The Great Sun King

A little girl invents the Great Sun King, an imaginary friend who watches over her, listens to her and sends her little rays of light to soothe her fears and grant her wishes. In her world, these luminous companions become reassuring points of reference, accompanying her through life’s small and important moments. But one day, the little kings stop coming… and the girl must learn to draw on her own inner light.

Moving between dream and reality, Mathilde Mélèse sensitively explores the power of imagination, the need to create sources of support as we grow, and the discovery of our own inner strength. Clémence Trossevin’s delicate illustrations illuminate this inner world, where an imaginary friend first becomes a guide and then a source of strength for growing up.

A tender and luminous picture book about the power of imagination

Key selling points:

◊ A universal story about creating an imaginary friend.
◊ Lively and sensitive writing that gives a true voice to the child.
◊ Luminous, detailed gouache illustrations.

Author & Illustrator

Mathilde Mélèse (author)
Mathilde Mélèse is a multidisciplinary artist. Coming from a theatre background, she has performed in and directed notable literary adaptations before going on to collaborate in cinema. Committed to sharing her experience, she has led workshops for a wide range of audiences. Based in Paris, she makes her children’s-book debut with this story, combining narrative with a strong sense of staging.

Clémence Trossevin (illustrator)
Clémence Trossevin comes from the Cévennes and moved to Paris in 2011 to study art history at the École du Louvre. For several years, she has been creating graceful gouache worlds that combine precise drawing with harmonious colours. In 2025, she published Au royaume des ombres: Entre mystère et fascination with Saltimbanques and regularly exhibits her work at the SLOW Galerie in Paris.