This fairy tale tells of a prince in line for the throne, who, with his parents, searches for a bride to help him rule. While they are off searching, a dragon threatens their land. The prince races home to save the kingdom, which he does with the help of a brave young man who is a knight. They defeat the dragon and fall in love in the process. When they meet up with the king and queen, the parents are “overwhelmed with joy” at the match. Cue the royal wedding and the happily ever after.
If the story feels familiar, it should. Its name and plot echo that of King & King
, by Linda de Haan and Stern Mijland, first published in the Netherlands in 2000, and in the U.S. in 2002. King & King told of a prince whose parents seek a bride for him, only for him to fall in love with a prospective suitor’s brother instead. In many ways, though, Prince & Knight is the better book. Its illustrations have a charming, Disney-like quality to them, as opposed to the frenetic and off-kilter ones in King & King. Haack’s prince also has more agency over his future—he and his parents cooperatively seek his spouse, whereas de Haan and Mijland’s prince is yelled at and scolded by his mother about finding a bride. And while the entire plot of King & King focuses on the search for a spouse, Prince & Knight throws in the excitement of the dragon. This will likely make the story more appealing to young children for whom the idea of marriage and romance (queer or otherwise) may feel far off.
Also available as a board book—make sure you’re buying the version you want.
Related
