The Paper Kingdom

Helena Ku Rhee ∙ Illustrated by Pascal Campion

Hardcover

Published on Feb 18, 2020 | 40 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Feb 18, 2020 | 40 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

An office at night is reimagined as a fantastical kingdom of paper complete with friendly dragons in this own voices picture book.

When the babysitter is unable to come, Daniel is woken out of bed and joins his parents as they head downtown for their jobs as nighttime office cleaners. But the story is about more than brooms, mops, and vacuums. Mama and Papa turn the deserted office building into a magnificent kingdom filled with paper. Then they weave a fantasy of dragons and kings to further engage their reluctant companion—and even encourage him to one day be the king of a paper kingdom.

The Paper Kingdom expresses the joy and spirit of a loving family who turn a routine and ordinary experience into something much grander. Magical art by Pascal Campion shows both the real world and the fantasy through the eyes of the young narrator.

An NPR Best Book of the Year

Praise for The Paper Kingdom:

“Enchanting and powerful.” —Booklist, starred review

“A beautiful, must-read tribute to hardworking families and the magic they create.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A layered, loving picture book tribute to family and the sacrifices that parents make for their children’s future." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

"A meaningful portrayal of one working-class experience and an image of a loving, hardworking family." —Publishers Weekly

“An affectionate tribute to the bonds of family and the unexpected memories we form when we perform seemingly mundane tasks together.” —BookPage

“An uplifting story of a family working hard to make things better for the next generation.” —School Library Journal

“Colorful, impressionistic illustrations, awash with warmth and light…. Daniel’s wide-eyed, feet-planted observation invites readers to likewise contemplate the hierarchies and invisible labor of spaces they inhabit.” —The Horn Book

ISBN 9780525644613 (Hardcover)
Published on Feb 18, 2020
Published by Random House Studio
Pages 40
Dimensions 8-1/2 x 11
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD550L | Fountas/Pinnell: N

ISBN 9780525644637 (Ebook)
Published on Feb 18, 2020
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD550L | Fountas/Pinnell: N

Helena Ku Rhee

Helena Ku Rhee is the award-winning author of picture books, including the bestselling The Paper Kingdom named to many year-end Best Books lists, including NPR, BookPage, Kirkus, Parents Magazine, and the Los Angeles Public Library, among others. The book was also featured on Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, and ABC – TV. Helena is also the author of Sora’s Seashells, a recipient of the 2024 Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor, as well as Rosa’s Song. Her essays have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Salon. Helena has lived in various parts of the U.S., Asia, and Europe and now makes her home in Los Angeles.