We are so excited that Catherine Emmett’s beautiful, touching picture book, King of the Swamp, hits shelves today published by Simon & Schuster Children’s.

Featuring stunning illustrations from Ben Mantle, the book has the lovable McDarkly as its protagonist, whose swamp is invaded by an arrogant King…

McDarkly lives quietly all on his own, growing orchids in his dank swamp, until one day his peace is disturbed by an arrogant king who wants to turn the swamp into a roller-skate park.

McDarkly has ten days to prove that the swamp isn’t damp and dark, but an enchanted world.

Can he do it, or will he risk losing his home forever?

The gorgeous cover was revealed with this stunning animation:

Catherine Emmett grew up in Newcastle and was an avid reader from a young age. She spent 14 years working in an office before deciding to follow her passion and write picture books. Catherine now lives in rural Essex with her husband and three sons and is a full-time writer.

We are so excited for this beautiful book to be out in the world.