We couldn't let the historic month of May 2023 go by without acknowledging a special, and commemorative book, by our ambassador Michael Morpurgo! And we're also taking the opportunity to highlight some of our favourite books involving Kings - all tried and tested with the children we work with and guaranteed to raise a few smiles.

Did you know that before he became King Charles, the Prince of Wales wrote his own book for children? 'The Old Man of Lochnager' introduces a character who roams the hills and lochs around Balmoral interacting with the birds and fishes.

We've also included in our selection, another of our favourite books, 'Tidy' by Emily Gravett in recognition of the King's environmental interests and, 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell which Queen Camilla cites as having been the most-loved book from her own childhood.

About the book

The Boy Who Would be King by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman

A beautifully illustrated full-colour tribute to King Charles III, published to mark his coronation – from the bestselling creators of There Once Is a Queen.

There once was a boy who was going to be king one day . . .

From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our new monarch, King Charles III, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman.

There once was a little boy, born a prince. Encouraged by his parents, he grew up with a passion for the countryside, wanting to look after it. Then, as the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history, he dedicated decades of his life to raising awareness for conservation. Now our king, his devoted work will continue to inspire the protection of our planet for future generations.

This allegorical story tells how – with the help of a tiny acorn – a wise old woman gives a lonely boy, who would be king, the courage and determination to change the world for the better, for everyone. An exquisite companion to There Once Was a Queen, this commemoration of King Charles III’s coronation is a gift book truly to be treasured.

Download the King Charles III coronation activity pack

Equally brilliant beanstalk books about Kings, Queens and the Coronation

Buy any of these titles here and Coram Beanstalk receive a 10% donation