Three Royal Monkeys

In The Three Royal Monkeys, Walter de la Mare weaves a magical and deeply poetic fable that captures the innocence, wonder, and mystery of the imagination. First published in 1910, this enchanting tale follows three young monkeys — the children of the exiled royal family of their kind — on a perilous quest to reclaim their lost kingdom. Along their journey through lush forests, hidden valleys, and the haunting landscapes of de la Mare's imagination, they encounter strange creatures, wise hermits, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow. Though written for younger readers, the novel resonates with the dreamlike lyricism and philosophical depth that made de la Mare one of the great stylists of English literature. Beneath its whimsical surface lies a meditation on courage, loyalty, and the mysterious workings of fate. His delicate prose and vivid imagery transform the animals' adventure into a symbolic odyssey — a reflection on the endurance of hope and the search for one's rightful place in the world. The Three Royal Monkeys stands as one of de la Mare's earliest and most imaginative works, foreshadowing the poetic vision that would later define Peacock Pie and Memoirs of a Midget. At once fairy tale, allegory, and adventure story, it remains a timeless treasure of children's literature — one that speaks as powerfully to adults as to the young, reminding readers that even in exile, the spirit of royalty endures.