A sweet, wonderful and action-packed sequel to the amazing and revolutionary 'Prince & Knight'.
The illustrations are as beautiful, adorable, and full of life as ever. This time, however, there is also darkness. A cloud, a toxicity, that is more threatening and dangerous than any dragon.But there is a little rainbow at the end of it all. A rainbow of hope. And change and acceptance.
'Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King' is ultimately about depression, and self-love and acceptance, and how social norms must change, for the happiness and light of everyone. It is more, well, violent than its predecessor - there are warriors going out to battle with the Prince and the Knight, with swords, shields and armour, and there are higher stakes and heavier perils - but its heart, its pacifist and antibigotry message, are not lost; the ending is a teary, heartfelt, comforting, healing, cathartic and exultant accomplishment.
Only, are there any female warriors in the book? I can't really tell by the artwork. I think a couple of the Prince's warriors are meant to be women? Or genderfluid? I hope that gender equality and LBGTQ representation extends to this in 'Tale of the Shadow King'. But I'm not sure it does, as it isn't made clear.
However, an extra bonus is that same sex couples, other than the now-married Prince and Knight, are shown at the beginning, inspired and encouraged as they are by those fabulous two, to express themselves and their love in public. Could have shown more of them at the end, too, though.
Oh well. Still a great LGBTQ children's picture book with an important message. The poetry is as gorgeous as the art and the story, as well.
Love is love.
Another bonus is this not-so-hidden lesson: crossdressing and people wearing whatever they want is a good thing. Deeper, conscientious inclusivity like this, yes please!
Click here for my review of 'Prince & Knight'.
Final Score: 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment