"When they began to argue
with the flowers,
some said they had gone too far.
But most agreed
it was a great talent
to be able to argue with a fence
or a doorknob,
or the wind."
I am always intrigued by Corinna Luyken and her storytelling. In this fairy tale that features a royal family and those who serve them, she shows how constant bickering can create endless fodder for those involved. The first argument rages over a comb and a brush, clearly shown on front and back endpapers, and which would be best for untangling the abundant king's beard. It flows from his chin across the width of the throne room, bow-tied at many points to keep it from being totally unruly.
The arguments move on to the letters to be used to bedeck the new throne belonging to the princess: cursive or plain, large or small. I'm sure there were other considerations. Next, which spoons should be used to serve noodles to the the queen's dogs? The constant arguing leads to a time when no one can remember when the arguing started or why. They all know they are very good at it.
"They could argue forward
and backward,
right side up,
and upside down.
They argued in fog
and sun
and sleet
and snow."
When a proclamation goes out to find the best arguer, they all work tirelessly to improve their skills. Finally, the contest is ready to begin ... the gathering is huge and heated. It is so noisy, they can not hear the announcement to begin. It is a classic case of no beginning; will there be an end? A lightning bolt changes everything! The arguers make a discovery no one could have ever thought possible. Will they go back to their old ways?
This is a delightful story to read aloud. Funny, and thoughtful. The art, done in watercolor, ink, pencil, and gouache, is filled with expression and detailed images of imposing and enormous hairstyles that attract attention at every turn. The kingdom setting is perfect, and the constant arguing will elicit constant giggles.
What makes you want to argue?
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