King Matt the First is a classic of children’s literature that seems to have escaped the knowledge of those outside of Europe. Indeed, it would have remained unknown to me had I not begun teaching grade six after teaching juniors. I spent my summer searching for books to read aloud – books that would interest both girls and boys, that would provide them with excitement, suspense and new ideas to discuss, and that would lend themselves to being shared.

Thankfully I found King Matt the First.

In the story, a child is crowned as the ruler of his country after the death of his father. Thrust into leadership before he can even write or count, Matt must navigate the strange world of grown-up politics.

King Matt the First offers as much to adults as it does to children. On one hand, it is a rollicking tale filled with adventure and excitement; on the other, it asks its readers (especially adults) to consider not only the rights of children as part of society, but just how much they are capable of when given the chance.

I can’t wait to share this book with 6L.

Louisa Dretzke is a friend of Readings.