From School Library Journal
Grade K-3-Persian, Chinese, Iroquois, and other cultures from around the world are represented in this collection. Only two of the seven tales are readily available elsewhere-"The Princess and the Pea," which opens the book, and "The Sleeping Beauty," which closes it. None of the retellings are particularly inspired and a number include rhymed couplets that interrupt the flow of the story. Most of these women and girls are not particularly likable; they are spoiled, self-centered, and dependent. Only the Persian princess shows any self-reliance. Colorful full-paged and spot illustrations decorate the book but do not enhance it. The origin of each tale is noted under the title but the author's source notes are personal rather than descriptive. For a better collection on the same topic, try Shirley Climo's A Treasury of Princesses (HarperCollins, 1996).Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los AngelesCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

SYNOPSIS

As young readers share their adventures, they will find that the princesses of folk tales are often challenged in many surprising and unexpected ways as they grow up. Some are rich, others poor; some are clever and kind while others are mean -- but all of them find themselves in situations which require them to be extremely resourceful or to discover new qualities within themselves if they are to discover happiness.

This collection contains some much-loved favorites, including "The Princess and the Pea" from Denmark and "The Sleeping Beauty" from Germany, as well as some less familiar tales such as "The Beggar Princess" from China and "The Horned Snake's Wife" from the Iroquois of North America. Caitl￯﾿ﾽn Matthews' wonderful retellings are beautifully complemented by the lavish illustrations of Irish artist Olwyn Whelan.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Princess stories appear in many cultures, and Matthews has provided her retelling of seven of the better-known tales. For instance, the book includes "The Princess and the Pea," based on Hans Christian Andersen's version, but as noted in the sources for the stories, this is a folk story that is found all around the world. "The Mountain Princess" is a Persian tale better known to the world through the opera version, Turandot. Other tales come from Africa, Native America, and Europe. What sets these stories apart from other versions is the wonderful storytelling voice of Matthews. These are tales that parents and teachers can read aloud and ones that will delight attentive audiences. The brightly painted folk art from Whelan has a familiar look, but the images transport readers to the locale of each story and depict the unique details of setting, costumes, and faces.

School Library Journal