About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is currently a 'King of the Sulk,' refusing to cooperate with basic self-care or feeling resentful about visiting relatives. Through the comical antics of King Keith, Kaye Umansky mirrors the stubborn, often irrational feelings children experience during illness or social frustration. The stories normalize the 'big feelings' of being out of control and provide a safe, humorous space to discuss why we sometimes dig our heels in. At its heart, this is a relatable exploration of autonomy and social comparison for children aged 6 to 9. By seeing a powerful King struggle with a simple cold or a 'show-off' cousin, children can laugh at the absurdity of their own tantrums without feeling judged. It is an excellent tool for modeling emotional regulation and the importance of manners, even when we feel at our worst.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and uses fantasy metaphors (like 'Dragonitus') to discuss physical illness. There are no heavy topics like death or divorce: the focus is purely on behavior and emotional regulation.
