The Invisible Princess [Paperback]

Faith Ringgold (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2001 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

A stunning and original African American fairy tale set during slavery, from Caldecott Honor artist Faith Ringgold.

When Mama and Papa Love realize they are to have a child, they're astonished to learn she will be a princess who will one day bring freedom to her parents and all the slaves on the plantation. They pray she'll be kept safe from Captain Pepper, the cruel plantation owner. And indeed, at the moment of her birth, a miracle does occur: the Powers of Nature make her invisible, and the Prince of Night whisks her from her mother's arms to safety.

Years later it is Patience, Captain Pepper's blind daughter, who discovers the Invisible Princess. Together, Patience, Mama and Papa Love, and the Powers of Nature help the Invisible Princess realize her destiny of peace, freedom, and love.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A couple who longs for a child; a mysterious "long ago" world of dangerous, unthinkable oppression and resuscitating natural forces; the emergence of a beatific girl child who must be spirited away before the evil antagonist can get her--all of these traditional fairytale plot elements are reinvented with distinction and life in Faith Ringgold's brand new African American "legend" The Invisible Princess.

Most important, the title character in this conflict between a community of slaves and their evil plantation owner is instantly magical, and unforgettable. Born on a thunderous, stormy night, bearing saucer-shaped eyes and a burst of cornrows that extend from her head like sun rays, the enchanted Invisible Princess is so magnificently conceived that it makes the ensuing drama--which becomes almost biblical in its proportions--both gripping and conceptually possible.

Children will instantly agree that the Invisible Princess is a very special young girl, and will care about and identify with her. For that reason they're likely to need significant hand-holding during two sharp turns in the tale: first, when the hero must endure separation from her parents in order to stay protected from the evil Captain Pepper; and second, when Pepper threatens to separate the princess's parents forever. Still, Ringgold's fantastic landscapes stay warm throughout, conveying the stupendous, hard-won resolve and embrace that occurs at story's end. --Jean Lenihan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

For this allegory set in slave times, "Ringgold blends elements of fairy tale and American history in an evocative, if mystifying, picture book," said PW. Ages 6-10.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books (January 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044041735X
• ISBN-13: 978-0440417354
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Faith Ringgold was born in Harlem in 1930. She received a degree in art education from the City College of New York and was an art teacher long before she became a professional artist. She is best known for her 'painted story quilts,' some of which hang in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Tar Beach, RinggoldÕs first book for children, won the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration and was named a Caldecott Honor Book. Ringgold is now a professor of art at the University of California at San Diego. She lives in California and in New Jersey.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Faith Ringgold fans will not be disappointed!, August 1, 2000

By 

Veronica L Hall - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Invisible Princess (Hardcover)

The Invisible Princess is an enchanting 'fairy tale' that draws on African American Slave myths and legends. As always, Ringgold provides fascinating background information at the close of the story. The only character on the plantation who can see the daughter of two slaves, the Invisible Princess, is the plantation owner's blind daughter. He is forced to make a powerful decision that changes his life, and the lives of many people. Creatures and forces of nature are personified utilizing a range of gender and race. Ms. Ringgold's illustrations are in keeping with her unique style, though I've been yearning for another with the quilt motif.