King Mercurio wanted to be a great king, like his father - but he had no idea where to start. Until one day an architect visited him. He decides to build a great palace, much bigger than King Constantin’s palace,  with a dome, a tower and even a flagpole on top. The architect insists with each new addition that the palace is no longer safe, but will the king ever listen? 


  • Highly engaging, illustrated picture book to be read out loud to children aged 6–7

  • Ideal for reading aloud at home with your child

  • Helps expose your child to rich language and curriculum-linked vocabulary 

  • Includes key terms from Art and the topic area of architecture

  • Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools


‘These books are a great start to addressing the wider curriculum and the vocabulary issues that schools are identifying.’ - Assistant Head, Primary Academy


The Bug Club Shared books are highly engaging, beautifully illustrated stories designed to be read out loud to children. The programme exposes children to rich, curriculum-linked vocabulary, helping to build an understanding across school subjects and cultivate a love for reading.