Once there was a country where it was compulsory, by order of the king, to be happy - all the time. The king is the happiest person in the land and everybody must follow his example. This is a story about one little boy, living in this country, who broke the law and cried. Despite threats to send him to the king nothing the people do can stop the little boy from crying, so off he is sent. When he meets the king the little boy continues to be sad and sets about trying to explain to him why it is important to feel sad some of the time. Will he be able to convince the king not to be so proud of his emotions?

Chris Wormell writes, and illustrates with wonderful enthusiasm for his story. His pictures are detailed, full of wonderful expression and colour. His text is simple yet expressive, he has a flair for storytelling that is at once simple and thoughtful. This story is no exception.

Emotions are difficult to discuss and display, most of us are capable of showing happiness but shy away from expressing emotions such as fear and sadness often hiding them away. In this story there is a little boy who isn’t afraid - unable to contain his sadness when his dog dies. Despite the people around him seemingly happy at rain and sunshine, burnt dinners and chocolates even falling over, they laugh and smile all the time. The punishment for being unhappy is to be tickled with a feather until you laugh but when the little boy meets the king and begins to explain to him the reason for his sadness he sees through the kings mask - a literal one, and discovers that the man underneath is struggling with his emotions too. Once they begin to talk the boy and the king begin to understand one another and the king realises the importance of sadness.

This is a beautifully told story, with stunningly bold illustration that belies the underlying serious message - Chris Wormell is dealing with emotions and how to deal with the very sensitive issue of grief. He does this in a gentle and uplifting manner. This book would make a perfect introduction to classes on loss, for children in Years 1-3 certainly. It is also a lovely independent reading picture book for the more confident reader.