Rabbit is having a bad dream, but when he wakes it has come true – Wolf has nearly swallowed him!

Rabbit does what Rabbit always does – runs to his best friend Bear, who is not only much bigger than Wolf, but very good in sorting out problems.

Soon, however, there is a problem too big for even Bear to help with. Someone even bigger than Bear has arrived, announced himself King and taken over the valley. What are Bear, Rabbit and their friends going to do?

Bear does have an answer, but it involves Rabbit doing the right thing. This hasn’t been Rabbit’s strong suit in the past, but he grits his teeth and sets off to the Dark Woods where he must make an apology – without being eaten first.

Wolf is his destination and as Storybook Wolves are famous for, Wolf has a very cunning idea indeed. With nothing but a few leaves and some bendy sticks, Wolf’s plan is ready. But is Rabbit, Bear, tiny Vole and the others? Can they really face the so-called King?

Rabbit’s trademark cheek and Bear’s patience and kindness isn’t going to work this time! These animal buddies have met their match. Rabbit must face his fears, eat humble pie and then face even bigger fears again. Working together is the key, and inclusion, kindness and sharing are the lessons Rabbit learns this time. 

Jim Field’s illustrations bring all this action to life, and the section in the Dark Forest, is exactly that – dark! The page design of grey text on black pages is fantastic, portraying Rabbit’s fear and the tension as the animals plan to defeat their foe. Shadow work plays a large part in Fox’s plan and drawn brilliantly to show it. I’m sure the illustrator had lots of fun with shadow play on walls, to get this just right!

A Bad King is a Sad King is another funny episode of this perfect pair of friends – Rabbit (cranky, rude and this time brave) & Bear (kind, calm, helpful and thankful too as Wolf comes to everyone’s rescue). There’s even a wee nod to Climate Change as one animal has left their normal habitat to take over another.

Author – Julian Gough

Illustrator – Jim Field

Age – 5+

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(2021, Animals, Friendship, Courage, Bravery, Asking for help, Apology, Inclusion, Clever, Planning, Cooperation, Bully, Bullies, Standing up to bullies, Trickery, Shadows, Series, Enemy, Fox, Humour, Secret)