The King’s Equal
The King’s Equal by Katherine Paterson is an illustrated edition published by HarperCollins on January 18, 1996. This 64-page book presents a tale centered around a dying king who stipulates that his son, Prince Raphael, must marry a woman who matches him in beauty, intelligence, and wealth. As Raphael embarks on a quest to find this equal, he encounters challenges that lead him to the enchanting Rosamund, who appears to fulfill the king’s condition.
Readers will discover a narrative that intertwines elements of fairy tales and folklore, exploring themes of equality and self-perception. The story delves into the complexities of Raphael’s expectations and Rosamund’s own thoughts on their potential union. With its engaging plot and exquisite illustrations, this book offers a unique perspective on the classic fairy tale structure, inviting readers to reflect on the true meaning of being an equal.
Official synopsis Publisher
Who is she?
A dying king makes his son his heir–on one condition. Vain Prince Raphael must marry a woman who is his equal in beauty, intelligence, and wealth…
Where is this woman?
A search throughout the kingdom proves fruitless. Then the lovely Rosamund appears at the palace, as if by magic, and Raphael is certain he has found his wife. She is intelligent and wealthy, as well as beautiful–certainly his equal, he thinks.
But what does the mysterious Rosamund think?
“Finding a princess who is the ‘king’s equal’ in comeliness, intelligence, and wealth is an order that confounds the wisest, most loyal councilors in this distant realm. Finding a book equal in quality to this one is an even more formidable task. [Newbery medalist] Paterson weaves her story within the structure of familiar fairy tales. . . . Vagin’s illustrations are exquisite.” —SLJ.
1993 Teachers’ Choices (IRA)
1992 Irma Simonton Black Award (Bank Street College of Education)
1993 Children’s Booksellers’ Choices (Association of Booksellers for Children)
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