Korczak, whose educational doctrine was belief in the power of children, as reflected in King Matt’s thoughts and deeds. Artist Itzchak Belfer adapted and illustrated it to suit young children and to expose them to one of the most beloved works of 20th century literature.
Scroll up now to get your copy of King Matt the First!
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2018
9 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 29, 2018
‘I myself will do all that is needed for the children like me.’
Israeli author Itzchak Belfer’s biographical history is pertinent to the appreciation of this fine book. Itzchak was born in Warsaw, Poland, grew up in the orphanage managed by Dr. Janusz Korczak, and was the only survivor of a large extended family wiped out in the Holocaust. At the age of seventeen, Belfer left his dear ones in the ghetto on a journey of survival. On his return to Warsaw he realized, standing in the ruins of the ghetto, that his home was in the Land of Israel, and he decided to immigrate there. Belfer’s immigration attempt landed him in the British detention camp in Cyprus. It was there that he studied sculpture under Zeev Ben-Tzvi and was captivated by the magic of art and sculpture. He finally fulfilled his dream of living in Israel. After serving in the Israeli army, he studied art at the Avni Institute of Art and Design. He has since instructed generations of young artists and has channeled his artistic talents, already obvious during his orphanage years, to commemorating Dr. Janusz Korczak’s work and the memory of his murdered family and the Holocaust.’ His life is a novel in itself and worthy of becoming a film. His other books are JANUSZ KORCZAK: THE MAN WHO KNEW HOW TO LOVE CHILDREN and WHITE HOUSE IN A GRAY CITY.
KING MATT THE FIRST was originally written by Dr. Janusz Korczak, whose educational doctrine was belief in the power of children, as reflected in King Matt’s thoughts and deeds. Artist Itzchak Belfer translated, adapted and illustrated his teacher’s book to suit young children and to expose them to one of the most beloved works of 20th century literature. It is directed toward children ages 5 – 10, but t is such a fine art book that adults (‘chidren of all ages’) will treasure it.
The story is a charmer – and beautifully illustrated with Itzchak’s eloquent images. The synopsis provided distills the content – ‘Young Matt learns that it’s not easy to be king, but his innate abilities take him far! Matt was just ten years old when he had to ascend the throne and become king after his father’s death. He discovered that being a king is not as much fun as one might think, with many restrictions that prevented him from being like other children, finding friends, and just playing. When three kings declare war on his kingdom, he decides to fight them and, although not an adult and perhaps because of this, he manages to make peace using his good nature and human compassion.’ Learning to write is not all advantageous as it means that Matt must sign documents he doesn’t always understand. But with his innate sense of what is right (and with the help of his young friends Felek and Irenka) Matt conquers impossible tasks – as King of Children, assigning the ministers to be in charge of matters to do with adults, until he reaches age twelve.
A charming story, rich in meaning, and elevating children’s thoughts to worthy heights. This is truly a phenomenal little book!
Israeli author Itzchak Belfer’s biographical history is pertinent to the appreciation of this fine book. Itzchak was born in Warsaw, Poland, grew up in the orphanage managed by Dr. Janusz Korczak, and was the only survivor of a large extended family wiped out in the Holocaust. At the age of seventeen, Belfer left his dear ones in the ghetto on a journey of survival. On his return to Warsaw he realized, standing in the ruins of the ghetto, that his home was in the Land of Israel, and he decided to immigrate there. Belfer’s immigration attempt landed him in the British detention camp in Cyprus. It was there that he studied sculpture under Zeev Ben-Tzvi and was captivated by the magic of art and sculpture. He finally fulfilled his dream of living in Israel. After serving in the Israeli army, he studied art at the Avni Institute of Art and Design. He has since instructed generations of young artists and has channeled his artistic talents, already obvious during his orphanage years, to commemorating Dr. Janusz Korczak’s work and the memory of his murdered family and the Holocaust.’ His life is a novel in itself and worthy of becoming a film. His other books are JANUSZ KORCZAK: THE MAN WHO KNEW HOW TO LOVE CHILDREN and WHITE HOUSE IN A GRAY CITY.
KING MATT THE FIRST was originally written by Dr. Janusz Korczak, whose educational doctrine was belief in the power of children, as reflected in King Matt’s thoughts and deeds. Artist Itzchak Belfer translated, adapted and illustrated his teacher’s book to suit young children and to expose them to one of the most beloved works of 20th century literature. It is directed toward children ages 5 – 10, but t is such a fine art book that adults (‘chidren of all ages’) will treasure it.
The story is a charmer – and beautifully illustrated with Itzchak’s eloquent images. The synopsis provided distills the content – ‘Young Matt learns that it’s not easy to be king, but his innate abilities take him far! Matt was just ten years old when he had to ascend the throne and become king after his father’s death. He discovered that being a king is not as much fun as one might think, with many restrictions that prevented him from being like other children, finding friends, and just playing. When three kings declare war on his kingdom, he decides to fight them and, although not an adult and perhaps because of this, he manages to make peace using his good nature and human compassion.’ Learning to write is not all advantageous as it means that Matt must sign documents he doesn’t always understand. But with his innate sense of what is right (and with the help of his young friends Felek and Irenka) Matt conquers impossible tasks – as King of Children, assigning the ministers to be in charge of matters to do with adults, until he reaches age twelve.
A charming story, rich in meaning, and elevating children’s thoughts to worthy heights. This is truly a phenomenal little book!
June 15, 2018
A highly recommended read!
Children need to have a variety of reading experiences if they are going to learn to make good decisions. Children's books should be food for their thought process. King Matt the First, teaches empathy, dealing with difficulties, and the values of peace. It’s a wonderful book with lots of important messages for children and adults.
Written in a wonderful style, it will guarantee the attention of young minds. Hard to find anything wrong with this story. It was captivating and engaging from start to finish.
Originally written by Janusz Korczak, this book was translated from Polish, adapted and wonderfully illustrated by Itzchak Belfer (a former pupil of Mr. Korczak). Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Children need to have a variety of reading experiences if they are going to learn to make good decisions. Children's books should be food for their thought process. King Matt the First, teaches empathy, dealing with difficulties, and the values of peace. It’s a wonderful book with lots of important messages for children and adults.
Written in a wonderful style, it will guarantee the attention of young minds. Hard to find anything wrong with this story. It was captivating and engaging from start to finish.
Originally written by Janusz Korczak, this book was translated from Polish, adapted and wonderfully illustrated by Itzchak Belfer (a former pupil of Mr. Korczak). Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
October 14, 2025
I doubt that it would hold most kid's attention.
The actions in the book were told mostly by dialogue or by King Matt thinking something. An adult can follow the story, but doubtful it would engage a child.
The actions in the book were told mostly by dialogue or by King Matt thinking something. An adult can follow the story, but doubtful it would engage a child.
June 4, 2018
Quick and easy read.
I have never heard of this book till now. I read it to my son and he listened attentively. He’s only two but I imagine the words I was speaking were intriguing to him. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more.
I have never heard of this book till now. I read it to my son and he listened attentively. He’s only two but I imagine the words I was speaking were intriguing to him. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews