King for a Day

Starred review from September 15, 2013
Set in Pakistan during Basant, "the most exciting day of the year," this story focuses on the strength and resourcefulness of a child in a wheelchair as he navigates the skies at the spring kite festival. Perched on the rooftop and assisted by his brother and sister, Malik launches his small but swift creation, named Falcon, into the stratosphere, where it defeats both of the kites that belong to the bully next door. (Unlikely as that may be, it will undoubtedly please the intended audience.) Falcon sends many others to the ground, where "they'll belong to whoever finds them. But at least they will have tasted freedom." Silk, burlap, brocade, embroidery, ribbons and rice paper mingle with light brown figures outlined in black within exquisite and dynamic mixed-media collages. In one particularly successful scene, layered buildings and billowing laundry form a backdrop, the three siblings dominate the middle ground, and Malik's white robe becomes a sky against which small figures cycle in the foreground. Pointed Moorish arches are a design element on almost every page, often framing the text and lending a cultural reference. Displaying another side of his personality, the "King" concludes his day of warfare with a secret act of kindness. Kromer's inventive compositions are a visually exciting match for Khan's introduction to an appealing event (originally published in Canada in 2001 with art by different illustrators). This story soars. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from November 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-Spring has arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, and the celebration of Basant ushers it in with an annual kite-flying contest. Young Malik plans to win the self-proclaimed title of "king of Basant" by capturing and/or setting free more kites than anyone else. He puts all his faith in his small handmade kite, Falcon, and enters the competition. Thus ensues the story of how Malik, who, incidentally, is in a wheelchair, sits on his balcony and, with assistance from his sister and brother, wins the coveted designation and defeats the bully next door. Mixed-media collage illustrations consist of an intriguing combination of cut paper, floss, yarn, cloth, and pencil sketches. Varying perspectives include ground level, balcony level, and kite's-eye views of the action. The breezy conditions are evident in the soaring kites, billowing curtains, and Malik's sister's clothing. An author's note gives a historical view of the spring festival and its traditions in the ancient city.-Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

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