Reviews (1)

Good Picture Book Of Her Life
This is a picture book of Princess Diana's life. It has very good pictures from the time she was little till her funeral. The pictures are beautiful and show the very important events in her life. It is like a scrapbook of her life. I enjoy reading it and looking at the pictures very much and I am positively sure that everyone would, too! ... Read more

Book Description

You're invited on a guided tour of a medieval castle: over thedrawbridge, through the courtyard, past the dark dungeon, down the bustling banquet hall, and into the private living chambers. Along the way, you'll meet some peasants, court jesters, knights, and nobles. And watch how the lord protects his castle when invaders attack! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The complete Disney Princess stories, chapter by chapter
This has been a GREAT book for us! We got it for our 4 year old daughter for Christmas and now, 2 months later we are STILL reading at least 1 chapter at naptime and 2 chapters at bedtime EVERYDAY! I can speak for my daughter and most of her 4 year old girlfriends: They are SOOOO into the Disney Princesses--the pictures in this book are FABULOUS; while the stories are complete (identical to the movies). We don't let our daughter watch the movies (she is SUPERSENSITIVE to scary stuff) and yet the stories give a vivid picture (while allowing us to edit out the more graphic words as needed: i.e. "kill, die, etc.). On those nites when the "fearsome fours" are intense, she even tells us to skip over the pages with the witches or tells us not to say "Malificent,...because I may have nitemares." I cannot recommend this book more highly as it has ALL the princess stories, beautiful pictures and will be a keepsake to pass on for generations!

Great Introduction to "longer" stories for little ones.
Most of the stories in this book are about 100 pages long. For each page of text there is a beautiful, Disney-worthy illustration. The stories are the classic triumphs of good over evil that the Disney generations grew up with.

The stories are split into chapters, which is a nice introduction to longer stories for little ones. I thought that my three year old might be too young for this type of book, and that I would save it until she is older. I was wrong.

I am currently working my way through the book with my 3.5 year old. She knows that she will hear one and sometimes two chapters per night, and then have to wait for more. She is very interested in the stories and loves looking at the illustrations.

I can't think of a better way to introduce discussion about "what will happen next" than stories that are divided into chapters. I can't think of a more pleasant bedtime diversion than this book.

Squeaky-clean princesses!!
If you like your fairy tales uncomplicated, this is the book to have. It is a great, sturdy hardcover with beautiful illustrations. There are only six stories, but they are a bit more expanded than they are in "Disney Princess Collection" and they are also broken up into chapters, which is handy for reading out loud. Enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

Sylvie has been a twelve-year-old princess for more than eighty years, ever since the book she lives in was first printed. She's the heroine, and her story is exciting -- but that's the trouble. Her story is always exciting in the same way. Sylvie longs to get away and explore the world outside the confines of her book.

When she breaks the cardinal rule of all storybook characters and looks up at the Reader, Sylvie begins a journey that not even she could have anticipated. And what she accomplishes goes beyond any great good thing she could have imagined... ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Italo Calvino for kids-- original, marvelous, layered tale!
From the opening of this book-- Sylvie lived an intresting life, but she didn't get to live it very often-- the wonderful central subject of what characters in a book do when the book is closed is clearly drawn. I do not think young readers will have any trouble with this concept-- in effect it's no different from wondering what your dolls do when they're not in the room-- and older readers will appreciate the many layers of the book, and the somewhat melancholy depiction of how fast life goes by and how quickly the various Readers age and die, in the "real world." and yet the story is eternal!

I enjoyed this book as a fantasy about Sylvie and her longing for adventure-- I enjoyed the details of having to scramble back into page 3, the rules about not looking UP at the reader, the way the "stage lights" come on when the book is abruptly closed-- the characters who want to behave out of character (the courtly thief, who is far more polite and helpful than he's supposed to be)-- and then, as in the best fantasy, I enjoyed the profound mythic impulse behind it. Claire, the Reader Sylvie first encountered, is desperately trying to save her grandmother. She reopens the book to read it to her grandmother, who was once the "girl with blue eyes" who was the First Reader.

But the exploration of worlds within worlds doesn't stop there. Claire's grandmother does die, but she reappears in Sylvie's world-- beyond the eastern forest-- as the girl with blue eyes. It turns out that beyond the margins of the book is the world of Claire's dreams, and many more characters appear there.

To reveal more would be to lessen the fun for you Readers out there. But I will say finally that the book explores what story means to us, how we see our own realities, how we use stories to connect with our families, and even what it means to Create.

I expected a fun romp with one little gimmick, I got instead a work of philsophy expressed through humor, dialogue and fairy tale-- almost in the tradition of The Little Prince.

Not to be missed by any Reader, of any age.

My Story Regarding this Book:
I was in the bookstore looking for a new Author. As I skimmed the shelves looking for good thick spines, I noticed this small book tucked tightly into the shadows. The spine, as is the case with most spines, did not tell me anything about the book except that it wasn't as thick as I wanted, but I still pryed it out and looked at it. There was a Princess on the cover. A little leary, I decided to read the back and see what the book was about. Sounded interesting then! There was a line that said that the book was lovable from the first page. I decided to try it. Well, I kept turning the pages for a while, just standing there in the isle reading. Then it was time to go. I looked at the book. The Characters were talking about how in the old days they had had many readers and now they just sat on the shelf collecting dust. I looked at the tiny space left between the books on the shelf where I had taken the Great Good Thing from. And I felt guilty putting it back. I did! So I decided to buy it and read it. And I was not disapointed. And I will seak out the sequel.

Interesting Fairytale for All Ages
Sylvie has been a 12-year-old princess in her story THE GREAT GOOD THING since 1917. More than eighty years is a long time to still enjoy telling the story that was once fresh and new, to readers. Yes, her story is exciting, and she's the heroine, but that's where the problem is. Sylvie's story is always exciting, in the same exact way. For once Sylvie wants to get away from her beloved, yet old, story, and to explore the world outside of her book. So Sylvie does something to begin her journey. She breaks the cardinal rule of all storybook characters the world over. She looks up at the reader. By doing that, Sylvie begins a journey that she never expected. One that takes her through all different adventures and terrain, and will help her to accomplish the greatest great good thing imaginable.

I found THE GREAT GOOD THING to be a very interesting fairytale that will be loved by children and adults alike, as the heroine, Sylvie, is so exciting and intelligent. However, the constant switches from Sylvie's storybook adventures, to the subconscious mind of the reader, and her dreams, are something that could easily confuse a small child, as they are quite sudden. Overall this was a fascinating story that will be loved for generations and generations.

Erika Sorocco

Everyone should do "A Great Good Thing"
I have very little time for reading lately, but when my kids both recommended the library book I had casually picked out for them, I settled in for a quick read. I ended up reading the entire, short book before I would budge from the couch. It is an entertaining, imaginative, well-written, beautiful book for all ages.

I plan to give copies of this book for Christmas presents.

Do yourself a favor - use a Saturday afternoon to do "A Great Good Thing".

An interesting idea, but it falls flat...
Most people never thing of what happens after they close a book. Yet, what if the characters were alive, and carried on lives until the next reader opened their story? That's the idea of this tale of Sylvie, a princess who is starting to grow weary of her almost forgotten story. Sylvie ends up being able to escape the book and walk into the newest reader's dreams. The new reader happens to be the granddaughter of the very first reader of the book. However, I found the story to be utterly confusing, boring, and lacking details that could really make it interesting. It was advertised as a YA book, but I doubt it would hold the attention of many, or even young children. ... Read more

Book Description

What was it like to live as a queen in ancient Egypt, or as an Amazon warrior in western Africa? African Princess tells the stories of six remarkable royal women and the eras in which they lived, from 1473 B.C. to the present. Some lived in great luxury; others lived in exile as freedom fighters. The rise of the slave trade and the arrival of European colonists unsettled the entire continent and forced rulers to find ways to govern and protect their kingdoms. Consequently, many of these royal women ruled in extremely difficult times, marked by palace intrigue, foreign invasion, and harrowing adventure. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Every Princess in Training Needs This Book
Both of my goddaughter's LOVED this book! Each had their favorite craft---Your Carriage Awaits allowed Nicole to have the most glamorous bicycle on the block---she was certainly the princess on her custom designed chariot! Nicole was also inspired to have a princess party with her friends! Alexa loved making the Rapunzel hair and couldn't wait to show her dad how fun it was to have cool super-long ribbon hair! This book was so well written--easy to follow instructions and entertaining factoids. Little girls love to play dress up and it's great that there are ideas for all kinds of beautiful princesses---sparkly, glittery fuzzy & more!

Excellent Creative Book for Kids!!!
Princess Crafts celebrates the "modern princess," as it combines classic princess ideas from literature and film with a modern twist for the soon to be independent woman. The creative and fun craft projects (which mostly require simple and easy to obtain supplies) will entertain little girls endlessly (and some adults too). The text, charmingly written by Hauser, is clever and humourous yet consistently provides clear instructions on the projects. Parett's dynamic illustrations and high quality photographs also provide a solid road map for the crafts. Finally, one of the best aspects of this book is that the projects and activities are sure to inspire these young princesses to be creative and crafty beyond the scope of this fantastic and original book for kids.

Princess Crafts
My niece (7 years old) and I had a great time making the crafts in this book and also reading the adorable tips on "princess" etiquette, like "When it comes to mirrors a true princess never pauses too long in front of her own reflection" and "If your prince turns out to be a toad, just throw him back in the water and move on to the next pond". (This is a book for princesses of ALL ages!) The crafts require mainly common household items, so we were able to sit right down and start making costumes and fancy jewelry and all of our royal accessories. She wants to invite her friends over and throw a whole princess party! I recommend this book to any parent or girl. It's well written, with humorous, easy to follow instructions and tips and sweet illustrations.

Brings out the sparkly princess in young and old
This book is fantastic fun meant for young girls, but all ages of girls will embrace their inner princess while looking at the enchanting pictures, reading the cute and clever princess jokes and anecdotes, and trying their princess hands at the practical yet adorable crafts and yummy fun recipes. The crafts in this book are simple tp make with common household items, yet when put together following Elizabeth Hauser's ingenious visions, will produce crafts that will delight any young girl desiring to dress up and feel special, like a....princess. The visuals are catchy and the instructions easy to follow. This is by far, the best princess-themed book out on the market today. Get this for any young girl you know, they are guaranteed to love it! ... Read more

Book Description

She was a queen whose strong will, shrewd diplomacy, religious tolerance and great love for her subjects won the hearts of her people and the admiration of her enemies.

Elizabeth was born into an age of religious strife, in which plots and factions were everywhere and private beliefs could be punished by death. When she became queen, her counselors urged her to marry quickly and turn the responsibilities of governing over to her husband, But she outwitted them by stalling, changing her mind; and playing one side against another, as she steered her country to the glorious era of peace and security that would be called the Elizabethan Age.

Elizabeth's forceful personality, colorful court, and devoted subjects come vividly to life in this stellar picture-book biography. When it was first published, Good Queen Bess was named a Notable Book in the Field of Social Studies, an American Library Association Notable Book, a Booklist Editors' Choice, an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, and an IRA Teachers' Choice.

In this welcome reissue, celebrated author and illustrator Diane Stanley and her husband, Peter Vennema, paint an impressive portrait of the remarkable queen who loved her people so dearly and ruled them so well.

Reviews (5)

Great overview for young people of Queen Elizabeth's life
Diane Stanley's biography of Queen Elizabeth I of England follows the great Queen's life from her father's divorce of Catherine of Aragon, to Elizabeth's death in 1603. Without bogging down in the details of Elizabeth's seventy years, Stanley has created a broad look at the important events in the Queen's life.

Stanley's artwork accurately shows the clothing and styles of the time. Anyone familiar with the portraits of the various members of the royal family will easily recognize them in Stanley's illustrations.

Stanley does an excellent job of taking two very complicated but highly significant subjects, the formation of the Church of England and why Henry VIII desperately wanted a son, and explaining them in a simple enough manner that someone with little or no historical background can understand them. Children will be able to read this biography without becoming lost in the multitude of people in Elizabeth's life, or confused about the meaning of the important events.

Beautiful, historical and perfect for kids
Like all the Diane Stanley books that we have my children and I loved this one. The illustrations are colorful and very fitting for the time. I have always been interested in history and have searched for books that my girls can relate to. The story of Queen Elizabeth is something all children should be familiar with. I think Ms. Stanley has a wonderful way of making history interesting for young readers.

Enchanting Start to a Lifetime Love of History
I first read this book when I was in third grade and I must have checked it out from the library 100 more times. I was fascinated by the beautiful illustrations and by the true story of Elizabeth I. It really got me into history. Now I read 800+ page books about Tudor history and I can't help but think back to the days when i used to recreate the illusrations using my own crayons and muse over every sentence in the book. Starts a lifetime love of history, and for me, an obession with the Tudors. The illustrations are perfect and the content isn't too dumbed down, but it isn't too hard. Recommended for any child who ever wanted to be a princess or ever showed any interest in history.

Literally changed my life
When I was seven years old my mother gave me this book for Christmas. That was nearly nine years ago and I've since become an Elizabethan "buff" I read everything on her I can get my hands on. This is a wonderful book for any kid who has ever shown an intrest in history or being a queen or a king. Superbly adapted for the younger set this well written and engagingly illuatrated book on Elizabeth I's life is historically acurate. And for me anyway what looks like a life long fascination.

This book should be in print!
Many texts used in the Children's Literature classes I have been taking refer to this book. I had to borrow it from my professor because I couldn't even get it from the library. It is a wonderful book and I want to add it to my library. Queen Elizabeth I is made very real for young readers in Diane Stanley's work. I hope to see it on the list of reprints soon. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Once there was a little girl--an orphaned African princess--who narrowly escaped death by human sacrifice in a West African village in 1850. A British sea captain named Frederick E. Forbes saved her life by talking King Gezo of Dahomey into giving the girl to Queen Victoria of England as a gift: "She would be a present from the King of the blacks to the Queen of the Whites." As impossible as this tale sounds, it is a true one. Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers--piecing together her story from letters he found in a rare book and ephemera shop in London--paints a hauntingly detached portrait of the small African princess whom the heroic captain named Sarah Forbes Bonetta.

We follow her charmed but unlucky life as the Queen's protégéethrough a succession of British middle-class households, beginning with the Forbes home. Because of her celebrated association and frequent visits with the Queen, Sarah grows up in an unusual position of privilege, education, and celebrity. On the flip side, she is keenly aware that her decisions are not her own, and as a rescued orphan under the Queen's protection, her life's path is dictated by those acting in what they perceive to be her best interests. It is hard not to feel that it was cruel of her protectors to wrench her (more than once in her life) from the adopted family she adores, and eventually to encourage her to marry a West African businessman whom she clearly stated she could never love, and who would take her away from her adopted country. As the epilogue states, "She was both unfortunate in her losses, and fortunate that those losses were not greater.... She seemed to find a measure of comfort wherever she was, but was destined to be apart from the world in which she lived." This story, rich with historic prints, photographs, newspaper clippings, excerpts from Queen Victoria's diary, and Sarah's letters, is both fascinating and tragic. We have Myers to thank for rescuing this fine woman again--this time from the forgotten shelf of a London bookstore. (Ages 11 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

What I Think!
The book, At Her Majesty's Request was the most wonderful book I've read because it tells the story of how Sarah Bonetta overcomed so many problems. First w/ the horror of watching her parents being killed, and then almost being sacrificed by the slave holders because of who she was and where she lived.Then when she was saved by a white man whom she couldn't even understand becase she spoke a different language.And then soon after that she learned how to speak english and then she became friends w/ the Queen of England, Queen Victoria.So the book to me was very heart-warming and I hope you love the book too! Go Wells Wolverines!

A reader from Dallas, Texas
When deciding to buy some books for my kids in elementary school to read, I was intrigued by the title of this book, and I chose it. Reading this book for me was an exhiliarating experience, and I would highly recommend it. The author tried to do justice to the life and history of this admirable African or should I say Nigerian princess (I am biased here), and for the Yoruba folks, she was an Egbado. Her ancestory can be traced to present day Abeokuta, Nigeria.

This book encapsulates the moving story of an African princess, who escaped death from a wicked king in the present day Republic of Benin (Dahomey) courtesy of a British Naval Captain (Frederick Forbes) during the early part of the 19th century. Captain Forbes brought her to England when she was about 6/7years old, where she had a first taste of the British Aristocrats and became known as Sarah Bonetta Forbes. She then had to be sent to Sierra Leone (West Africa) due to illness, having been thought to be unable to withstand the cold weather. In Sierra Leone, she was an astute student in the Female Institution there, and she maintained contact with Queen Victoria. She also met with the famous First African CMS Bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther. After about 4 years in Sierra Leone and now about 12 years old, Queen Victoria requested that she be sent back to England. She lived in England until she was about 19 years old. Reading her letters and her experience in England, gave me a personal satisfaction, as I had insight into a potential scholar the world did not really get to know. Sarah undoubtedly was an extremely bright kid, and Captain Forbes conceded that she was ahead of her contemporaries including the caucassian kids she schooled with. After much reluctance, she got married to a West African Business man, Mr Davis. Her marriage then took her back the second time to West Africa where she finally settled in Lagos (Nigeria). She lived and lectured here in another Female Institution until she was about 37/38 years, and had 3 children. Her first child Victoria was named after Queen Victoria, who was also her God-mother. Sarah Bonetta Davis as she became known had a tragic end, dying of Tuberculosis on a Portugese Island, where she was sent to recover. I wonder what happened to her husband Mr Davis and her three children. I think any information available on them and subsequent descendants would certainly complete the story. I congratulate the award winning author of this book, Walter Dean Myers for a job well done.

It was ok............................
first of all: I was going to give this book 3.5 stars, but since thats not an option, I figured, why not stretch the truth a little. OK, Now.....This book was OK I guess. It kinda has a hard story line to follow though, cuz one year shes leavin Africa, within 2 years shes goin back, sumtime later she comes back, sumtime she is forced to get married, the she has a kid. Now, doesnt that kind of (emphasis on kind of) sound confusing. Its also definatly a childrens book. I read it in 5th grade and Im decidin to review it now (dont ask).

Why Isn't Hollywood Calling???
If any literary giant needs to have his work adapted to film, it is Myers. As one of the premier writers of fiction for juveniles, the author has added another significant piece to his long line of classics. This one tells the story of a little-known African princess who comes under the wing of England's legendary Queen Victoria.

Not only does the book reveal the horrors of the African slave trade, the atrocities that some tyrants inflict on their enemies, and the class system that pervades much of a "civilized" society, it is a marvelous tale of a girl who overcomes such obstacles and becomes the darling of English society.

Although Sarah's life is brief, it is a memorable one as the character grows from frightened child to a loving mother.
I am recommending that all my students read this book as well as others by Myers. Now, if only someone in "Tinsel Town" would discover this fine author.

I'd much rather see his stories on the big screen than any about a teenaged wizard.

Good book!
I think this is a very well written book. I think that Walter Dean Myers is an amazing writer and that it is great he found this fantastic girl that many have never heard of. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very worthy true story with terrific illustrations
Fay Stanley's very worthy true story, "The Last Princess," is the tale of the life of Princess Ka'ilulani of Hawaii (or "Hawai'i" as it's more correctly spelled throughout the book). The book is illustrated by Fay Stanley's daughter, Diane Stanley, and this mother-daughter team has come up with a captivating and sad true story about a portion of history little of us know anything about.

Princess Ka'iulani was the niece of the king of Hawaii when she was born towards the coming of the 20th century. Great rejoicing attended her birth, as the king himself had no children. By all accounts, Ka'iulani was cheerful, beautiful, polite, kind, intelligent, and more than worthy of taking over the throne when the time came. Unfortunately, Americans intervened and little by little usurped the king's power. By the time Ka'iulani returned to the island after her schooling in England, the Hawaiian islands were an entirely different place--and not for the better.

Ka'iulani appealed to President Grover Cleveland's better nature and although he did his best to help her, upon leaving the White House after his presidency, Ka'iulani now had no American political friends. It was far more in America's interests to annex Hawaii to America than it was to help this charming, serious princess regain her rightful access to the Hawaiian throne.

This is a terrifically absorbing tale. Ka'iulani is presented beautifully by the illustrations, which show different aspects of her personality while always emphasizing her dignity and popularity among the Hawaiian people. The two Stanley ladies have taken a little-known subject and presented it to us with power and handsome decoration, and the end result is highly compelling.

Educational, full of history and culture, nice pictures!
Gives children a real look at the history of Hawaii. A beautiful, sad and true story. Would like to buy a bunch more and give to children for gifts. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

What a relief when the old story-book is republished and the characters who live inside it suddenly discover they have Readers again -- lots of Readers!

Princess Sylvie finds herself rushing to get to her place whenever a new Reader -- whether in Boston or Bangkok -- opens the book. Her mother, the queen, is especially frazzled when the popular story is loaded onto the Web, a weightless, "virtual" world of unforeseen challenges.

To cope with the stress, Sylvie convinces the Writer to add a new character, who gives yoga instruction to the storybook's cast in those moments when they have time off. But stress proves the least of their problems as strange things start happening -- words get changed around, scenes disappear -- and Sylvie and her friends must launch themselves into the labyrinth of cyberspace to confront a twenty-first-century evil that threatens to destroy their world. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Stunning book!
After reading the fabulous The Great Good Thing, I rushed to get this book. I found that Roderick Townley did it again with his second book, Into the Labyrinth. Although it was charming and hard to set down, this book should not be marketed to younger children. This novel would be more of a hit for 11 and up. My 13 year old daughter just started reading it and is already amazed at the creativity. This is a classic for children and adults alike.

Not nearly as good as the first one
After reading and loving "A Great Good Thing," I was hoping for this sequel to be as well-written and charming. I was disappointed. It features the same wonderful characters, princess Sylvie and the "girl with the dark blue eyes," as well as the king and queen and all the other characters, but the plot doesn't hold together nearly as well. The author inserts a new character -- a yoga instructor named Rosetta-- into "the story" as an assistant shepherdess, and all the talk of energy projection lines and finding one's center is way above the heads of its 9-12 audience.

Instead of books and their readers, it tackles the problem of the Internet and its viewers -- that is, "the story" is published online. Instead of a little brother who is a pyromaniac and destroys the book in "A Great Good Thing," it seems to deal with a boy who spreads computer viruses -- but this part isn't very clear.

The story borders more on the zany type of puns and Alice-in Wonderland type plot, -- than than the clever, funny and fantastic but logical and believeable plot devices of the original. Characters from other stories wander into the text. Internet "cookies" look like lemon cookies, but are tasteless. Someone steals the "d's" in one paragraph. Entire lines of dialouge disappear, arrows become roses. Persumably all these thing happen due to a computer virus -- but there is no clear character behind or logical reason for the problems. The book suggests a little boy is to blame, but unlike the clear difficulties in the first book -- escaping a burning book and not being forgotten upon the death of the reader -- the villian is murky and there is not a logical direction to the problems. The mysterious villian is defeated eventually -- but you never do learn how or why the virus happened. And by the end of the book, you don't particulary care. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

smashing anthology
This is a beautifully illustrated anthology of folktales from many cultures. I enjoyed reading it as much as the listener enjoyed hearing it. I did have to tone down some of the stories slightly based on our choices for our preschooler [they are traditional folktales, and sometimes violent, but not more than I was exposed to as a child!] and would not be upsetting to most older children. It is a lovely way to glimpse other cultures and traditions, particularly as the illustrations seem to mesh well with each story and culture. ... Read more

Book Description

Rhymed verses, stunning illustrations, and a fascinating text all come together to form this imaginative story about Queen Elizabeth and her progresses, or journeys, through England's countryside. Ibatoulline's illustrations are not only beautiful colorful works of art, they also tell a story within a story-one about the attempted murder of the queen and about her loyal servants who seek revenge. The main text follows Elizabeth's travels and is filled with anecdotes and historical details.

Perfect for history-lovers, alert readers, and suspense-seekers, this multi-layered picture book reveals something new with each reading.

Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful, Lucious, Clever....Buy It!!!
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever purchased for my daughter! Rich illustrations with clever rhymes and additional text make this a fun but educational adventure with Queen Elizabeth as she goes on "progress" and visits her subjects. Definitely a Caldecott contender!! I have also purchased Celeste Davidson Mannis's other book: "One Leaf Rides The Wind" and was expecting nothing less than excellence (and I was not disappointed).

A published rough draft
Great idea. Bring the Elizabethan period closer by linking it with an alphabet book and factoids that interest children.

Lovely illustrations.

Now the bad part. Embarrassingly lazy rhymes, from the Moody Blues school of songwriting.

G is for garden,
And in it a maze.
Through a tangle of hedgerows
The queen makes her way

(You could have said, To be lost there for days, Making several ways, With their heads in a daze--so many real rhymes would have worked.)

Unfortunately, many of the "rhymes" are like that. They are awkward but could have easily been made right. The meter is also not quite right, which is too bad, because this has so much to offer.

The book would have worked better without the poems, because the pictures and the historical notes are so good.

God Save the Queen!
British history nuts will get a kick out of this book. Fun for all ages! My kids love following the adventures of the little dog that appears on almost every page, and soaking up all the incredible detail that Ibatoulline crammed into his exquisite illustrations. There's a lot going on - a visual feast fit for a...Queen! As a certified Anglophile, I'm fascinated by the narrative at the bottom of each page, and the sometimes sassy, sometimes whimsical verse that moves along the 'story within a story'. Very unusual, very good! God Save the Queen!

A Regal Book
Celest Davidson Mannis and Bagram Ibatoulline combine the genres of alphabet books and historical picture books and take both to new heights.

Each page presents a different letter, with the ornate, scrolly letter taking up most of the page. Clever quatrains about the featured letter are accompanied by a small chunk of text that further explains the significance of what's been described in the quatrain -- for example, X is for xanthus, and though the brief rhymed poem explains what a xanthus is, the prose at the bottom of the page offers historical information that justifies its inclusion in the book.

The illustrations are exquisite. I've been a fan of Ibatoulline's work for some time now, and the pictures in this book are period-perfect, with colors that bring to mind an illuminated manuscript.

It's also fun to go through each picture and try to find the page, the maid, and the dwarf who play important parts in the adventure story that is skillfully woven into the poems and prose.

This book works on so many different levels, older children and adults will find much to learn and enjoy here. ... Read more

Book Description

Beauty must live with the Beast in order to save her father's life.Over time she begins to see beyond the Beast's grotesque exterior and into his beautiful heart. Her love for him reverses a curse and the beast transforms into a handsomeprince. Children will love this 32-page easy reader that features Barbara Lanza's magestic and enchanting watercolor illustrations. It is the perfect book for little princesses everywhere!
... Read more

Book Description

Ever since that tragic night when her mother and guardian were murdered, thirteen-year-old Sarah has been living on her own and searching for the knight who was responsible. Her quest for revenge leads to an even greater adventure when she witnesses Queen Guinevere being
kidnapped. Soon Sarah finds herself accompanying Sir Gawain and Squire Terence on a remarkable journey to rescue the Queen. In their travels they meet, among others, a mystery knight traveling incognito in a dung cart, a faery who becomes Sarah"s first friend in a long time, a reclusive monk who plans to spend the rest of his life building a tomb for Sir Lancelot, and a princess who might have a little more gumption than she appears to.
As the plot thickens, Sarah finds out more about the people she"s met and befriended, as well as about herself.She begins to learn the true consequences of vengeance and what it really means to be a princess. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another great book!!
This was just a wonderful book to read. It didn't feature a lot of the same comedy that the last five by Gerald Morris have, but it was, in my opinion, the best. Young Sarah is on a mission of revenge, which soon lands her in the middle of and adventure she'd never drempt of, including fairies,
kiddnappings, famous knights, and so much more...I wasn't able to put this book down. If you haven't read the first five by Gerald Morris, I would suggest doing that first because this story really seems to bring most of the characters from the last books together, and you may not understand it if you don't know the history of the characters, but if you have read the last five, then this is a must-read! This one was definitely good enough to top it all off, but I really do hope that Mr. Morris will write more books. Five stars, hands down. Just a fabulous book. ... Read more

Book Description

This sparkling title features stories by renowned children"s authors, including Joan Aiken, Virginia Haviland, Eleanor Farjeon, and Vivian French. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Royal Fun for Everyone
These original fairy tales and retellings of old favorites, of course, all star princesses, but most of them are different from the classics. For example, there's a princess who loves to wrestle and drive forklift trucks, a nasty princess who's a witch, a princess who's been turned into a mouse, and so on. My personal favorite is "Petronella". She's the only princess her kingdom has ever had, and she decides to go out on a quest for a prince just as the princes have traditionally quested for princesses. "The Terribly Plain Princess" who likes to garden is wonderful as well. All thirteen of these stories are great for 3rd to 5th graders to read by themselves, or for younger kids to listen to. Older girls will appreciate the stories, too, especially the ones that emphasize not being a damsel in distress. The stories include: "The Princess and the Frog", "The Princess's Handkerchiefs", "Mousey and Sulky Puss", "The Wrestling Princess", "The Terribly Plain Princess", "The Twelve Dancing Princesses", "The Spider in the Bath", "The Seventh Princess", "The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood", "Petronella", "The Princess Who Met the North Wind", "The Cat-King's Daughter", and "The Princess and the Pea". ... Read more

Book Description

So begins this imaginative and breathtaking retelling of the myth of the man with the golden touch. When a mysterious stranger offers to reward Midas for a kindness, the king does not hesitate: He wishes that all he touches would turn to gold. To his delight, his wish is granted and he soon sets about transforming his ordinary palace into a place of golden beauty. But to his dismay, when he accidentally turns his beloved daughter into a golden statue, Midas learns that what at first seems a blessing can also become a curse.

Reviews (6)

Golden Touch
This book was about the famous story of the king who wanted everything he owned to be gold. He was a very greedy king and he did not appreciate what he already had. So one day he got his wish. However the king soon learned that being able to turn things into gold with one touch was not all good. The king ended up turning his young daughter into to gold, and was miserable. He didn't want the golden touch anymore. I like this book because it is humorous way for the child to learn not to take for granted what they already have. The illustrations were also great. The king learns that gold is not the only thing that is valuable. I would use this book to introduce the importance of family and friends and how some people believe that money is the only thing that can bring happiness.

GOLD! GLORIOUS GOLD!
This book is golden. The pages just shine with color. The age-old story is here, but with stunning illustrations.

I've sent this to my much younger sisters and they loved it! It's on the top shelf of their bookshelf in a special place. You won't toss this one on the floor. I bought another copy for myself. I can't wait to read it to my own children.

When you browse subjects, go under children's books and you can search for authors and illustrators. Anything illustrated by K.Y. Craft is a keeper. i.e. Twelve Dancing Princesses, Cupid and Psyche, and Pegasus.

Breathtaking artwork enhances a classic tale
"King Midas and the Golden Touch," retold by Charlotte Craft with illustrations by K.Y. Craft, is an outstanding version of a classic tale. Although you may have read or seen versions of this story before, this book is truly special.

The story of King Midas, who gains the power to turn anything he touches to gold, is a tale with an important lesson. The story teaches us to not be greedy, and to treasure the people and things that we take for granted. These are important ideas for both children and adults. Charlotte Craft presents this story in straightforward, yet elegant language. A typical line: "The roses glistened with the morning dew, and their scent gently perfumed the air."

But it is Kinuko Y. Craft's breathtaking artwork that really brings magic to this collaboration. Each illustration looks like a classic painting by an old master--lovingly detailed and alive with rich colors. K.Y. Craft's realistic portrayals of people, animals, and plants are an effective complement to the fantasy elements of the story. This book is both a timeless tale and a stunning work of art.

A TRUE TREASURE
What a lovely book! My daughter and I were both delighted with the story, but what makes this book special are the intricate,lovely illustrations. This book belongs in every childs library!

beautifully written and illustrated
This book is a must have in a childs library! My chidren, especially my daughter, was entranced and delighted with this book. She literally lost herself in the lovely, rich illustrations, and hung on every word as I read to her. This is the perfect gift book! ... Read more