The Supreme, Superb, Exalted and Delightful, One and Only Magic Building.

by William Kotzwinkle, Joe Servello (Illustrator)

Proud of the magnificent palace he is having constructed to his design, the Emperor is disdainful of an old carpenter's wisdom and artistry.

38 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

William Kotzwinkle is a two-time recipient of the National Magazine Award for Fiction, a winner of the World Fantasy Award, the Prix Litteraire des Bouquinistes des Quais de Paris, the PETA Award for Children's Books, and a Book Critics Circle award nominee. His work has been translated into dozens of languages.

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful woodcuts and a nice little fable about carpentry, simplicity, and respect.

It is, inevitably, written by a white dude; but all things considered it's a good read.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tale of a craftsman working for the Emperor, and the quality he puts into everything he does. It is a beautiful children's book, with woodcuts by Joe Servello, whose work graces many of Kotzwinkle's other adult books. I bought this book for my children when they were younger, but I keep it and reread it for myself. Highly recommended.