Overview
The King of the Corn is a children's story by Alexander Paterson Brown, born the same way Betty the Bee was — from a father's love of storytelling, told first at home before it was ever written down. At the heart of this whimsical children's book is a scarecrow: a character who could be any one of us, holding a dream close and waiting for the right moment to see it come true.
Rather than a lesson delivered top-down, the story leans into gentle wisdom and timeless charm — inviting young readers into a world where magic and possibility live in every moment, and where dreams have a way of arriving from the most unexpected places. It's the more imaginative of Brown's two children's books, built specifically for families searching for a children's book about creativity and imagination.
Readers who enjoyed Betty the Bee's warmth but want a story with a bigger imaginative swing often move to this one next.
Why Parents and Kids Both Enjoy It
- A character every child can root for — a scarecrow holding onto a dream, waiting for its moment
- Gentle wisdom, not a heavy-handed lesson — the story trusts kids to feel the message rather than being told it
- Built for read-aloud energy — well suited to classrooms and storytime sessions, not just solo reading
- A natural follow-up to Betty the Bee for families who want more from the same author
Officially recommended for ages 4–8, and works especially well for parents and grandparents who love reading aloud, plus classroom storytime settings.
Sample Excerpt
Out in the field, past where the fence line ended, stood a scarecrow who had never once given up on his dream — not through a single storm, not through a single winter, not through all the seasons that told him to stop hoping...
About the Author
Alexander Paterson Brown grew up navigating boats along the Fraser River and later worked as a commercial salmon fisherman before turning to storytelling. The King of the Corn, like Betty the Bee, began as a story told at home — this one built from a father's belief that a child's imagination knows no limits. He now lives in Statesville, North Carolina, and continues writing whimsical children's stories alongside his poetry.
Read the full author story →Reader Reviews
Reader reviews for The King of the Corn are being collected as the book reaches more readers. Share how your family responded to this story about a scarecrow who dared to dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a magical children's tale about a scarecrow who holds onto a dream and waits for the right moment to see it come true — a story about hope, creativity, and believing in the impossible.
The King of the Corn is by Alexander Paterson Brown, written originally as a story for his own children.
It's recommended for children ages 4–8, and works well for parents and grandparents reading aloud, as well as classroom storytime sessions.
Yes — it's especially well suited to kids who enjoy imaginative, gentle storytelling with a positive message about hope and self-belief.
Yes — The King of the Corn is available now as an ebook on Amazon.
Publication Details
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For inquiries, reader messages, or collaborations, feel free to reach out.
Email: info@alexanderpatersonbrown.com
ADDRESS
ADDRESS: 2506 salisbury highway statesville NC 28677