Kings of the Castle

A book from Victoria Turnbull, a Waterstones Children’s Book Prize short-listed author-illustrator.

George didn't want to waste the night moon bathing. He wanted to build a sand castle that would turn any monster green with envy! But when George meets the strangest creature he has ever seen, the night takes an unexpected turn. A starlit story of adventure, imagination, and friendship from the creator of The Sea Tiger.The artist's refined linework and skilled draftsmanship reveal a technical skill worthy of the picture-book masters she emulates. With her colored pencils, Turnbull captures Moebius' color palette; Winsor McKay's innovative use of comic panels; and Maurice Sendak's emotive and appealing character designs. A marvelous journey worth taking.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

There’s lots on offer in this lovely portrait of a friendship bridging difference—a splendid vision of what dreams can build, and a reminder of the riches that lie unseen in the people (and monsters) all around us.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Turnbull’s colored pencil illustrations are bright, with a little bit of haze perfectly capturing the moonlight bathing the sand and the ocean. A fantastical tale of friendship and acceptance that will be enjoyed by many young readers and can be shared one-on-one or with a group.
—School Library JournalVictoria Turnbull spent her childhood absorbed by books and drawing. Her first picture book, The Sea Tiger, was short-listed for the 2015 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and in 2013 she won the Association of Illustrators New Talent Award in the children’s book category. Victoria Turnbull lives in London.