The King's Fountain

Written by Lloyd Alexander
Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

Grade:

1-3

ISBN-13:

978-0525445371

Publisher:

Puffin (1989)

A king, in vanity and with disregard for his people, plans to build a palace fountain that will take the water supply from the people of his kingdom. But, when a poor man hears of it, he knows he must take action to stop it from happening. Thinking that there must be someone better suited to speak to the king than he, the poor man seeks out a learned man with wise words, then a merchant with persuasive manner, and finally a man of strength to face the king. However, he quickly discovers that each one lacks something essential to the mission, and the poor man realizes that only someone who embodies courage, wisdom, and purpose could possibly persuade the king. Unable to find such a person, the poor man goes before the king himself and discovers his own courageous heart, wisdom, and eloquence.