Can't You Make Them Behave, King George? Book

This entertaining volume sheds light on the life of England's King George III. It begins when he was a bashful boy who blushed easily, goes on to his early days as king, and finally examines his role in the American Revolution—when Americans ceased to think of him as good King George. Fascinating history made accessible for young readers.

Children's Literature

In this almost cradle-to-grave biography of England's King George III, Fritz transforms him from a historic figure into a human being. The title is somewhat misleading, as the book deals very little with the American Revolution. It is entirely set in England and focused on King George III. The lively text includes plenty of amusing, personality-revealing anecdotes from his childhood, when he had no reason to believe he would ever be king, to the period in his reign when the American Colonies rebelled. At this point, Fritz gradually darkens the tone so that readers can understand and empathize with the problems, sorrows and stresses the king faces. dePaola's humorous illustrations alternate between black and white and a palate of muted purple and gold colors, expressively expanding points in the text from King George's early days to his waning years as the monarch who lost the American colonies. This reissue of the 1996 title (which was a reissue of the 1977 original) sports a new cover illustration by David Small. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich