The Arguers

      (May, 2025)

A delightfully preposterous and original fairy tale about a community that forgets how to get along, by the celebrated creator of The Book of Mistakes

The first argument was over a brush and a comb, and which would be better for taking a tangle out of the king’s beard. Next came the argument over letters, and then over spoons . . . until soon they argue all the time, and no one can remember when the arguing had started or over what or by whom. They only knew that they had always argued, and that they did it well. Very, very well.

And so it was that the king and queen decided to hold a contest to choose the best arguer in the land. But what will happen when everyone is so busy arguing that they can’t even hear the queen announce the start of the contest?

“A charming illustrated parable about the absurdity of self-righteousness.”
-Maria Popova, The Marginalian

“Luyken’s storytelling charms with whimsy and dry wit, and her illustrations steal the show with enormous, elaborate hairstyles, bedecked in bows or crowned with oversize hats. The over-the-top
Regency styling, paired with a multiracial cast of characters, delights with Bridgerton-esque appeal. Thoroughly enchanting, without argument.”
-Kirkus Reviews

“An elegant, classic fairy tale…[Luyken’s] drawings combine the prickly energy of Ralph Steadman with the swooping lines of art nouveau style.”
-Publishers Weekly

"There's an other worldly delight to the strange world Luyken has crafted, made wondrous by the vivid, fine-lined illustrations depicting countless arguers in a wonderful sort of Victorian circus fashion, all topped with long, extravagantly styled hairdos. This is art that can be pored over time and time again, and young readers will jump at the chance to argue themselves, prompted or not.
Strangely beautiful."

-Booklist