King Louie's Shoes

Louis XIV of France commands the largest army in Europe, lives in the biggest palace, and gives the biggest parties. But thereas a hiccup, and Steinberg (First Grade, Here I Come! doesnat mince words: aKing Louie (which is how you say aLouisa in French) was a shrimp.a Neubecker (Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing, clearly having fun drawing his charactersa Baroque get-ups, portrays the monarch at a humbling height disadvantage compared to the rest of his court, which should win the Sun King instant sympathy with the bookas target audience. With every resource at his disposal, the king tries to add inches by constructing skyscraper thrones, donning gigantic wigs, and wearing towering platform shoes that launch a fashion craze, but he learns the hard way that itas better to be respected as a sovereign than to intimidate by way of stature. Readers will pick up some valuable lessons, too: history is fun, size doesnat matter, and grownups do the darnedest things. A closing list of facts (14, naturally) adds a bit of historical heft. Ages 4a 8. Illustratoras agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt.(July) 

Copyright 2017 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--Louis XIV is the subject of this high-spirited picture book about the extremely vain French ruler's endeavor to become as great in stature as he was in accomplishments. After trying big hair and a big throne, Louie has the royal shoemaker construct shoes with high heels, unintentionally starting a new fashion trend for men and women alike. Everything works out in the end for the diminutive monarch when he realizes that people still love and respect him, despite his size. The feel-good story told in a conversational tone is accompanied by 14 amusing and informative facts about Louie, altogether painting a rosy picture of the king who "waged war to keep the borders safe." Neubecker's cartoon illustrations are bright and full of whimsy. The details of baroque architecture and clothing are depicted in an accessible manner, and the characters are humorous and expressive, especially the baby-faced Louie. In playing with perspective, Neubecker demonstrates how it feels to be a small king with huge aspirations. VERDICT An amusing look at history; ideal for fans of Mac Barnett's President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath and other titles that show the human side of world leaders. An effective read-aloud or read-alone choice.--Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA