by Vivian French (Author) Angela Barrett (Illustrator)
Stunning illustrations enhance a deft retelling of this classic tale of a king, a queen, a princess, legions of suitors, and a treasure hidden in plain sight.
Once upon a time, a king and a queen promise to marry their daughter to the young man who can show them the most wonderful thing in the world. Suitors arrive at the palace, one after the other, with elaborate gifts of jewels, inventions, and even mythical beasts, but nothing feels quite right to the overwhelmed majesties. It is only when a shy young man, who isn't a suitor at all, steps forward that the king and queen finally understand what the most wonderful thing in the world actually is.
Vivian French's touching fairy tale is made all the more enchanting by the many subtle surprises included in Angela Barrett's exquisite illustrations.
WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Lightly wraps the love of family as the center of life in a silken gown of word and image, with a playful undercurrent of both whimsy and irony.
Based on a story Barrett loved in childhood, this tale is retold and illustrated with considerable grace.
In "a city of sky-blue water and golden bridges," an overprotective king and queen ponder their sheltered daughter's future. They feel Princess Lucia will require a partner when she inherits the land, so they write to Wise Old Angelo and ask how to "find a suitable husband." Angelo types a letter and sends his grandson, Salvatore, to deliver it; he advises the royals to choose "the young man who can show you the most wonderful thing in the world." Lucia, meanwhile, steps outside the palace and asks the first person she meets--Salvatore--to show her around the city. While would-be suitors showcase "acrobats and airships, pyramids and performing dogs, mysterious magical beasts and a piece of frozen sky," Lucia strolls in sun-drenched piazzas and along Italianate canals with the courtly Salvatore. Though French (the Tales from the Five Kingdoms series) never reveals why Lucia fails to share her identity with Salvatore, Barrett (The Night Fairy) conjures a magical mood, picturing fantasies and modern marvels in jewel-like watercolor vignettes, and a peaceful ambience reigns as Lucia and Salvatore elegantly solve Angelo's puzzle. A mellifluous fairy tale, drenched in Edwardian splendor. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)
Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Gr 2-4--A king and his queen are hoping to make a good marriage for their daughter and take the advice of a local sage who tells them the successful suitor should show them "the most wonderful thing in the world." In comes a procession of the weird and wonderful...mermaids, pyramids, even "a piece of frozen sky." Meanwhile, the princess is with the sage's grandson, exploring the kingdom she will inherit. He has fallen in love with her and makes his own offering; he shows the king and queen the most wonderful thing in the world-- their own daughter. French's lyrical narrative tells a simple story well. Barrett's watercolor drawings have the requisite detail to make this a story to pore over, and circulation among the princess- and fairy tale-loving crowd is guaranteed. VERDICT A lovely choice for large collections.--Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence, RI
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.