Children’s book about King Charles is ridiculed for encouraging ‘big dreams’ about becoming monarch
A children’s book about King Charles III has been ridiculed for urging young people to have “big dreams.”
The book, titled King Charles, is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series in which children learn to be inspired by ‘pioneers’ who make an impact on the world.
It features people who have overcome barriers to social change, including Harriet Tubman, a former slave, and Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban.
But parents were quick to point out that Charles became king because the UK has a hereditary monarchy, meaning succession of power passes from one ruling family member to another.
Charles inherited the throne after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away last September.
A children’s book about King Charles III has been ridiculed for urging young people to have ‘big dreams’ about a monarch like him
The “inspiring” new book aims to help children discover the life of King Charles, according to the publisher.
King Charles, currently available in hardcover for £9.99, features ‘stylish and quirky illustrations’ that tell the story of Charles’s rise to kingship.
The book also includes additional facts in the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photographs and a detailed profile of the Royal Family’s life, “from Little Prince to Great King.”
The promotional text reads: ‘Little Charles always knew that one day he would have a big job to do.
“As the son of Queen Elizabeth II, he was a prince and in the future he would inherit the throne of the United Kingdom.”
The book would be suitable for children from four to seven years old.
It is available for purchase in High Street stores such as Waterstones and WHSmith plus online on Amazon.
The book, titled King Charles, belongs to the Little People, Big Dreams series that teaches children to be inspired by “pioneers” who are making a big impact on the world
King Charles, currently available in hardcover for £9.99, features ‘stylish and quirky illustrations’ that tell the story of how Charles rose to kingship
Little People’s Big Dreams website – which promotes the series – states: ‘With sales of more than 7.5 million copies worldwide, the series continues to grow and expand.
“Introducing children around the world to artists, pioneers and dreamers who have each made a major impact in the world around them.”
But parents have criticized the latest installation, claiming it sends a misleading message about becoming royalty.
Colleen McKenna said, “So inspiring to think that any one of us can become a king if we just work hard enough.”
Rebecca Jules said, “Children learn the valuable lesson that if you just believe in yourself, you too can become a monarch.”
Colin Poppshed said: ‘He dreamed of becoming king, and thanks to whom his parents were, he did. The end.’
But parents were quick to point out that Charles became king because the UK has a hereditary monarchy, meaning succession of power passes from one ruling family member to another.
Mark Plastow said, “If I try really, really hard to dream, I’ll be able to get what I always would get, because of an accident at birth.”
Rob Heighton said: ‘Stunned when I saw this in Waterstones the other day..’
Someone else joked, “From the ‘Know your place’ series.”
Amazon customer Andy Dobson said, “A great addition to this inspiring book range. My son now knows that if he works hard enough, he can become king too.’
MailOnline has reached out to Little People, Big Dreams for comment.