Friends and Rivals

By Tuula Pere

March 24^th, 2024

Friends and Rivals

A story of two princes – Victor and Otto – who are constantly competing with each other. They both want to rule the kingdom, but there is only one throne at the castle. The best friends become enemies, and one prince ends up locked in the dungeon.

Can anyone help to restore peace to the kingdom?

Written by Tuula Pere

Illustrations by Iva Dukić

Published by Wickwick in 2024

ISBN 978-952-82-0013-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN 978-952-82-0014-7 (Softcover)
ISBN 978-952-82-0015-4 (Softcover, Premium Color)
ISBN 978-952-82-0016-1 (ePub)

42 pages (33 numbered pages)

Awards and Reviews

"Why are we always surprised when Tuula Pere produces another instant classic after another? Time and time again, Pere pleasantly surprises us with outside-the-box, captivating plots that go above and beyond the scope of most children's books.

Friends and Rivals is a truly extraordinary, complex, yet incredibly concise children's book about two brothers—former best-friends—who end up on separate sides of a conflict caused by a hunger and thirst for power (as well as unspoken misunderstandings)."

—Outstanding Creator Awards

Outstanding Creator Awards, Best Children's Books Summer 2024, 1st Place

"Pere and Dukić’s collaboration results in a book that is a delightful read and a source of valuable life lessons. Friends and Rivals transcends mere storytelling by weaving in a fundamental lesson about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pere’s narrative, through the actions of a kind-hearted child, not only reunites the estranged brothers but also rekindles their lost friendship. This aspect of the tale, along with the gentle infusion of magical elements, makes the book particularly appealing to children. Meanwhile, educators and parents will find ample material within the story for meaningful discussions with young readers."

—Literary Titan

Literary Titan Gold Award

"Tuula Pere’s picture book, Friends and Rivals, is a clever take on the biblical story of the prodigal son. The author addresses the issue of greed and sibling rivalry in a story of wealth and royal power. The language is simple to help young readers follow along. The illustrations by Iva Dukic are spectacular: bright, bold, and colorful – full of life and vigor. The plot begins with the young princes and their competitiveness and progresses through the taking over of the throne and the saddening decline of life in the kingdom as the princes forget the reason for their feud. Young readers will be riveted by the story to the very end and they’ll be cheering on the little boy who comes between the princes to set things right. A touching, engaging, and educational story about morals."

—Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers's Favorite

Readers' Favorite 5 Stars

Illustrations by Iva Dukić

Other Languages

Ystävät ja viholliset (Finnish)

Nuoret prinssit Victor ja Otto kilpailevat jatkuvasti keskenään. Palatsissa on vain yksi valtaistuin, jolle kumpikin haluaa nousta aikuisena. Lopulta parhaista leikkikavereista tulee keskenään vihollisia, ja toinen prinssi päätyy vankityrmään.