This is another one of those deceptively simply picture books which you could read to a young child or use as a discussion starter with a group of older students.
King Grasshopper demands his 'subjects' bring him a rock. He has plans to stand on a tower and exert his authority. Everyone complies even the smallest beetle who brings the heaviest 'rock' he can carry. The Grasshopper King is furious. This so called 'rock' is just a pebble. He sends the beetle away.
His tower is now tall and commanding but it is also very unstable. The Grasshopper King cries out in alarm. The tower is about to topple over. Luckily for the grasshopper, that little beetle has hung around. "I have an idea!". He slips his pebble into exactly the right spot at the bottom of the tower of rocks and saves the King.
This is the point in the story where I would stop with an older group and talk about character and plot decisions. How will the Grasshopper King react? How should the Grasshopper King react? Who made him the King? How would you feel right now if you were the beetle? What about his 'subjects'?
Now I will share how Daniel Miyares continues his story. Here is the dialogue between the Grasshopper King and the humble beetle:
King - "You saved my life! However can I repay you?"
Beetle - "Bring me those rocks!"
Are you thinking the beetle has plans to build himself a tower and claim the throne? The next, wordless page may surprise your readers. We see the beetle has organised the building of seven towers all of equal height (think about why that is interesting and perhaps important) and all seven of the insects (formerly subjects) climb to the top of their own tower.
As for the Grasshopper King - well I can only say his face says it all - he is not at all happy!
This is an expensive picture book here in Australia and it is not available in paperback but I did find an ebook edition on the publisher web site. I think this book would be a splendid addition to a Primary school library. It only contains 70 words but, like all good fables, it contains a story with a powerful universal message. The illustrations remind me of Eric Carle. An art teacher could use these illustrations as a basis for some very creative work with students.
Beautifully executed art, expressive bugs, and spare but pointed—arguably Marxist—text create a tale for all ages.
Kirkus Star review
Here are some other books by Daniel Miyares:
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