SOLVED. Children's Picture Book about two rulers who need to trade resources but refuse to. Their subjects get involved - I remember one of the resources was oil. There was magic. Painted illustrations I think. Spoilers below. [s]

[[deleted user]]

I would have read it in the early 2000s. The rulers turn into mountains at the end, but I can't remember how. It was due to their stubbornness/selfishness.
I think there was a character of a jester but I could be wrong. I seem to remember the female ruler had a large hat of some kind but again I could be wrong.

[[deleted user]]

I just remembered that one of the kingdoms was in a desert, and that at least one of them fell into darkness at some point and needed the oil from the desert.

[Kris]

Marie, are the illustrations - simple or detailed, realistic or cartoon-like, bright or dark colors? Do they remind you of a similar illustrator or picture book author?

[Ayshe]

God Said Amen maybe?

[[deleted user]]

Ayshe wrote: "God Said Amen maybe?"

YES! It is God Said Amen. Thank you thank you thank you. I didn't remember that it was religious at all. Thought it was more like a parable.