Louis IX of France

Imagine being king at just 12 years old! That's what happened to Louis IX. His mom, Queen Blanche, was super smart and helped him rule until he grew up.

Louis loved God a lot and tried to be the best king ever. He was so good that people called him Saint Louis! He was born in Paris, France, a long, long time ago, on April 25, 1214.

He was king for a very long time, until he died on August 25, 1270.

Louis IX wanted everyone in France to be treated fairly. He made new rules so people could ask the king for help if they thought a judge was wrong. He even said no more 'trials by ordeal,' which were like dangerous games to see if someone was guilty.

He also tried to stop fights between powerful lords. He was like a super-powered referee for the whole country, making sure things were just and right for all his people.

King Louis loved his country and his faith so much that he went on two big trips called Crusades. These were like very long, difficult journeys to faraway lands. The first trip was a bit tricky, and he was even captured! The second trip sadly made him very sick, and he died in a place called Tunisia. But even though these trips were tough, they show how much he believed in his promises.

People all over the place thought Louis IX was amazing. He was a brave knight and was really good at talking to people. He was so fair and kind that other countries even asked him to help solve their arguments! He made France stronger and more organized. He was the only king of France to ever become a saint, and all the kings after him were his family!