King of the Swamp

This picture book has a great message about protecting the environment and all things natural. McDarkly loves his swamp and likes being on his own with nature. He tends his garden carefully and has great plans to grow orchids. Until one day when a rather conceited, pompous King rides by and declares that the swamp is stinky and slimy and must be turned into a roller skate park.

Although McDarkly explains his swamp is about to become the home of beautiful orchids the King doesn’t give way.This causes McDarkly to despair but he is given a ray of hope when the King’s daughter, who has accompanied the King, says she would like to see those orchids and study them. So the King, as in lots of good tales, lays down a time limit and says McDarkly has 10 days to ‘buck up your ways! The WHOLE of this swamp best be bursting with grace, Or soon I’ll be skating all over this place!’

The font is fun and clear along with great drawings showing the characters very well. I’m sure children will enjoy the main character-McDarkly- but also the smaller illustrations of the King and his court. It’s a great message and will be a big hit, I’m sure, with any mini eco warriors out there.

There is a lovely ending and all is well although with a little twist so it’s not quite as straightforward as you might initially think which keeps the reader on their toes.