About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, like moving house or starting a new grade, and feels overwhelmed by the new 'rules' of their environment. It is a charming story about a King who loses his castle to a dragon and must move into a modest suburban house with his practical, caretaking cat. Through their move to Number 37 Castle Close, the story explores resilience and the humor found in learning basic life skills like grocery shopping and washing dishes. While the King is technically the adult, he functions much like a child learning independence for the first time, making this a perfect mirror for 5 to 8 year olds. Parents will appreciate the gentle way it models adapting to change and the importance of a supportive friendship. It is an ideal bridge between picture books and longer novels, using wit to soothe the anxiety of starting over.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The loss of a home is handled metaphorically through the dragon incident. It is secular, lighthearted, and the resolution is hopeful, focusing on adaptability rather than material loss.
