5 Year Old KEMO's favorite book:
The King with Six Friends
(Well... I'm not 5 anymore and it's STILL one of my favorite books)
My love affair for books AND reading started at an early age thanks to my mom and grandmother. They had me signed up for all sorts of various Book Clubs like: Parents Magazine Press, Golden Press & Disney. So at a very young age I began accumulating quite the little library in the room that I shared with my brother. I absolutely loved every book,BUT of all the books I had-THIS is the one that left the biggest mark on my psyche at age 5. So much so, that I spent a good portion of my adult life searching for it...all I can say is, "Thank God for eBay!" I was finally able to track down a mint condition of this children's book that hadn't been destroyed or defaced in any way ( my brother states that I colored in our copy- but I claim he did because he's 3 years younger and I have no memory of ever defacing a book in my life.), Anyway, when I won the auction for a mint copy of this 50 year old book I nearly shit myself. It arrived 7 days later and I must have read that book over a dozen times staring at the illustrations over and over again. Those pictures immediately brought me back to my bedroom when I was 5 years old!
I decided to share this GEM of a book, I scanned it for you - and I'll probably go to internet jail for doing it, but I don't care, you need to see these illustrations because they're amazing.I've also included my short book report for your enjoyment:
The King With Six Friends is one of those fairy tales that starts with a king losing absolutely everything, which, if we're being honest, is a pretty rough first chapter. Young King Zar is forced out into the world with little more than determination and a talent for making surprisingly useful friends. And these aren't ordinary traveling companions. Each one has an outrageous, almost superhero-level ability that sounds ridiculous until it's exactly what's needed to survive the next impossible challenge.
What makes the story so much fun is that nobody wins by being the biggest or loudest. Every obstacle requires a different talent, and every friend gets a chance to save the day. It feels like a medieval fantasy assembled by someone who understood that the best adventure stories are really about teamwork disguised as magic.
Jay Williams fills the tale with wit, clever twists, and the timeless rhythm of a classic folktale, while Imero Gobbato's gorgeous illustrations make every castle, forest, and larger-than-life character feel like they've stepped out of an old storybook. It's a charming reminder that even a king can't accomplish much alone, but with the right friends, almost anything becomes possible.
EDGE (not the guitarist from U2), always looked like George Washington's younger brother to me.
AGUS, the Elephant man looked like a weird fat clown to me...and his beady little eyes always freaked me out.
I always thought ZAR was cool as shit-he could turn into a snake!
FURZE, the tree dude looked like some sort of 'lint goblin' to me...and for some reason I always stared at his feet... for some fucking reason.
LOVE this illustration. I always thought this picture of DUMBLE was cool as shit-I wanted an action figure/toy of him.
This picture of KINDLE in the book was my absolute favorite for some reason...I would stare at it for what seemed like hours, like a mental patient.
I always loved how the bees were stinging the guards toes..
and the top of the guard's head.
I HATED this 'mushy stuff' in the story...5 year old me didn't need any of this kissing crap in his book.
THE END
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did
Now a little bit of info on the gentlemen who made this book possible:
Jay Williams (1914 to 1978) was a celebrated American children's author whose imaginative stories have delighted young readers for generations. Best known for blending fantasy, adventure, science, and humor, Williams created memorable characters and exciting plots that encouraged children to think creatively, solve problems, and embrace curiosity.
Williams began writing during the mid-twentieth century and quickly gained recognition for his engaging storytelling style. He had a remarkable talent for making extraordinary adventures feel believable, whether his characters were exploring magical kingdoms, traveling through time, or experimenting with incredible inventions. His books often featured ordinary children who found themselves in extraordinary situations, relying on intelligence, courage, and teamwork to overcome challenges.
One of Williams's greatest successes was the popular Danny Dunn series, which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. The books follow the adventures of Danny Dunn, an inventive boy whose scientific curiosity leads to exciting discoveries and unexpected adventures. The series introduced young readers to scientific ideas through entertaining stories filled with humor and imagination, making learning both accessible and enjoyable.
Williams was also highly regarded for his fantasy writing. His classic collection, The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales, reimagines traditional fairy tales by giving familiar characters fresh personalities and modern sensibilities. Rather than waiting to be rescued, many of his heroes and heroines solve problems through clever thinking, determination, and kindness. The collection remains popular for its witty storytelling and its playful twists on classic fairy tale conventions.
Throughout his career, Williams wrote dozens of books for children, including original fantasy novels, retellings of folklore, and historical adventures. His stories are known for their lively dialogue, memorable characters, and imaginative settings, making them appealing to both independent readers and families reading together.
Jay Williams passed away in 1978, but his books continue to be read and cherished around the world. His ability to combine excitement, humor, and meaningful lessons has earned him a lasting place among the most respected authors of classic children's literature. Today, his works remain favorites in homes, schools, and libraries, inspiring new generations of readers to discover the joy of imagination and adventure.
Imero Gobbato (1923 to 2010) was an Italian-born illustrator, painter, designer, and storyteller whose richly detailed artwork brought wonder and imagination to children's books for more than half a century. Born in Milan, Italy, Gobbato studied at the Liceo Artistico in Milan and later at the Istituto d'Arte in Venice, where he developed exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and theatrical design. His classical artistic training gave his illustrations a timeless quality, combining realistic detail with a dreamlike sense of fantasy. After World War II, he traveled extensively through South America before eventually settling in the United States, where he built a distinguished career as both a fine artist and children's book illustrator.
Gobbato illustrated numerous books for young readers, earning praise for his expressive characters, luminous colors, and beautifully crafted fantasy landscapes. His illustrations invited children into magical worlds while remaining grounded in warmth and humanity. Rather than overwhelming a story, his artwork complemented the text, adding emotion, movement, and visual storytelling that encouraged readers to linger over every page.
One of Gobbato's best-known collaborations was The King With Six Friends (1968), written by children's author Jay Williams. The fairy tale follows the adventures of the young King Zar, who loses his kingdom and sets out into the world to find his fortune. Along his journey he befriends six extraordinary companions, each possessing a remarkable ability that ultimately helps him reclaim his future. Gobbato's enchanting illustrations perfectly capture the story's blend of humor, adventure, and magic. His elegant depictions of medieval castles, forests, and memorable characters give the classic folktale atmosphere a distinctive visual identity, helping make the book a favorite of generations of readers. The book was first published in 1968 and has since been reissued for new audiences, a testament to the enduring appeal of both Williams's storytelling and Gobbato's artwork.
Beyond children's books, Gobbato enjoyed a remarkably varied artistic career. He worked as a painter, art restorer, theatrical set designer, musician, and even a naval architect. Later in life, he became well known for his luminous paintings of the coast of Maine, where he lived for many years in Camden. He also devoted years to creating Humbravana, an elaborate imaginary world filled with original artwork, stories, music, and characters that reflected his boundless imagination and lifelong love of storytelling.
Imero Gobbato passed away in 2010, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy. Whether illustrating fairy tales, painting coastal landscapes, or creating entirely new fantasy worlds, his work continues to inspire readers and artists alike. His illustrations for The King With Six Friends remain among his most beloved achievements, demonstrating his unique ability to transform words into unforgettable images filled with beauty, warmth, and wonder.
LATER!
