Leonce and Lena

Gr 3–6—It is rare that a theatrical tale comes to life for children quite like it does in this beautiful retelling of a German classic. Though they've never met, Leonce, Prince of Popo, and Lena, Princess of Pipi, are predestined to be united in an arranged marriage. Overwhelmed by their lack of personal freedom in their decision of whom to marry, Leonce and Lena escape separately to Italy before the wedding takes place, but in a chance encounter and a case of mistaken identity, they meet and fall in love anyway. Meanwhile, the kingdom mourns their disappearances The King demands a wedding nevertheless, and suddenly two young people are presented at the altar wearing masks. When their identities are finally revealed, Leonce and Lena are pleased to find each other at the altar after all, and the entire kingdom rejoices at this happy event of fate and coincidence. Written in a clear, concise, and easy-to-follow script form, this wonderful book serves as an introduction to theater for elementary students. The intricate, colorful artwork enhances the transitions from scene to scene, and a helpful history of the original play is given in the final pages of the book. This exceptional adaptation for children and its underlying messages about freedom, choice, and power would serve as an introduction to social themes.—Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library