After writing The Queen’s Day Out back in 2011, on the death of Queen Elizabeth II Sheila May Bird turned her mind to the new king. The King’s Hats is an ‘uplifting and humorous‘ picture book. Written to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation, and illustrated by Mark Beech. Out with Welbeck in 2023.
From The Bookseller:
Welbeck Flame has acquired “an uplifting and humorous” story to celebrate the coronation of Britain’s new king, by Sheila May Bird and illustrated by Mark Beech.
Gemma Farr, associate publisher (maternity cover), bought world rights to the text of The King’s Hats from James Catchpole at The Catchpole Agency. It will publish on 13th April 2023.
Author Sheila May Bird says ‘It occurred to me that even someone as important and brave as a king must face and cope with changes. It is equally challenging for a child when faced with a new situation’.
Publisher Farr says ‘We wanted to create a book that… marked this momentous moment in modern British history’.
The synopsis reads:
King Charles III is now King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but he is finding his new crown just a little heavy to manage and he is worried that he might not be as beloved as his dear mama, Queen Elizabeth II. But his good friend Tom the gardener is on hand to show him that kings must wear all sorts of hats and that he must be brave and allow himself to be the king he was born to be.