The Cook and The King tells story of a kings quest to find a cook. Little does he know that all his years of privileged are being undone when the new cook shows him how to become independent and cook for himself without realising it. Another beautifully illustrated book that my grandson loved being read to him.

This is a nicely illustrated and well written quick read that young children will definitely enjoy.

There is nothing revolutionary going on here and this isn't one of Julia Donaldson's finest works but none of that really matters when it's a book children will enjoy and will want to read again and again.

This book was great. I read it with my students and they adored it. It made them laugh on just about every page! They loved the bold characters and illustrations to match. Fantastic read!

Written in Julia Donaldson's familiar rhyming style, The Cook and the King is a brilliant story of the hungry king's hunt for a new cook. He dismisses many, many cooks before meeting Wobbly Bob. Wobbly Bob is eager to please in his new chef's whites but afraid of everything. Will he be able to satisfy the king's hunger?
This was a fun story written in a repetitive style which would be great for use with young children to encourage them to join in with story telling. The pictures perfectly reflect the feelings of each character and the words help children to learn what might happen to them when they're afraid of something.
Definitely one I'll be adding to our classroom library.

Julia Donaldson is the best, what else can you say. A lovely story, easy to read with the rhymes and stunning illustrations that brings the story to life. A must for any preschool child.

I read this book with my five year old son, who is already a big fan of the other Julia Donaldson books.

It has the lovely rhyming language that we have come to expect from Julia, and it is a pleasure to read out loud. Plus there were lots of words for my son to say out loud (he is in Reception and learning to read)

The story was a nice spin on other 'royalty' books, with the fussy hungry king taking his prospective chef out on an adventure to find the right ingredients for perfect fish and chips. I found that this was a great talking point with my son. I suggested that he was very much like the king guiding the chef - when he guides his little sister if she is scared.

This is another great Julia Donaldson book, and I'm sure we will read it again and again.

It will only take the adult reading this to their child until halfway to know the real moral behind the story, but rest assured this is such a wonderful book they'd better get used to it, as they'll be reading it more than a few times. I might not have given the artwork itself a full five stars – rather a decent four, with some fun details – but the bounce of the rhyming text and the fun of the simple tale come with timeless appeal.

My nearly 5-year-old was so excited when I showed her the advanced review copy of this title and immediately settled down to read it to the family. This is a lovely little story, much like many of Julia Donaldson's other titles which engage the young mind. Well illustrated to give non-readers something to engage their interest but with language that is accessible to younger readers also, the rhyming line endings engage their mind and enjoyment.
I would definitely recommend this to a Julia Donaldson fan and for Nursery and Primary Schools as well as local libraries. This is a classic of the future.

I might be getting old but I haven’t regressed into children’s story books and one single verb sentences.
Old folk were kids however, some even had the delight of reading to their children and in later life still the joy of sharing books with grandchildren.
Julia Donaldson is a recognised author of children’s stories. The Gruffalo being one most kids know without fail. So we are talking about a writer with some nous and clout. It seems her skills of making up stories has been passed onto her son who recounts his own made up tales at bedtime. The result of all this talent is The Cook and the King. I had not heard of it prior to reading it and I am not aware it is the name of a pub.
It is a marvellously funny and repetitive story that will enthuse and assist children as they listen to the words. They form a familiar rhythm as the story progresses and once you start reading it you almost immediately feel you’ve read it before.
Common words are hungry king, anything, I’m scared and I’ll help you.
As in tales of trying to find a prince for a daughter here the king exhausts the finish cooks in the land. He samples the dishes and none are exactly right. Then he notices a timid fellow in cook’s attire who would love the job but at each turn doesn’t have the confidence or courage to perform even the simplest of tasks.
The poor fellow even gets the king to share perfect meal idea and if he could serve it to the king the prestigious job would surely be his.
What follows is an insight into a modern way of working together; in the process both have fun and I’m guessing the king as never been more content with his monarchy and office.
As with all brilliant children’s books the final words are missing. You will have to listen carefully but a little voice will say “Again.” and if not too tired “Again please.”
A sure winner can’t fail to please and motivate kids to read and learn. Warning before reading this book to a child please obtain the parent/guardian’s permission first.