The Saddest King

by Christopher Wormell

Once there was a country where the people were always happy. They would smile and laugh when the sun shone down, when it poured with rain and even when the snow fell and their teeth were chattering. Nothing ever made them sad or cross.

But this is the story of a small boy who breaks the law. He cries! He is taken straight to the King who, it is said, is the happiest person in the land. Can the boy convince the King that it’s all right to be sad sometimes?

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2007

About the author

Christopher Wormell is an English printmaker, principally known for his illustrated books.

Reviews

[Francesca Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that the book was an easy read but that it also has such an important message for children, that it really is okay to cry and feel sad sometimes.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saddest King by Christopher Wormell- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book – The book narrates the story of a King who had passed on order that all his people shall have to show that they are happy whatever be the circumstances. During spring, summer, autumn and winter, during birth and death, people showed from their face that they are happy so that they can be spared from punishment in jail. The pet dog of small boy died because of illness and old age. The little boy cried in public. He was arrested and taken before the King. The King questioned him about what was the reason for his sadness. The boy replied that his pet dog played with him and bothered him with his antics. The dog pulled the clothes drying on the clothes line. He jumped from an iron ring. The boy wept remembering his dog. King informed the young boy that he also had a dog who has died and is also unhappy. King showed that he wears a happy mask on his face, therefore, his ministers and people are unable to catch his sadness. King said that his pet dog ate the meat sandwiches cooked for him. The young boy pulled his mask. Now, they both were weeping. Now, King realized that his order for all to show that they are always happy is not proper. Instead, he concluded that they should remain as they are. They should show their natural feeling. He tore the order. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, well-orchestrated story by Wormell of a King who seeks to control his people. The story begins in a kingdom where everyone is happy, no matter the weather, no matter the state of the food and it is only when we find a boy who is 'not' happy that the deceitful truth of this place is revealed. The people are forced to 'be' happy under the rule of the thing. When the boy is taken to the leader for disobeying the rule a rather beautiful story unveils itself.

Although parallels to The King Who Banned the Dark are clear, Wormell's King's control is, in his eyes, for the betterment of his people rather than himself. There is also a strong connection to When Sadness Comes to Call. As always, Wormell makes great use of character and landscapes to drive home a point and these characters are, at times, quite literally larger than life. It's clever and clearly a trendsetter that needs to be acknowledged.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I relate too much to this book now. It’s about how not even riches can make you happy, but that’s not why I relate to it. I relate because the king and boys dog die and they’re sad about that. The king talks to the boy and the boy is sad his dog ran off. Little does he know that the king is also sad for that exact reason. Both of them are sad because their dogs had died, as am I sometimes. I’ve had four dogs die, but I was especially close to two of them. A very sad happening, but with the encouragement of others and the conversations that I have with others makes the days go by faster instead of me just being sad all day. Talking to people and having fun in a day helps me remember that there is more to life than just being sad. I don’t have to be sad when a person or loved one dies because I can remember the good times I had with them and that I’ll see them again

[Scout Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave 5 stars because of the message in the book. This book teaches kids about emotion and that it's okay to be sad. It's nice to see some children's stories having a message. Well done book.

[Alshaimaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK to feel what you are feeling.
it's ok to feel sad:)