The Queen Series

By Hilary McKay

A wilful young queen, a royal donkey and palace chaos in two comic fairy tales.

humorous · lighthearted · charming

What is The Queen series by Hilary McKay about?

First published in 1996, Hilary McKay’s two-book Queen series follows a ten-year-old monarch whose palace life is anything but orderly. In Happy and Glorious, an overlooked birthday and an unexpected wish for a donkey set off royal complications. Practically Perfect moves on to a bored, accident-prone Queen, a troublesome poet and an increasingly determined court seeking a suitable prince. With absurd situations, playful fairy-tale logic and warm-hearted independence, the series suits readers aged 7–9. Mild slapstick, injury and comic peril appear.

Genres

Humour

About the author

Hilary McKay is a much-loved British author who writes funny and heartwarming stories for children. She is best known for her Casson Family books, including 'Saffy's Angel', which won the Whitbread Children's Book Award. Hilary's stories often feature lively families, clever pets, and adventures that will make you laugh and think.

All the books in The Queen series (in order)

Happy and Glorious

by Hilary McKay

Book 1 of 2

The Queen wants a donkey, but her birthday search takes a surprising turn.

Practically Perfect

by Hilary McKay

Book 2 of 2

Can the Ladies-in-Waiting find a practically perfect prince before palace chaos worsens?

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