At the end of his thousand-year reign of the Copper Mountains, old King Mansolain is tired and his heart is slowing down. When his attendant, the Hare, consults The Wonder Doctor, he is told he must keep the King engaged in life by telling him a story every night until the Doctor can find a cure.
The search is on for a nightly story more wonderful than the last, and one by one the kingdom's inhabitants arrive with theirs; the ferocious Wolf, the lovesick Donkey, the fire-breathing three-headed Dragon. Last to arrive is the Dwarf, with four ancient books and a prophecy that the King will live for another thousand years - but only if the Wonder Doctor returns in time.
"A triumphant piece of magic" - Observer
"Amusing, endearing and intensely moving" - Daily Telegraph
"The best book of all for this age [7+]" - The Times
"A perfect bedtime read [with a] beautiful ending" - Today Programme
"'This is an endearing, timeless classic. A story made to be read aloud and which will fill your child with wonder'" - Mini Travellers
"'The best kind of bedtime story - a joy to read and share'" - Sophie Anderson
"For those who wish to read aloud to their children or grandchildren, or for young readers of 5-7, the reissue of Paul Biegel's long-lost classic The King of the Copper Mountains is a must-have" - New Statesman, Best Children's Books for Summer
"A new English edition of the prize-winning Dutch classic" - Five Books, Best Kids' Books of 2022
