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The Queen of France
Dressed up as a queen, a little girl has some endearing and funny audiences with two most obliging subjects — her mother and father.
When Rose wakes up one morning feeling royal, she dons her necklaces, bracelets, and crown. Soon the Queen of France emerges to survey her domain, disapproving of Rose’s mother’s thorny gardening choices and asking Rose’s father where the Royal Physician may be found. The odd thing is, when Rose returns to look for the Queen of France, she’s nowhere to be seen. And when the imperious queen comes back, she’s curious to know what Rose’s parents would think if she traded places with their little girl? With charming illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton and a humorous tale by Tim Wadham, here is a sweet homage to the easy affection between parents and an imaginative child.
When Rose wakes up one morning feeling royal, she dons her necklaces, bracelets, and crown. Soon the Queen of France emerges to survey her domain, disapproving of Rose’s mother’s thorny gardening choices and asking Rose’s father where the Royal Physician may be found. The odd thing is, when Rose returns to look for the Queen of France, she’s nowhere to be seen. And when the imperious queen comes back, she’s curious to know what Rose’s parents would think if she traded places with their little girl? With charming illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton and a humorous tale by Tim Wadham, here is a sweet homage to the easy affection between parents and an imaginative child.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 6, 2021
This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. For an explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Whoops. Missed one. It's very sweet the way the parents interact with their daughter when she's being the queen. And I loved the art.
Library copy
Whoops. Missed one. It's very sweet the way the parents interact with their daughter when she's being the queen. And I loved the art.
Library copy
February 27, 2014
I love this kid.
I love the way Rose talks, the language she uses. ("My finger requires medical attention." and "I am shocked to see that you do your own cooking.") I love her imagination and how she devotes herself completely to it. I love the way her parents play right along as she appears and reappears as the Queen of France. And I love the fact that she looks 75-years-old because that's how Kady MacDonald Denton draws people no matter the age and I love Kady MacDonald Denton from Bonny Becker's Bear and Mouse books (A Visitor for Bear being the first), so I love her Rose.
I believe little girls who love to play dress-up will love Rose as much as I do.
I love the way Rose talks, the language she uses. ("My finger requires medical attention." and "I am shocked to see that you do your own cooking.") I love her imagination and how she devotes herself completely to it. I love the way her parents play right along as she appears and reappears as the Queen of France. And I love the fact that she looks 75-years-old because that's how Kady MacDonald Denton draws people no matter the age and I love Kady MacDonald Denton from Bonny Becker's Bear and Mouse books (A Visitor for Bear being the first), so I love her Rose.
I believe little girls who love to play dress-up will love Rose as much as I do.
January 14, 2019
Madam read this to me before bedtime the other night; I love that we can still do that together. (I will pick out picture books, and we will cuddle in bed together and read and do voices. I dread the day when she says that she is "too big" or "too old" or some other nonsense to read with me anymore like that. It will absolutely break part of my heart, however, I am sure it will come sometime. Children must be allowed to grow and develop and discover their authentic selves....)
Sorry, anyway, *brisk head shake here* Madam and I very much enjoyed Rose and also the Queen of France. Madam loved the fact that Rose woke up feeling Royal, and I loved how Rose's parents were so present throughout the whole story. Madam got hung up on some of the transitioning ("when did she put on the skirt? It doesn't say, and it doesn't show!") And we both very much enjoyed the thought of Rose feeling "scary."
Sorry, anyway, *brisk head shake here* Madam and I very much enjoyed Rose and also the Queen of France. Madam loved the fact that Rose woke up feeling Royal, and I loved how Rose's parents were so present throughout the whole story. Madam got hung up on some of the transitioning ("when did she put on the skirt? It doesn't say, and it doesn't show!") And we both very much enjoyed the thought of Rose feeling "scary."
August 4, 2017
I like that she found the Queen of France.
May 18, 2011
When Rose woke up in the morning, she was feeling royal. So on went the crown, jewelry and skirt that turned her the Queen of France. The Queen of France walked up to Rose’s mother in the garden and asked if she had seen Rose. Rose’s mother explained that she hadn’t but that she hoped that Rose would remember to clean up her room. The Queen of France was also interested in the ugly rose bushes that Rose’s mother was planting, but the queen’s finger was pricked by a thorn, so she had to find the Royal Physician. The queen found Rose’s father, but not the Royal Physician. The queen then took off her crown, and became Rose again. She bandaged her finger and cleaned her room. She then dressed as the queen again and headed to Rose’s mother. The queen asked if Rose’s mother would be fine with the queen switching places with Rose. Rose’s mother considered the idea, but explained that she would miss Rose very much if she left. The queen left and Rose returned to herself for dinner. Until that evening, when Rose felt scary…
Debut author, Wadham has created a picture book that celebrates imaginative play in a very charming way. Rose is supported by her parents in her play, both of them happily participating as Rose changes characters. The parents remain supportive and kind throughout, never questioning that Rose is playing rather than cleaning her room, just giving broad hints that it should be done.
The illustrations add to the charm of the book, with their soft palette of pinks and blues and a lovely mix of modern and old fashioned feel. Yes, this is a pink book with glitter on the cover, but it is a book that both boys and girls will enjoy thanks to its quality. Rose’s body language changes as she becomes the queen, her nose high in the air and her feet prancing high. I particularly enjoy the small clutter in the rooms: toys on the ground, bowls on the counter.
Highly recommended, let’s hope Tim Wadham continues to create books like this with their deep understanding of childhood. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Debut author, Wadham has created a picture book that celebrates imaginative play in a very charming way. Rose is supported by her parents in her play, both of them happily participating as Rose changes characters. The parents remain supportive and kind throughout, never questioning that Rose is playing rather than cleaning her room, just giving broad hints that it should be done.
The illustrations add to the charm of the book, with their soft palette of pinks and blues and a lovely mix of modern and old fashioned feel. Yes, this is a pink book with glitter on the cover, but it is a book that both boys and girls will enjoy thanks to its quality. Rose’s body language changes as she becomes the queen, her nose high in the air and her feet prancing high. I particularly enjoy the small clutter in the rooms: toys on the ground, bowls on the counter.
Highly recommended, let’s hope Tim Wadham continues to create books like this with their deep understanding of childhood. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
April 23, 2011
The more I read this, the more I like it. I don't think it's a storytime book (if you try it and it works great, let me know!) but it's a super story for sharing. It models wonderfully how to play out the what-then and what-next of imaginative play: what happens AFTER you put on the dress up clothes? The pleasure Rose feels in asking her parents questions that she knows they know she knows the answers to is palpable. Great parents. Great self-sufficient little kid. Wonderful illustrations--catching the way kids squat on the ground, how Kate walks differently as the Queen of France, the toys all over the kitchen floor, the loving and amused looks on the parents' faces.
April 23, 2011
Fancy Nancy, go away--Rose is my kind of girl!
Sweet, charming, utterly believable and with a small echo of the Hobans' immortal Frances in the parent/child relationship.
Sweet, charming, utterly believable and with a small echo of the Hobans' immortal Frances in the parent/child relationship.
February 20, 2012
Anyone with a little person who has an affinity for costume will enjoy this book. The parents are fun, playing along and fostering the young girl's imagination along the way.
July 1, 2016
Fun, and I hope there's a sequel about the suit she puts on at the end.
March 31, 2019
**I am currently taking a class from the author (two more weeks to go, raise the praise hands), but my views and opinions are always my own and honest. I like my soul too much to trade it for a grade. And he has too much integrity to even consider such a thing.**
My 12-year-old was reading this when she saw it on our kitchen counter and refused to stop until she finished. Then I read it. Then we both told the 9-year-old to read it. Then I read it again. It’s a darling story with a smart, imaginative little girl and parents who genuinely encourage her imagination. The language is both simple enough that I can read this to my younger nieces and nephews (who will get a kick out of Rose’s creativity and her awesome make believe basket), and refined enough to not bore an older child—or their parent.
The illustrations complement the words beautifully with additional ideas of make believe to accompany Rose’s —excuse me, the Queen of France’s, day.
The ending was a great turn. I agree with another reviewer that I’d love to read a sequel about her further adventures.
My 12-year-old was reading this when she saw it on our kitchen counter and refused to stop until she finished. Then I read it. Then we both told the 9-year-old to read it. Then I read it again. It’s a darling story with a smart, imaginative little girl and parents who genuinely encourage her imagination. The language is both simple enough that I can read this to my younger nieces and nephews (who will get a kick out of Rose’s creativity and her awesome make believe basket), and refined enough to not bore an older child—or their parent.
The illustrations complement the words beautifully with additional ideas of make believe to accompany Rose’s —excuse me, the Queen of France’s, day.
The ending was a great turn. I agree with another reviewer that I’d love to read a sequel about her further adventures.
June 1, 2023
If I could give this book ten stars, I would. My mom ADORES this book SO much! (Alright, I realllllly like it, too, but I think my mom's feelings for it are stronger than mine 😂) She reads this book out loud every chance she gets! She also uses hysterical voices when she reads it. I know exactly how she does them but I still laugh every time! This book is about a girl named Rose and how she dresses up to become the Queen of France! Find out what adventures she has in this AMAZING book! I can't tell you how wonderful the illustrations are! Kady Macdonald Denton is an amazing illustrator! Check out her other books if you haven't already! I hope that you love this book as much as we do!
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
January 14, 2022
I stumbled upon this book as I am taking a literary analysis class from the author and I am so glad that I did. My daughter is expecting a boy or she would be getting a copy of this right away. This book almost gave me a chill as it felt as though someone had been peeking in the window, oh those many years ago, when my Michayla was a wee girl. Sweet Rose is so much like my Michayla was as a small girl. This opened a whole lot of memories for me and made me smile and I truly appreciate that right now.
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April 23, 2021Summary from Horn Book: Parents who’ve OD’d on pink, princess themed Little Girl World should actually be happy to find this rosy-tinted volume about pretend royalty. It’s a sweet family story, and not unpalatably so.
Grade Level: Preschool-3
Lexile Levlere: 480L
Grade Level: Preschool-3
Lexile Levlere: 480L
October 4, 2022
This book was very cute, it reminded me of when i used to play dress up as a kid. Rosa dressed as a Queen for the whole day and acted like one. Then before it was time to go to bed she decided that tomorrow she was going to be something scary and wear a different costume.
February 21, 2023
I read this because a classmate recommended it, and I loved it! I think the story of the girl pretending she's the queen and then choosing to be just a girl instead so she can love her parents is so sweet, I'd love to have it in my classroom.
July 8, 2025
A delightfully told tale. Tim Wadham takes a common childhood experience and makes it charming and memorable. I have given this out as gifts and plan to continue. I’ve been waiting for my granddaughter to be old enough to enjoy it, and the time has finally arrived!
February 20, 2018
5-year-old daughter: 👸🏼
7-year-old daughter: 👸👸👸👸
7-year-old daughter: 👸👸👸👸
October 25, 2019
It's a tad bit boring, nes pas? This is a story of a little girl playing with her parents because she doesn't have siblings or friends around the house, sweet but a little sad.
October 28, 2019
What little girl wouldn’t love a book about playing dress up?
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August 10, 2022THAT ENDING!!!
October 29, 2025
Such a cute story! Tim's writing is beautiful. I loved the creativity of telling the story through imagination. Very well done. Good job Tim! 👏
November 5, 2011
10 April 2011 THE QUEEN OF FRANCE by Tim Wadham and Kady MacDonald Denton, ill., Candlewick, March 2011, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-7636-4102-3
"The Queen of France went to Rose's room.
"She took off the necklaces.
"She took off the bracelets.
"She put them in the jewelry box.
"She took off the crown."She put it in the make-believe basket.
"She went to the hall closet.
"She found a bandage and put it on her finger.
"Then she put on a second one, just in case.
"Then Rose went to find her mother."
I never ever thought that I would gush about a picturebook with sparkles on the cover.
But Kady MacDonald Denton's name and cover illustration are also on the cover of THE QUEEN OF FRANCE, and I am very fond of her work.
THE QUEEN OF FRANCE is a most wonderful story about a child engaged in pretend play. This is a picturebook that will make kids smile and will truly excite any number of on-the-ball parents who seek out captivating reads-alouds, and on-the-ball early childhood educators who search for circletime winners, understand the great benefits of pretend play, and who put great effort into providing young students with dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, and pretend play props.
THE QUEEN OF FRANCE follows Rose's day of pretending after she wakes up in the morning feeling royal. Changing in and out of her costume de jour, she interacts with her parents both as herself, Rose, and as the Queen of France.
"'Hello, Rose's mother,' said the Queen of France.
"'Hello again,' said Rose's mother.
"'I am quite shocked to see that you do your own cooking,' said the queen.
"'Well, here in the village. we have to cook for ourselves.'
"The queen considered this, then said, 'I cannot find Rose. Would you ask her something for me?'
"'I would be happy to,' said Rose's mother.
"'I would like to trade places with Rose,' said the Queen of France. 'I am tired of being queen. I will be your daughter, and she can be queen.'
"'Your Majesty,' said Rose's mother, 'I am sure Rose would love that.'"
Throughout the story, the interaction of text and illustration is a joy to behold. They play off one another with an ebullience and perfection that reminds me of watching Michael and Scottie playing together twenty years ago. I also really love how, while the story of Rose is progressing, Rose's large stuffed animals - including a giraffe, a panda, a cockatoo, a monkey, a honey bear, and a bunny -- are taking turns either looking directly at the reader or are closely watching Rose aka The Queen of France.
A royal treat.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EcolIt/
http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"The Queen of France went to Rose's room.
"She took off the necklaces.
"She took off the bracelets.
"She put them in the jewelry box.
"She took off the crown."She put it in the make-believe basket.
"She went to the hall closet.
"She found a bandage and put it on her finger.
"Then she put on a second one, just in case.
"Then Rose went to find her mother."
I never ever thought that I would gush about a picturebook with sparkles on the cover.
But Kady MacDonald Denton's name and cover illustration are also on the cover of THE QUEEN OF FRANCE, and I am very fond of her work.
THE QUEEN OF FRANCE is a most wonderful story about a child engaged in pretend play. This is a picturebook that will make kids smile and will truly excite any number of on-the-ball parents who seek out captivating reads-alouds, and on-the-ball early childhood educators who search for circletime winners, understand the great benefits of pretend play, and who put great effort into providing young students with dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, and pretend play props.
THE QUEEN OF FRANCE follows Rose's day of pretending after she wakes up in the morning feeling royal. Changing in and out of her costume de jour, she interacts with her parents both as herself, Rose, and as the Queen of France.
"'Hello, Rose's mother,' said the Queen of France.
"'Hello again,' said Rose's mother.
"'I am quite shocked to see that you do your own cooking,' said the queen.
"'Well, here in the village. we have to cook for ourselves.'
"The queen considered this, then said, 'I cannot find Rose. Would you ask her something for me?'
"'I would be happy to,' said Rose's mother.
"'I would like to trade places with Rose,' said the Queen of France. 'I am tired of being queen. I will be your daughter, and she can be queen.'
"'Your Majesty,' said Rose's mother, 'I am sure Rose would love that.'"
Throughout the story, the interaction of text and illustration is a joy to behold. They play off one another with an ebullience and perfection that reminds me of watching Michael and Scottie playing together twenty years ago. I also really love how, while the story of Rose is progressing, Rose's large stuffed animals - including a giraffe, a panda, a cockatoo, a monkey, a honey bear, and a bunny -- are taking turns either looking directly at the reader or are closely watching Rose aka The Queen of France.
A royal treat.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EcolIt/
http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
August 30, 2016
Tim Wadham’s picturebook tells the captivating story of a little girl whose “make-believe basket” tranforms her into royalty. Adorned with royal crown and jewelry, Rose becomes the Queen of France. The Queen of France goes around the house and talks to Rose’s parents. She asked them if they had seen Rose. Neither Rose's mother nor Rose's father has seen Rose. Unable to find the person she was looking for, the Queen of France decides to go to Rose’s room. She takes off her royal accessories, puts it back in the make-believe basket, and becomes Rose again. She then sets out to find her mother and ask her if she has seen the Queen of France. I’m sure you would have guessed by now what her mother tells her. This cycles throughout the book, with progress and variation in narrative details that I leave for you to find out. I enjoyed reading about Rose and her alter ego, the Queen of France. I like the dialogue exchanges between the latter and Rose’s parents. What I like most about Tim Wadham’s debut picturebook is how it showed parents’ involvement with Rose’s pretend play. Pretend plays are mostly child-centered. Parents’ active participation allows them to teach their child social values by incorporating these values into plays. Also, Kady Denton’s illustrations, done in ink, watercolor, and gouache add charm to this book.
December 30, 2011
A charming, everyday story of make-believe, The Queen of France gives us a glimpse into the rich interior life of little Rose. When Rose wakes up feeling royal, she decides to become the Queen of France and spends her day switching between being herself and being the Queen. As her day progresses, she discovers that while being Queen has some distinct advantages (everyone knows Queens never have to clean their own rooms), in the end she would much rather be just Rose, her parents' daughter.
Kady MacDonald Denton's illustrations, done in ink, watercolor and gouache, are full of pastel washes of color that perfectly fit Rose's flights of fancy. The compositions are well varied with spot art on some spreads, full bleed illustrations that take up the whole page at other times and even some pages with clever borders indicating whether the reader is in the presence of the Queen or Rose herself.
I wouldn't use this for storytime, but it's a perfect lapsit story for PreK to first grade kids who have fertile imaginations or tend to be dreamers. Read this with a friend's four year old and I don't think she got it exactly - I think I would revise the age recommendation up to K-2nd grade. Everytime I read it I do like it more - this charmed me completely!
Kady MacDonald Denton's illustrations, done in ink, watercolor and gouache, are full of pastel washes of color that perfectly fit Rose's flights of fancy. The compositions are well varied with spot art on some spreads, full bleed illustrations that take up the whole page at other times and even some pages with clever borders indicating whether the reader is in the presence of the Queen or Rose herself.
I wouldn't use this for storytime, but it's a perfect lapsit story for PreK to first grade kids who have fertile imaginations or tend to be dreamers. Read this with a friend's four year old and I don't think she got it exactly - I think I would revise the age recommendation up to K-2nd grade. Everytime I read it I do like it more - this charmed me completely!
February 14, 2017
A beautiful picture book about the power of imagination! Wonderful!
October 2, 2011
I loved this story, it just simply made me smile and remember all the characters I used to make-up myself when I was small. The funny thing is that the author captured an incident with his daughter and turned it into this story.
The "Queen of France" tells the story of a little girl called Rose who wakes up one day feeling royal. She dresses up and becomes the "Queen of France" and encounters "Rose's mom". She asks about Rose and says she is looking for her. When she can't find Rose, she goes back and then actually turns back, changes clothes and turns back into Rose. Rose returns to look for the Queen of France. This happens a couple of times as the day goes by and every time Rose's mom is there to answer the Queen of France's question. Ultimately, the Queen of France wants to know if she would be OK with having Rose trade places with her. And thus this story celebrates the playful connection between two wise parents and their wonderful imaginative girl, and their love for her.
The "Queen of France" tells the story of a little girl called Rose who wakes up one day feeling royal. She dresses up and becomes the "Queen of France" and encounters "Rose's mom". She asks about Rose and says she is looking for her. When she can't find Rose, she goes back and then actually turns back, changes clothes and turns back into Rose. Rose returns to look for the Queen of France. This happens a couple of times as the day goes by and every time Rose's mom is there to answer the Queen of France's question. Ultimately, the Queen of France wants to know if she would be OK with having Rose trade places with her. And thus this story celebrates the playful connection between two wise parents and their wonderful imaginative girl, and their love for her.
June 30, 2011
One day Rose wakes up feeling royal. She layers costume pieces and jewelry until, volia! The Queen of France is up and about. Throughout the day Rose changes between herself and the Queen of France, her delightful parents taking it all in stride. But when the Queen of France tells Rose’s mother that she would like to trade places with Rose, Rose’s mother tells her that she will miss Rose “Infinity times infinity.”
The Queen of France is a simple story that probably occurs in many households everyday, yet it retains a feeling of magic. Denton’s ink and watercolor illustrations capture the expressiveness of an energetic child. The simplicity of a pointed toe or uplifted finger reveals Rose’s (or as the case may be, the Queen of France’s) every opinion.
The best book with glitter on the cover.
The Queen of France is a simple story that probably occurs in many households everyday, yet it retains a feeling of magic. Denton’s ink and watercolor illustrations capture the expressiveness of an energetic child. The simplicity of a pointed toe or uplifted finger reveals Rose’s (or as the case may be, the Queen of France’s) every opinion.
The best book with glitter on the cover.
March 16, 2016
Rose decides she is royal when she wakes up, so she becomes the Queen of France. She seeks out Rose’s mother, but no one knows where Rose is. She pricks her finger on a rose plant and goes back to her room to become Rose again. Now no one can locate the Queen of France, so Rose returns to her room. Again, she becomes Queen of France and asks Rose’s mother if it would be possible for her to change places with Rose as she is weary of being queen.
“’Just how much will you miss her?’ the queen asked.
‘I will miss her infinity times infinity,’ said Rose’s mother.
‘That is a very large amount,’ said the queen.”
So the Queen of France decides that Rose is too precious to be replaced. Which, of course, she is.
Absolutely delightful tale of how much parents and their children love each other.
“’Just how much will you miss her?’ the queen asked.
‘I will miss her infinity times infinity,’ said Rose’s mother.
‘That is a very large amount,’ said the queen.”
So the Queen of France decides that Rose is too precious to be replaced. Which, of course, she is.
Absolutely delightful tale of how much parents and their children love each other.
August 16, 2011
Rose likes to play dress up. Today, she's the Queen of France. When she's the Queen, she pretends not to know herself or her parents. When she's Rose, she doesn't know the queen.
What I thought: A lovely book that showcases the wonder that is imaginative play. I like how Rose's parents don't discourage her (very similar to Roslyn Rutabaga & the Biggest Hole on Earth). The illustrations are beautiful--soft colored and very girly. My favorite illustrations are Rose as the Queen (prancing) and Rose feeling scary. I wouldn't mind seeing more books about Rose and her dress up.
Story Time Theme: Imagination
What I thought: A lovely book that showcases the wonder that is imaginative play. I like how Rose's parents don't discourage her (very similar to Roslyn Rutabaga & the Biggest Hole on Earth). The illustrations are beautiful--soft colored and very girly. My favorite illustrations are Rose as the Queen (prancing) and Rose feeling scary. I wouldn't mind seeing more books about Rose and her dress up.
Story Time Theme: Imagination
May 22, 2011
Rose starts off each day by dressing to match her mood. She is obviously the daughter of very supportive parents since her room is filled with all sorts of clothing suitable for playing whatever roles suits her. What's more, when Rose ventures from her room in the guise of the Queen of France, both her mother and father treat her with respect, never talking down to her, yet never allowing her to lose sight of the advantages her loving family offers her. This wonderful picture book is filled with illustrations that show Rose and her parents, warts and all, and that somehow make all three family members come to life. I can't wait to see who and what Rose grows up to become.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews