The King Has Goat Ears

Reach for this book when your child is acting out or seems unusually anxious because they are hiding a mistake or a secret they think is shameful. This charming adaptation of a Serbian folktale follows a king with a physical secret (goat ears) and the barber who struggles to keep it. It masterfully illustrates how keeping a secret can make someone feel physically ill, and how the truth has a way of coming out eventually, often with a sense of relief rather than disaster. While the king's secret is humorous, the emotional weight the barber feels is very real. It provides a safe, low-stakes way to discuss honesty and the physical sensation of worry. It is perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who are beginning to navigate the social complexities of privacy, gossip, and the difference between a fun surprise and a heavy burden.