“The Paper Kingdom”
By Helena Ku Rhee, Illustrated by Pascal Campion
Random House Children’s Books, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
Throughout the history of the United States, immigrants have frequently done the hardest work with the least amount of financial reward. Why did they do it? The answer comes in the hope of achieving the American Dream. This idea means that families can move up the economic ladder and have richer and more fulfilling lives than they could have in their native countries. But to achieve these dreams the immigrants knew that they would have to work very hard and constantly sacrifice for their loved ones. This diligence usually paid off with their families moving out of poverty and into comfortable lives. Helena Ku Rhee tells the story of one Asian family sacrificing so their son can have a better life. This beautiful picture book is entitled “The Paper Kingdom.”
The phone rings late at night as Daniel’s parents are getting dressed for their janitorial jobs in a downtown building. A problem has developed. Auntie Clara cannot come and stay the night with Daniel, so he must get up from his warm bed and get dressed. He is so sleepy. Grumpily changing his pajamas, he dresses and gets in the old family car. Groaning to a start, Daniel’s father drives the rickety vehicle to the downtown building. The night guard winks at Daniel’s parents and waves to the boy. Soon, Mama and Papa take out brooms and vacuum cleaners and begin the hard work of cleaning the dirty building.
Daniel can’t believe how much paper there is to pick up. His parents begin playing a game with the child to keep him entertained. They tell him that they are in the Paper Kingdom and they have to work fast so the King is pleased. Sweating as they go about their backbreaking work, the parents keep Daniel entertained by having him look for dragons in different rooms. He is also warned to watch out for the stern Queen. When the boy can’t believe how much paper his parents are picking up, they tell him that he will some day sit in the throne room. There, he will rule as The Paper King. He excitedly sees himself in a new light. Throughout the night, Daniel’s parents keep showing their love for him. Eventually, he lays down. What happens?
Does Daniel become the Paper King? Why does the boy know his parents deeply care for him? What virtuous qualities do his parents show for the child? Have you ever deeply sacrificed for someone in your family? Why do people act so selflessly? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this lovely story, “The Paper Kingdom” by Helena Ku Rhee.
This sweet story tells of an immigrant family turning a night of hard work into a magical experience for their son. Their generosity towards their child is touching. Readers see them sweating, sneezing at all the dust they encounter while never complaining. By using a playful imaginary game, they entertain their son while doing some physically difficult work. It is easy to see that they are both motivated by love. Quite frankly, through their unassuming actions they are in fact, heroes. Rhee’s book is based on her own parents’ self-sacrifice upon coming to the United States. “The Paper Kingdom” is a tribute to her parents and all the other immigrant families that have helped form our nation. A poignant, moving read. I enjoyed the book and hope you will as well.
