  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 02/01/2017 Playground antics are taken to a new level when Jonah—outfitted in a regal, puffy sleeved jacket—declares himself the playground ruler, demanding his friends’ allegiance if they wish to play there. All the kids agree except for Lennox, a feisty girl in a flouncy yellow dress, who stakes her own claim on the swings’ side of the playground. “Cross you heart and promise to follow my rules,” she cries as the kids scurry from Jonah’s slides to her swings. This can only mean one thing: war. The two rulers draw up plans to conquer each other, only to find they have no subjects left to command, as their friends have retreated to neutral, less bossy territory. Lennox and Jonah survey their empty kingdoms and realize apologies are in order. Kuefler’s high-spirited watercolor illustrations set the action and the diverse group of children against white backdrops, keeping the focus on the emerging coup. This playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette pairs well Olivier Tallec’s tyrannical Louis I, King of the Sheep (2015). - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 PreS-Gr 3—Jonah declares himself king of the playground. King Jonah and the other kids on the playground play peacefully, except for Lennox, who wants to rule the playground, too. She claims the side of the playground with swings as her queendom. All the other kids like the swings, so they agree. However, King Jonah is unhappy with Queen Lennox, the usurper. They divide the playground in two and with pencil, crayon, and paper draw out plans to expand their influence. Jonah and Lennox separately conquer the teeter-totter and the merry-go-round, all the while shouting demands of their vassals. Soon, there is nothing left to conquer and no friends left in the playground. After everyone goes away, being rulers of the playground loses its appeal. Jonah and Lennox make a new plan together: apologize to their friends and promise never to rule the playground again. Soon, the playground fills up with friends. Visually appealing mixed-media and digital illustrations contain a racially inclusive cast of supporting characters. The two rulers of the playground wear historical royal garb, and the addition of birds and one expressive puppy brings extra whimsy to the images. In darker tones set against a white background, the artwork plays the main role, as the text is much smaller and spare enough for storytime. VERDICT This readable title is sure to speak to bossy and not so bossy kids alike. A great choice for the beginning of the school year.—Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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