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Le Roi Catastrophe / Tiny Tyrant
Tiny Tyrant
Welcome to Portocristo, its clear skies, sandy beaches, bustling streets--and its spoiled rotten, six-year-old king. The little despot is grouchy, whiny, outrageous...everything you'd hate to find in a boy on a throne. But here in Portocristo, anything he says goes, no matter how bizarre or harebrained. Sit back and watch young King Ethelbert swap his country's kids for Ethelbert robots, test his bodyguard's mettle by putting a price on his own head, shrink the world down to his size, bring a dinosaur back from the past...And that's only a tiny taste of the zaniness ahead. Trondheim's deliciously inventive writing, coupled with artwork evoking the classic, wacky styles of Mr. Magoo and Pink Panther, ensure an experience as memorable as kangaroos bouncing on pogo-sticks.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2007
4 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Trondheim
527 books241 followersThe phenomenal Lewis Trondheim is never where you next expect him. As an artist and writer, Trondheim has earned an international following as one of the most inventive, versatile, and prolific graphic authors. From autobiography to adventure, from bestselling fantasy and children's books to visual essays, Trondheim's unique, seminal imagination consistently dazzles. His work has won numerous awards, including the Angoulême prize for best series with McConey and he also co-created the titanic fantasy epic Dungeon with Joann Sfar.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 14, 2016
3.5 stars
The good: There are 12 separate short stories or episodes dealing with the travails of King Ethelbert. Each episode's demarcation is accomplished with its own shade of color which I liked. I loved the rivalry with his cousin, Sigismund, who is three times richer. The design of the book with rich pictorials are well done. Last but not least, my favorite episode had to be Safety First.
The bad: The font is very small throughout most of the book. I guess to remedy this the book would need to be larger itself. The book establishes, too well I might add, Ethelbert's tyranny. There is never any redeeming quality to his actions. This fact lessens the value somewhat of the book. FOREWARNING - The Magic of Christmas episode is a spoiler to children that are under the notion Santa is real. I didn't read this episode to my daughter since she is still a believer.
Overall, I enjoyed good bits of the comic and would recommend it to others who enjoy them.
The good: There are 12 separate short stories or episodes dealing with the travails of King Ethelbert. Each episode's demarcation is accomplished with its own shade of color which I liked. I loved the rivalry with his cousin, Sigismund, who is three times richer. The design of the book with rich pictorials are well done. Last but not least, my favorite episode had to be Safety First.
The bad: The font is very small throughout most of the book. I guess to remedy this the book would need to be larger itself. The book establishes, too well I might add, Ethelbert's tyranny. There is never any redeeming quality to his actions. This fact lessens the value somewhat of the book. FOREWARNING - The Magic of Christmas episode is a spoiler to children that are under the notion Santa is real. I didn't read this episode to my daughter since she is still a believer.
Overall, I enjoyed good bits of the comic and would recommend it to others who enjoy them.
July 3, 2009
I know it's supposed to be funny and all, but somehow I don't find insufferable brats to be all that amusing, you know? Especially if they don't have any redeeming qualities.
March 27, 2018
Essentially a collection of short stories about the brattiest, most self-absorbed, yet completely dense sovereign in the world, Ethelbert of Portocino. Along the way, Ethelbert schemes to become richer than his cousin, is baffled by the loquaciousness of the princess from the neighboring kingdom, and comes up with dozens of crazy laws to get whatever he wants. Like the past few Trondheim books I've read, it's very warmly funny, with plenty of great leaps of four-year-old logic. Parme's art is very open and cartoony, with clean, solid lines.
It isn't quite up to the standards of creativity and wit that Trondheim's established in the last few books, but it's still reasonably good.
It isn't quite up to the standards of creativity and wit that Trondheim's established in the last few books, but it's still reasonably good.
June 16, 2012
Trondheim, L. & Parme, F. (2007). Tiny Tyrant. New York: First Second.
63 pages.
So, I was at my (Super-awesome-NERDY!) children's book club meeting and one of the other members raved about the graphic novel, Tiny Tyrant.
Well, I looked on Amazon and saw that the first volume cost less than what I usually pay for a latte (what, I order large and get soy milk?) so I figured, why not? Buy me it, me!
And so now, Ladies and gentlemen of Portocristo and other lands, i can tell you that Tiny Tyrant rocks! King Ethelbert is hilarious!
Appetizer: Ethelbert is the six-year-old king of Portocristo and as the name of the graphic novel suggests, he is a tiny tyrant. Throughout the six short graphic stories in this first collection, King Ethelbert demands a dinosaur be named for him, tests his new bodyguard by taking a contract out on his own head (and speaking as someone originally from Michigan, I was very excited to see one of the groups of people who attempted to assassinate the king, came from my home state:
Page 20. The Michiganders are coming!
Side note--how many government organizations just flagged this blog for my use of the words "Glad" with "assassinate"?) and cause you know that's exactly how Michiganders dress these days.)
Ethelbert also goes on a motor race against a princess with a large vocabulary, insists on meeting Santa Claus to discuss his diet, becomes addicted to reading a comic book series by an author who refuses to meet with a king and decides all of his subjects need perfect children (meaning robot versions of the king).
Sounds pretty entertaining, yes? It is!
I was particularly fond of the story "Books are Our Friends" because Ethelbert, for the first time ever, expresses interest in a book instead of his usual video games and tv shows. But some of his staff members are worried about whether the graphic novel series has any value.
That right there raises questions of the purpose of children's literature. Mmm, good discussion.
But then, readers, BUT THEN! When Ethelbert isn't able to meet the author of the comic book series, he then bans it throughout the country.
And that my friends is a whole other delicious discussion.
I'm thinking I may have to assign this book to my undergrads down the road (if I can figure out how to magically combine my lessons on graphic novels, censorship and age appropriateness to somehow be discussed in a mere two hours). But maybe for the time being I'll just scan a few pages here or there as optional reading.
The stories feel a lot like cartoon shorts. And the pages are structured like a comics page in a newspaper. So, it should be pretty easy for young readers to ease into reading the graphic novel.
But having said that, there is one big, red flag about using this book with kids. Like, this red flag is so huge, if you took it off its flag pole it would cover a house and several of your neighbors' houses. The one potential problem with this graphic novel is the issue of age appropriateness. Ethelbert is six-years-old, but the vocabulary used throughout the stories could be difficult for even some ten or eleven-year-old readers.
Words like assassination and cloning are used. And a couple of the stories features a characters who says things like, "An ideal device to warn motorists of your presence on public thoroughfares when, in the evenings, you take your mongrel out for his defecation" (p. 28).
Of course, Ethelbert learns that large vocabularies can be excellent for coming up with insults, a lesson the reader can also take to heart. So, there is a huge advantage.
And as a kid, I remember just skipping over the pesky "big words" when I read Calvin and Hobbes. And I still loved those comics.
So, on the grand scale, the vocabulary wouldn't stop me from recommending this series to eight or nine-year-olds.
But, since a lot of humor that appeals to adults as well as kids, this would be a good graphic novel for a parent and child to read together.
Of course, if the kid happens to ask, "What's 'non-Euclidian' mean?" that adult is on his own to explain.
One of the really interesting tensions in this book, especially after learning that it was first published in France and then translated later, is the way that class and the monarchy are represented. King Ethelbert often makes excessive and ridiculous requests of the prime minister and citizens.
I wouldn't be surprised if one of the later volumes of the series included a national revolution. (I'm currently awaiting Volume Two in my mail. Please get your bum to my door a little faster, Mr. Postman.)
And now that I've made mentions of both assassinations and revolutions in this post, I think it's time to hit publish.
63 pages.
So, I was at my (Super-awesome-NERDY!) children's book club meeting and one of the other members raved about the graphic novel, Tiny Tyrant.
Well, I looked on Amazon and saw that the first volume cost less than what I usually pay for a latte (what, I order large and get soy milk?) so I figured, why not? Buy me it, me!
And so now, Ladies and gentlemen of Portocristo and other lands, i can tell you that Tiny Tyrant rocks! King Ethelbert is hilarious!
Appetizer: Ethelbert is the six-year-old king of Portocristo and as the name of the graphic novel suggests, he is a tiny tyrant. Throughout the six short graphic stories in this first collection, King Ethelbert demands a dinosaur be named for him, tests his new bodyguard by taking a contract out on his own head (and speaking as someone originally from Michigan, I was very excited to see one of the groups of people who attempted to assassinate the king, came from my home state:
Page 20. The Michiganders are coming!
Side note--how many government organizations just flagged this blog for my use of the words "Glad" with "assassinate"?) and cause you know that's exactly how Michiganders dress these days.)
Ethelbert also goes on a motor race against a princess with a large vocabulary, insists on meeting Santa Claus to discuss his diet, becomes addicted to reading a comic book series by an author who refuses to meet with a king and decides all of his subjects need perfect children (meaning robot versions of the king).
Sounds pretty entertaining, yes? It is!
I was particularly fond of the story "Books are Our Friends" because Ethelbert, for the first time ever, expresses interest in a book instead of his usual video games and tv shows. But some of his staff members are worried about whether the graphic novel series has any value.
That right there raises questions of the purpose of children's literature. Mmm, good discussion.
But then, readers, BUT THEN! When Ethelbert isn't able to meet the author of the comic book series, he then bans it throughout the country.
And that my friends is a whole other delicious discussion.
I'm thinking I may have to assign this book to my undergrads down the road (if I can figure out how to magically combine my lessons on graphic novels, censorship and age appropriateness to somehow be discussed in a mere two hours). But maybe for the time being I'll just scan a few pages here or there as optional reading.
The stories feel a lot like cartoon shorts. And the pages are structured like a comics page in a newspaper. So, it should be pretty easy for young readers to ease into reading the graphic novel.
But having said that, there is one big, red flag about using this book with kids. Like, this red flag is so huge, if you took it off its flag pole it would cover a house and several of your neighbors' houses. The one potential problem with this graphic novel is the issue of age appropriateness. Ethelbert is six-years-old, but the vocabulary used throughout the stories could be difficult for even some ten or eleven-year-old readers.
Words like assassination and cloning are used. And a couple of the stories features a characters who says things like, "An ideal device to warn motorists of your presence on public thoroughfares when, in the evenings, you take your mongrel out for his defecation" (p. 28).
Of course, Ethelbert learns that large vocabularies can be excellent for coming up with insults, a lesson the reader can also take to heart. So, there is a huge advantage.
And as a kid, I remember just skipping over the pesky "big words" when I read Calvin and Hobbes. And I still loved those comics.
So, on the grand scale, the vocabulary wouldn't stop me from recommending this series to eight or nine-year-olds.
But, since a lot of humor that appeals to adults as well as kids, this would be a good graphic novel for a parent and child to read together.
Of course, if the kid happens to ask, "What's 'non-Euclidian' mean?" that adult is on his own to explain.
One of the really interesting tensions in this book, especially after learning that it was first published in France and then translated later, is the way that class and the monarchy are represented. King Ethelbert often makes excessive and ridiculous requests of the prime minister and citizens.
I wouldn't be surprised if one of the later volumes of the series included a national revolution. (I'm currently awaiting Volume Two in my mail. Please get your bum to my door a little faster, Mr. Postman.)
And now that I've made mentions of both assassinations and revolutions in this post, I think it's time to hit publish.
August 23, 2010
SUMMARY: King Ethelbert of Portocristo rules with the selfish impetuosity of a young child, which he is. His goals are to increase his fortune (hopefully amassing more wealth than his cousin Sigismund) and satisfy his every whim, regardless of the consequences. Told through 12 chapters of amusing adventures, Ethelbert never learns from his mistakes or changes his attitude. He thinks nothing of ordering his personal chef to create a mountain of ice cream and toppings, only to take a single bite and leave the rest to waste. Ethelbert has never grown out of his terrible twos stage, and this provides plenty of fun for him...at the expense of all those around him!
EVALUATION: One of the most popular genres for tweens is humor, and this book is full of chuckles. Ethelbert never ceases to act like a brat, and the resulting sarcasm his indulgent staff sometimes gives back to him just goes right over his head. Ethelbert's continuous wastefulness and self-indulgence are as entertaining as they are eye-rolling. He reminds me of Ritchie Rich's poorly-behaved cousin, Reginald.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Aside from the humorous writing, the brightly colored drawings and highly expressive human characters add to the light-hearted laughter of the title. I especially like Ethelbert's tremendous eyebrows that could have a life of their own! Tweens enjoy living vicariously, and this is their chance to get into the mind of a ruler that always gets what he wants and acts horrendously, with no chance of being grounded or otherwise punished.
EVALUATION: One of the most popular genres for tweens is humor, and this book is full of chuckles. Ethelbert never ceases to act like a brat, and the resulting sarcasm his indulgent staff sometimes gives back to him just goes right over his head. Ethelbert's continuous wastefulness and self-indulgence are as entertaining as they are eye-rolling. He reminds me of Ritchie Rich's poorly-behaved cousin, Reginald.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Aside from the humorous writing, the brightly colored drawings and highly expressive human characters add to the light-hearted laughter of the title. I especially like Ethelbert's tremendous eyebrows that could have a life of their own! Tweens enjoy living vicariously, and this is their chance to get into the mind of a ruler that always gets what he wants and acts horrendously, with no chance of being grounded or otherwise punished.
November 17, 2015
Tiny Tyrant is a collection of 12 short stories about the funniest little ruler around. Right from the first page, I was enraptured by the story and amazed by the artwork. I laughed out loud at the mischief King Ethelbert finds himself in so many times and couldn't wait to read more . . . and more . . . and more. Darn it, I want more stories about this mischievous character right now! Humph . . . no one seems to be listening.
Anyway, the artwork reminded me greatly of a mix between the cartoons of The Pink Panther and The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show from the 1960's. It is just extraordinary!
This utterly fantastic graphic novel should be on everyone's list, especially if you love comic geniuses like Calvin & Hobbes. Boy, wouldn't it be funny if Calvin and Etherbert ever met? The world would be doomed, I tell you.
So, if you are looking for a great time and a book you will always treasure, pick up a copy of Tiny Tyrant today. You will absolutely love it! I know I did.
I rated this book a 10 out of 10.
Anyway, the artwork reminded me greatly of a mix between the cartoons of The Pink Panther and The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show from the 1960's. It is just extraordinary!
This utterly fantastic graphic novel should be on everyone's list, especially if you love comic geniuses like Calvin & Hobbes. Boy, wouldn't it be funny if Calvin and Etherbert ever met? The world would be doomed, I tell you.
So, if you are looking for a great time and a book you will always treasure, pick up a copy of Tiny Tyrant today. You will absolutely love it! I know I did.
I rated this book a 10 out of 10.
March 11, 2016
Chapter 8: The lucky winner .Tyrant is watching people on TV winning prizes.Tyrant get mad and makes a law to get all the prizes that people win.I think that it is not nice to do that because he doesn't need everything because he is a king .And if they dont follow that law they are going to have to clean the streets of the city with their tongue . That is also not nice because people do not deserve to clean the streets with their tongue because it is not a really bad rule that they dont follow.
February 8, 2011
I loved this graphic novel (translated from the French) about a bratty six-year-old dictator. I would have loved to share it with Daniel because it's hysterical but alas, I could not, because of Chapter 4, "The Magic of Christmas," which exposes the myth of the guy in the big red suit (although not for King Ethelbert, just for readers). For any of you nonbelievers out there, I say go for it!
June 16, 2010
Did not love it for myself, but would not hesitate to recommend it to a child. But NO font should EVER be that small! Studies show tiny fonts are difficult for everyone to read, children included.
November 6, 2011
This reminded me of Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight. The humor is probably best appreciated by the very young or older for it's sarcastic wit and physical comedy. (KDL)
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February 14, 2012
Overall this was a fun comic. The size of the type and the floating panels was a bit hard on these old eyes and I suspect would be for younger readers as well. It would have also been nice to see the artwork at a larger size in order to appreciate the details more.
February 22, 2015
This book has a comic book set up. That is very cool. Older students would especially like that. The little stories in each part of the book were not my favorite, but could be used to show how not to act.
Read
October 27, 2009nickelodeon-style comic short stories about a 6-year old brat who is the king of his own country. funny funny stuff. trondheim is a genius, as usual.
Read
March 11, 2009My son, Asher (8yrs old) has read this book and enjoyed it. It's about a little boy king. He said the stories are really funny.
April 17, 2009
Cute graphic novel for kids with short funny stories that stand alone. Good for kids because unlike manga, you don't have to buy 30 volumes to have the whole story.
May 12, 2010
He had terrorists try to kill him he's a 6 year old. But he's a crazy king too.
June 24, 2010
What would happen if Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes) were a king, and his every whim was law? The answer might be something like what happens in this graphic novel about a 6-year-old king.
July 26, 2010
Love it, love it. Wish there were more! Great for boy readers.
January 4, 2011
this is a funny book because its about a boy thinking he is the king of the world in his little land he made up
May 4, 2011
the drawing has an old school cartoon feel. and the episodes are ridiculously very funny. The daughter read them out loud and re-read this volume a few times, laughing out loud each time.
~L
~L
September 28, 2011
its really good i likes it
February 29, 2012
A fun collection of stories about a six-year-old brat who rules a small country and has the power to do anything and everything he wants in response to his every whim.
March 23, 2015
So many pictures on the cover that weren't in the book. How did he get to be a king? We would read a sequel.
March 6, 2016
Asher (8yo) read.
May 3, 2011
ITS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 25, 2011
Other than him being a brat I liked it.
October 30, 2013
This book is one of my fav chilhood books!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews