Rulers of the Playground

A funny, relatable story about how becoming "rulers" of the playground in the end is less fun than playing together and sharing. "A great choice for the beginning of the school year."

This picture book about sharing, friendship, and kindness in a playground setting will remind you of favorites such as This Is Not My Hat from Jon Klassen and The Day the Crayons Quit from Drew Daywalt.

One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah's kingdom. Everyone except for Lennox . . . because she wanted to rule the playground, too.

A gloriously rendered, hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics. Will hold the attention of preschool through second grade kids--whether they're leaders or followers, all kids navigate the world of the playground and will relate to the dynamics at play in Rulers of the Playground.

School Library Journal

“"This readable title is sure to speak to bossy and not so bossy kids alike. A great choice for the beginning of the school year."”

"Children struggling with tyrants (or the impulse to dictate) will find both laughter and comfort in Kuefler's playground, full of recognizable experiences, faces, and feelings. Winning satire for the jungle-gym set." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

-- School Library Journal

"A playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette." -- Booklist

Praise for BEYOND THE POND: "A witty, auspicious debut...[with] echoes of Jon Klassen and Wes Anderson." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for BEYOND THE POND: "[A] tale of transformation and wonder...reminiscent of Sendak's Max and his Wild Things." -- School Library Journal

Praise for BEYOND THE POND: "This lovely picture book is a tribute to imagination and the wonder in everyday spaces...will resonate with young readers -- Booklist

Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of the Digger series, Beyond the Pond, Rulers of the Playground, Pillow Places, and Bigger Than a Bumblebee and the illustrator of Night Is for Darkness by Jonathan Stutzman. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at josephkuefler.com.

One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone pinkie promised to obey King Jonah's rules . . . Everyone except for Lennox, because she wanted to rule the playground, too. This hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics is gloriously rendered by author and illustrator Joseph Kuefler.

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