Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The King of Kazoo

Rate this book
Scatterbrained Cornelius, King of Kazoo, and his resourceful daughter, Bing, explore a mysterious cave at the top of Mount Kazoo. There they discover a famous alchemist named Quaf is planning a dangerous and forbidden experiment. Now Cornelius, Bing, and the brilliant royal inventor Torq must go all out to stop Quaf before his crazy undertaking threatens the entire kingdom.

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

7 people are currently reading
339 people want to read

About the author

Norm Feuti

23 books23 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
72 (28%)
4 stars
89 (35%)
3 stars
76 (30%)
2 stars
13 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Betsy.
Author 11 books3,292 followers
May 20, 2016
When I used to run a children’s book club for 9-12 year-olds, I’d regularly let them choose the next book we’d discuss. In time, after some trial and error, I learned that the best way to do this was to offer them three choices and then to have them vote after a stirring booktalk of each title. The alternative was to let them choose the next book we'd read for themselves. Why would this be a problem? Because given a choice, these kids would do the same kinds of books week after week after week: graphic novels. In fact, it was my job to give them the bad news each week (after they plowed through our small comic section) that we didn’t have any new comics for them. To their minds, new graphic novels for kids should come out weekly, and secretly I agreed with them. But five years ago there really weren’t a lot to choose from. These days . . . it’s not all that different. In spite of the fact that comics have been sweeping the Newbery and Caldecott Awards and our current National Ambassador of Children’s Literature is a cartoonist by trade, the number of graphic novels produced in a given year by trade publishers isn’t much different from the number produced in the past. Why? Because a good comic takes a long time to create. You can’t just slap something together and expect it to hold a kid’s interest. There was a time when this fact would make me mad. These days, when I see a book as great as King of Kazoo, I just give thanks that we’re living in an era where we get any comics at all. A debut GN from a syndicated cartoonist, Kazoo is a straight-up, kid-friendly, rollicking adventure complete with magic, big-headed kings, robots, volcanoes, and trident wielding frog people. Everything, in short, you want in a book.

The King of Kazoo is not a wise man. The King of Kazoo is not a smart man. The King of Kazoo is not a particularly good man. But the King of Kazoo, somehow or other, has a wise, smart, good daughter by the name of Bing, and that is fortunate. Bing dabbles in magic and has been getting pretty good at it too. That’s lucky for everyone since recently the nearby mountain Mount Kazoo kinda, sorta exploded a little. When the King decides the only way to secure his legacy is to solve the mystery of the exploding mountain, he ropes in Bing and silent inventor/mechanic Torq. Trouble is, Bing’s dad has a tendency to walk over everyone who tries to help him. So just imagine what happens when he runs into someone who doesn’t want him to fare well. It’ll take more than magic to stop the evil machinations of a crazed alchemist. It’ll take teamwork and a king who understands why sometimes it might be a good idea to let others take some credit for their own work.

As a general rule, it is unwise to offer up comparisons of any cartoonist to the late, great Carl Barks. The man who lifted Uncle Scrooge out of the money pit to something bigger and better, set the bar high when it came to animal-like semi-humans with long ears and big shiny black noses (not that Barks invented the noses, but you know what I mean). All that said, it was Barks I kept thinking of as I read The King of Kazoo. There’s something about the light hand Feuti uses to tell his tale. The storytelling feels almost effortless. Scenes glide from place to place with an internal logic that seemingly runs like clockwork. I know it sounds strange but a lot of graphic novels for kids these days are pretty darn dark. Credit or blame the Bone books if you like, but for all that most of them contain humor the stakes can run shockingly high. The Amulet series threatens characters’ souls with tempting magic stones, the Hilo books are filled with questions about the absolutes of “good” and “bad”, and the aforementioned Bone books delve deep into madness, apocalypse, and dark attractions. Little wonder a goofy tale about a hare-brained king in a wayward jalopy appeals to much to me. Feuti is harkening back to an earlier golden age of comics with this title, and the end result is as fresh as it is nostalgic (for adults like me).

Which is not to say that Feuti sacrifices story for silly. The biggest problem the characters have to overcome isn’t what’s lurking in that mountain but rather the King’s love of bombast and attention. Each character in this story is seeking recognition. The King wants any kind of recognition, whether he deserves it or not. Torq and Bing just want the King to recognize their achievements. Instead, he takes credit for them. And Quaf the Alchemist has gone mildly mad thanks to years of not receiving sufficient credit for his own inventions. To a certain extent the book is questioning one’s desire for applause and attention on a grand scale, focusing more on how necessary it is to give the people closest to you the respect and praise they deserve.

The style of the art, as mentioned, owes more than a passing nod to Carl Barks. But the seeming simplicity of the style hides some pretty sophisticated storytelling. From little details (like Torq’s missing ear) and sight gags to excellent facial expressions (Feuti is the lord and master of the skeptical eyebrow) and uses of body language (Torq never says a word aside from the occasional sigh, but you are never in any doubt of what he’s feeling). I’m no expert on the subject, but I even think the lettering in the speech balloons may have been done entirely by hand. The coloring is all done on a computer, which is a pity but is also pretty par for the course these days. There’s also something sort of classic to the story’s look. With its strong female character (Bing) you wouldn’t mistake it for a tale published in the 1950s, but on all the other fronts the book harkens back to a simpler comic book time.

I read The King of Kazoo to my four-year-old the other day at bedtime. She's not the book’s intended audience but her inescapable hunger for comics can drive a mother to grab whatsoever is handiest on the shelf. Lucky is the mom that finds this book sitting there when you need it. Perfect for younger readers, ideal for older ones, and with a snappy plot accompanied by even snappier dialogue, Feuti has produced a comic that will actually appeal to kids of all ages. That King is a kook. Let’s hope we see more of him in the future.

For ages 8-12.
Profile Image for Louis.
13 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2021
I read the whole book by myself. I didn't even let my Daddy look at this book. Well technically, he read me the first few pages. But I read it start to finish anyways.

The King of Kazoo was a fun story. I think that they were rabbits. I'm going with rabbits. The main character is a rabbit king, and he's a little bossy. His daughter is a magician, and his son is a blacksmith. They had a big battle with a rabbit wizard named Quaf. I cannot tell you what happened in the battle. You have to read it yourself! Which you should do.

I liked the book because it has jokes. Kids can read it. And there isn't much violence. Done. Check it out!
Profile Image for Tasha.
4,165 reviews138 followers
July 21, 2016
When there is an explosion on Mount Kazoo someone must investigate. So King Cornelius who is quite vain and rather scattered and his magic-wielding daughter, Bing, set off with the royal inventor Torq to see what has happened. They take Torq’s latest invention the “gonkless carriage” to get there. As they discover a deserted village at the top of the mountain, the three realize that something much bigger than a natural phenomenon is going on. As they solve the mystery of the explosion, it will take all of their scientific and magic know-how to battle a villainous wizard who is risking the future of the entire kingdom.

This graphic novel has a zany appeal. It is filled with lots of action, plenty of one-liner jokes and three very appealing main characters. From the clueless king with his pride on full display to the two plucky companions, they all have lots of personality to move the story forward. The tension between magic and science also adds energy to the storyline of the book, creating a book where both wizard fans and science fans will find happiness.

The art casts all of the characters as rabbits with their ears high alongside hats and crowns. The art has a cartoon style with subtle coloring that makes the entire world rich with detail. The art and story work well together with the dialogue moving the story along nicely. Pacing is also done well with a rip-roaring and wild pace that will appeal to young readers.

Science, magic and mystery all in one graphic novel! Appropriate for ages 7-10.
1,001 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2016
King Cornelius, of the realm of Kazoo, has yet to make his legacy. He's lack of confidence and boastful stubbornness has made him appear as a joke to his subjects. But when his daughter Princess Bing, an aspiring wizard, notices a tunnel that has appeared on the summit of Mount Kazoo, the King thinks he's found his chance to earn a place in the hearts of his people. Along with his daughter and his royal inventor, Torq, and his new-fangled gronkless-speedster (AKA an automobile that Torq invented and the King took credit for) Cornelius conducts a mission to get to the bottom on the mystery. But in order to save the day, he's going to have to learn to trust the abilities of his brilliant daughter, Bing, and genius staff-person, Torq.
I thought the King of Kazoo was brilliant. The story by cartoonist Norm Feuti was funny, smart, and original. It combines a medieval fantasy motif with modern day creations like cars and mechanical men. Plus, there's the Frog People of the Swamp, an evil Alchemist, and lots of zany slapstick antics... The excitement never ends!
I also didn't want this book to end. I wanted there to be a sequel and above all else, I want to see the King of Kazoo as either an animated feature OR a TV show. Just please don't make it CGI! That would ruin the whimsical effects that come alive with Norm Feuti's cartoons.
A fun read that kids and kids at heart will love. One of the best new books I have read in 2016!
Profile Image for Amy Formanski Duffy.
340 reviews25 followers
June 3, 2016
This is shaping up to be the year of great graphic novels for kids! Lots to enjoy here: Bing, the magician daughter, and Torq, the silent inventor, are smarter than the absent-minded, self-centered King of Kazoo. Whenever the king does something dumb that gets them into a scrape, Bing casts a spell or Torq tinkers with something technical to ease their escape. Also, Bing has a “familiar,” a bird named Gypsy, who helps them along the way.

This could be a fun fictional STEM tie-in for librarians and teachers, since it shows how technology can solve problems, but that well all need to respect nature, too. It also includes a gentle reminder about gratitude. The king takes credit for everything that Bing and Torq do until the wise Toad King reminds him, “Good leaders know how to listen!” and Bing calls him out on his selfish behavior. Together they defeat a disgruntled alchemist who wants to use lava from a nearby volcano to animate an evil Mechanical Man, with many laugh out loud moments along the way. Fab light-hearted summer reading for kiddos 8-12!
Profile Image for Kristy McRae.
1,369 reviews24 followers
March 7, 2016
This was an ARC from the publisher that my bookstore received. I brought it home for my 7-year-old son, and he loved it! We read it together. Fun story, lots of action and lots of humor. And there's even a positive message at the end! Win!
Profile Image for Nikki.
521 reviews10 followers
September 10, 2016
As an adult, the king being a bumbling idiot who doesn't listen to anybody drove me crazy, but I can see younger kids enjoying the silliness of him, and he does evolve as a character, so there is that. Liked the story and the idea of magic and science working together to save the day.
315 reviews
June 13, 2016
The illustration style felt like a bit of a throwback to children's comics of the past. The storyline was interesting and will hold the attention of young readers.
Profile Image for Brittany.
76 reviews
August 2, 2016
I won this book via a Goodreads Giveaway. I thought the story was great and I know my 8 year old son is excited to read it!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
22 reviews
August 5, 2016
Won this as a giveaway. My 8 year old read this all day and said "you HAVE to give this book 5 stars! It's so funny and I couldn't stop reading it!"
2 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2016
This graphic novel is smart and funny and has a strong girl character. The illustrations are awesome and there are several great lessons.
Profile Image for Becky B.
9,362 reviews185 followers
June 29, 2018
King Cornelius is desperate to figure out what his legacy will be. His chief scientist, Torq, has come up with a new invention the King is eager to take credit for. But when Mount Kazoo blows its top, the King is forced to go investigate. He takes along his daughter Bing, a budding magician, and Torq, and the three are off to see what's up at Mount Kazoo. As readers will quickly realize, the saving the day business is really up to Bing and Torq, because all the King seems to be good at is making others mad with his self-centeredness.

The cover of this makes it look a little more goofy and juvenile than the plot really is. I was very pleasantly surprised. The King is utterly ridiculous. This provides much of the humor and I'm very pleased to say he eventually learns his lesson. Torq, the mute inventor is super smart along with being very patient and long-suffering, and Princess Bing, has enough wisdom and smarts herself to make up for her father's guffaws. I really liked Bing and Torq. The plot was not super easy to figure out until all the characters did. The mystery of what's going on in Mount Kazoo slowly builds from the start to the climax. The art style feels like a Sunday comics cartoon style, but it fits the story and tone. In all, this turned out to be a very entertaining graphic novel fantasy adventure with touches of humor and some good lessons woven in. I'm going to have to get this for both our secondary and elementary school libraries. I can see a broad range of kids enjoying it.

Notes on content: Dangerous situations abound, but only some property damage occurs. No one is seriously hurt.
Profile Image for Debra.
1,759 reviews
January 1, 2026
King Cornelious is frustrated that he has no accomplishment unlike the kings before him. His daughter, who knows magic, comes to him to share what her familiar, a bird, allows her to see from its eyes. There is a problem on the mountain just outside the kingdom. When she brings this curiosity to the king, he dismisses her. He shows her his new car, created by his clever worker, Torq. Torq is very creative and capable, but never gets credit. When an explosion happens in the mountain, something must change. Off they go in the car to find the problem and solve it to save the town. King Cornelius is hysterically small minded and his daughter and Torq are needed to give them a chance to discover the musings of an evil wizard and to stop him from destroying the town. This graphic novel is adorable throughout. There are fun characters along the way, but it is the goofy antics of the king that save the day. It is lovely that in the end, the king discovers that credit needs given when people deserve it. Kindness and compassion as well as humility are wonderful traits to share. The creativity and fun never end in this one from the town, to the swamp, to the mountain and back again Norm Feuti has held my attention. I am certain that he will entertain my students in my elementary school, as well. I don't typically read graphic novels aloud, but I might have to show this one off with my 3rd graders as I have several in those classes that I think will beg to check this one out for themselves.
Profile Image for Kay.
1,872 reviews14 followers
October 30, 2017
3.5

I wasn't sold on this story until about 3/4 of the way through. It was a very interesting choice to have King Cornelius, a father, "go up against" his daughter, Bing...: While trying to make a name for himself, Cornelius belittles Bing, is mean, rude, arguably emotionally abusive, steals recognition from Torq (and claims Torq's inventions as his own), and is a completely self-obsessed bully. It was a hard father-daughter story to read. But, this is a story of growth and maturity... so we do see King Cornelius learn from his "mistakes" and learn how to give credit where credit is due by the end.
I think the character growth was well done and felt like a good/natural progression. The art and colors are really fun and cute (why are they all rabbits?).

Two thumbs up!
Profile Image for Sue.
85 reviews
October 27, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

My 9-year-old son really enjoyed this book. He read it in one sitting, after which he decided graphic novels are his new favorite style of book. (The fact that this is an AR book was a giant plus; many of the giveaway books are too new to have tests and we are a school that requires AR.) He says "I liked it because it was a funny adventure, and it was a graphic novel."

Thank you for offering this book as a giveaway.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,652 reviews
January 16, 2019
With a real "90's cartoon," "Animamiacs" feel to it, this adventurous graphic novel feels like a blast back in time! Father, daughter, and inventor go to Mount Kazoo to explore a mysterious explosion, to find a traitorous, evil alchemist plotting against the kingdom. Lots of innocent fun! Has potential for a sequel!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13k reviews484 followers
May 19, 2023
Rollicking sense of fun and humor kept me turning the pages. The intended audience may love it. I may have when I was a kiddo. Now, well, I enjoyed it, but can't rate it higher because it seemed so familiar, a set of motifs jumbled together. But hey, most of you haven't read over 10K books so I bet you're not as jaded as I am, so give it a shot. Definitely cute, clever, funny, and worthy.
Profile Image for Senator.
462 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2018
Besides the absolute dolt of a king, this book is more about his daughter (a far more likable character) and her use of magic to solve a mystery. There's a pretty hollow redemption arc for the king, but ignore that and all the other characters are a blast!
Profile Image for Dana.
936 reviews45 followers
June 12, 2023
The art was nice and easy to follow. However the King was absolutely my least favorite part. His narcissism was hard for me to read as I've dealt with people who are like that in real life. It was pretty heavy handed but I was glad he learned his lesson in the end.
Profile Image for Jessica.
5,062 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2025
Bing is a clever girl, but her father, the king, is self-absorbed and inept. They also have an inventor who doesn't speak but adds a lot of humor to the story as the three of them attempt to find out what causes an explosion in a nearby rock formation.
Profile Image for HopeAnneFrost.
106 reviews
April 12, 2021
I liked this book it was fun, weird and silly!! It’s not my favorite graphic novel ever but I enjoyed it and it’s characters! 😋
Profile Image for Penny Schneider.
Author 1 book18 followers
May 10, 2024
Lots of silly wacky royal fun in The King of Kazoo. Also some good lessons in how to act and be nice are sprinkled in. Definitely a fun read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Memory Toast.
451 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2017
Great pictures, okay plot, cute setting - so why two stars? Simply: I do not like when parents are written as airheads. Especially not when they're in an extra position of authority (here the father is the king referenced in the title).

Granted, there are adults out there making wrong choices. Granted, sometimes they have children that are more practical, humble, etc. than them. Yet, I don't think there's much to be gained in making the king a one dimensional glory-seeker, who ignores his "bright" daughter, and then does a "magical" turn around at the end. That's not going to teach children any skills for dealing with wayward adults, but it will degrade their respect for authority uncessarily.
Profile Image for Amanda.
3,883 reviews43 followers
February 15, 2017
3 1/2 stars

Oy vey, did the King ever get on my nerves! I wanted his daughter to zap him so bad soooo many times throughout the book or for Torq to invent something that would bring some sense to his braggadocious kingly self, but FINALLY he learned his lesson. Thankfully.

Fun story with a interesting twists and turns. Cute illustrations. Would love to read more of this world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.