The Princess and the Pea

PreS-K–A retelling of the classic text revealing the test of a true princess. A lonely prince journeys far and wide searching for a bride, but comes home alone and disenchanted. Then one rainy night, a self-proclaimed princess knocks on the palace door. The queen decides to test the young woman’s honesty by placing a pea under 20 mattresses with 20 quilts on her bed. The next morning, when the girl proclaims how horribly she slept, the couple is married, for only a true princess could be so sensitive as to feel the pea. Dusíková’s pleasing illustrations of the countryside and royal court breathe new life into a well-told tale. Lovely pastels enhance the 18th-century-like setting and dress. The addition of two well-placed cats and touches of humor add to the delight. A gentle, gratifying addition to fairy-tale collections.–C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY