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When I Was King    by Linda Ashman & David McPhail Amazon.com order for
When I Was King
by Linda Ashman
Order:  USA  Can
HarperCollins, 2008 (2008)
Hardcover

Read an Excerpt

* * *   Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch

This is a perfect book for any child who has been dethroned by the arrival of a baby brother or sister. With the help of acclaimed illustrator David McPhail's lovely, softly shaded illustrations - depicting family scenes of a much fussed-over baby and a little boy who is feeling left out - this reassuring rhyming book will help a young child deal with his or her new position in the family.

After the child witnesses the baby getting much attention (and finally breaks down with a tantrum), Mom points out that the promotion to older sibling comes with many benefits. The little boy (who narrates) finally agrees:

'Tonight I helped you in the bath.
I washed your toes. I made you laugh.
And when I came to say goodnight,
I liked the way you squeezed me tight.

Before you came,
When I was king,
I didn't want to change a thing.
I liked to rule the world alone ...
But maybe I can share my throne.
'

When I Was King is an ideal gift book for a family with a new baby.

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