Tiny Tyrant (review)

In this illustrated collection of eight translated French stories, King Ethelbert rules as much by whim as by moral or regal standards; this lack of perspective can be excused, though, since he's only six. Ethelbert is living out most kids' fantasies: every royal desire, from meeting Santa to winning all contests automatically to receiving sundaes six times larger than himself, is immediately fulfilled. Although the Prime Minister tries to rein in some of his excesses, even she is ultimately powerless when Ethelbert is determined. The stories, each illustrated comic-book-style with panels set against multi-hued backgrounds (a different shade for each entry), are stand-alone episodes in the monarchy of Portocristo, although an ongoing competition between Ethelbert and his much wealthier cousin Sigismund provides continuity, as does Ethelbert's absolute disinterest in personal growth or change. The adventures of the tiny king are outrageous and humorous on their own, and the brief stories pair beautifully with Parme's equally exaggerated and amusing illustrations, in a style clearly inspired by 1960s television animation such as The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Parme's giant-headed cartoon king, crown miraculously balanced way back on his head to make room for his impressive pompadour, suggests a character so lively and visually memorable that he could easily be the focus of his own animated short. Young readers will thrill to see their id-inspired impulses all fulfilled through Ethelbert, while older graphic-novel fans will appreciate the subtle political humor played out through the hapless adults who must endure their tyrant king.