King Matt The First

Janusz Korczak was born in 1878 and died in 1942. He was a Polish physician and educator who wrote over twenty books - his fiction was in his time as well known as Peter Pan, and his non-fiction works bore passionate messages of child advocacy. During World War II, the Jewish orphanage he directed was relocated to the Warsaw ghetto. Although Korczak's celebrity afforded him many chances to escape, he refused to abandon the children. He was killed at Treblinka along with the children. His works have not been forgotten, especially by teachers: there are Janusz Korczak societies in over a dozen countries.

"Unforgettable to the last full stop. One of the great classics" -- Michael Morpurgo, Children's Laureate "Janusz Korczak is an important writer... His message is still relevant today, that children matter; indeed that they should be a priority in our culture, because it's only with a child's imagination that grown-ups can begin to conceive a better world" -- Yann Martel, author of 'Life of Pi' "Absolutely wonderful. A gripping and classic entertainment from start to shocking finish. Definitely a book for all ages" -- Matt Haig, author of 'The Last Family in England' "The spirit of Korczak, living on, could make a better world for all humans" Publisher's Weekly "Droll and melancholy, wry and touching, King Matt is a fable that offers a fierce, truthful picture of children struggling to make sense of grown-up nonsense... This small masterpiece is a rare tribute to the psychological depth and marvellous workings of a child's heart and mind" -- Maurice Sendak, author of 'Where the Wild Things Are'