The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, Pascal Campion
on February 18, 2020
ISBN: 052564461X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

We have stories in which parents work, but few that describe in detail what their work is. When Daniel’s nightime caregiver is ill, his parents take him to work with them. They entertain him with stories of the Paper King and Queen, and the dragon to explain the messes they have to clean and why they have to make the office clean. 

Fairly simple but complete illustrations (by Pascal Campion) support and extend the text to show the work and envelop the reader in the mood of hard work and imagination.

Pairs well with “Night Job” (Karen Hesse, 2018) to compare and contrast, or just to add depth to the variety of ways families work hard to make ends meet. The story may also help build empathy to encourage daytime workers (and children) to keep their workplaces neat!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town