SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONE'S CHILDRENS BOOK PRIZE 2019

An illuminating tale of power, rebellion, darkness and light

There was once a little boy who was afraid of the dark. There's nothing unusual about that. Most children are afraid of the dark at one time of another. But this little boy was a Prince, and he decided that when he became King, he would do something about the dark.

He would ban it.

When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing "anti-dark" laws, it seems like a good idea. The citizens don't need to worry about any of the scary things that might live in the dark.

But what happens when nobody can sleep, and the citizens revolt? Will the King face his fears and turn the lights off?

The King Who Banned the Dark is a beautiful and thought-provoking story about how we need the dark in order to enjoy the light.

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised by the Klaus Flugge Prize Award. Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and an extremely influential figure in childrens picture books. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to childrens picture book illustration. It was recognised by the Little Rebels Book Award. It also was recognised by the Independent Bookshop Award. It was recognised by the Cambridgeshire Libraries `Read it Again!' Award. Also it was recognised by the Waterstones Children's Book Award.

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2018 by Pavilion Books .

Emily Haworth-Booth is an award-winning author, illustrator and educator who teaches at the Royal Drawing School in London, England. Alongside her children's picture books, Emily is currently working on a long-form graphic memoir for adults. Her short comics have previously appeared in print in the Observer and Vogue. Along with her sister, Alice Haworth-Booth, she is an activist with Extinction Rebellion.