The King and Nothing - by Olivier Tallec (Hardcover)

About the Book

"There once lived a king who had absolutely everything-and we mean everything. From elephants without trunks, to caramel-flavored ice skates, to caterpillars on bicycles, and even storm clouds that refused to make lightning. Yes, there was simply nothing you can imagine that this king did not have . . . well, except for nothing itself. From author-illustrator Olivier Tallec, The King and Nothing is the wonderfully whimsical and philosophical take of one person who searches high and low for nothing, only to encounter something at every turn. Just how far will the king go to find nothing?"--

Book Synopsis

From author-illustrator Olivier Tallec, a clever, joyful story about a king with everything who goes searching for nothing--literally

There once lived a king who had absolutely everything--and we mean everything. From elephants without trunks, to caramel-flavored ice skates, to caterpillars on bicycles, and even storm clouds that refused to make lightning. Yes, there was simply nothing you can imagine that this king did not have . . . well, except for nothing itself. From author-illustrator Olivier Tallec, The King and Nothing is the wonderfully whimsical and philosophical take of one person who searches high and low for nothing, only to encounter something at every turn. Just how far will the king go to find nothing?

Review Quotes

"A primer on existentialism and a caution against overconsumption (but not necessarily a tome on the moral imperative to redistribute wealth), The King and Nothing is a delightfully complex story, rich with cheeky wordplay and illustrated in a bright, cartoonish style."-- "Montreal Review of Books" (3/21/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"A timely message about how the chaotic mess of too many possessions can be countered with thoughtfulness, a desire for simplicity, and a deep clean out of one's closet."-- "Youth Services Book Review" (2/20/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"An enchanting story that is recommended for readers across a wide grade range."--Susan McClellan "School Library Journal" (1/8/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Playful language and signature-style cartoons help readers take hold of two abstractions: the concept of acquisitive behavior, and the idea of naught. In this fable, the monarch realizes that everything in the universe has significance--a revelation that leads him to a different way of being."-- "Publishers Weekly" (1/7/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"The story might well spur discussions about greed and nothingness . . . thought-provoking fare for budding existentialists."-- "Kirkus" (3/6/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Olivier Tallec is a French illustrator and graphic designer. After graduating from the École Supérieure d'Art Graphique in Paris, he worked in advertising as a graphic designer, later devoting himself to illustration. Since then, he has illustrated more than 70 books, in addition to numerous illustrations for newspapers and magazines. Olivier lives in Paris.