The Muddy Majesty of Muck

★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review

From international picture book star Beatrice Alemagna comes an enchanting new fairy tale set in a mucky, magical underground world where the Mud Princess rules.

A little girl's too-big feelings spur a cathartic journey of adventure and discovery, in this picture book for kids ages 5–8, perfect for fans of Where the Wild Things Are.

Yuki is lost in a dark mood on her way home from school. In a flash of frustration, she tosses her house keys down an open manhole. When she climbs down to retrieve them, she discovers another world: Mudland.

The Mud Princess, an enormous dripping thing made of mud and sticks, greets Yuki and shows her the wonders of her kingdom. Yuki's dark mood is at home here—her sadness and anger fit right in. As they journey together, the Mud Princess becomes larger, absorbing the anger around her. Everything the princess touches becomes muddy, even Yuki. Yuki faces a choice—to become a Mud Princess herself or to return to the world above ground and its expectations.

As in her other picture books, Beatrice Alemagna explores children's feelings in a way that speaks to them directly. The Muddy Majesty of Muck explores anger and frustration with humor and brings us two unforgettable characters, the relatable Yuki and the strange and fascinating Mud Princess.