Singing to the Sun [Hardcover]

Vivian French (Author), Jackie Morris (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Thorfinn s father is obsessed with power while his mother cares only for wealth.
When it is time to choose a bride, Thorfinn decides he must listen to his own heart instead. He seeks the wisdom and experience of his friends, the court jester and the old tabby cat. In which direction will they lead him? Will he chose the princess who promises him wealth, the princess who promises power, or the princess who is full of love and happiness? And, just as important, will that princess chose Thorfinn in return?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–3—Thorfinn's parents don't believe in love; his father's sole interest is power and his mother's, money. Meanwhile, the King of the Golden Mountains has invited the bachelors of the land to determine which of his three daughters brings power, riches, or love to the marriage. The one who guesses correctly will have his choice of a bride and the way of life she embodies. Without delay, Thorfinn's greedy parents send their son to try his luck, hoping for him to win wealth or power. Thorfinn's jester, who journeys with him, helps him solve the mystery of the three princesses. But when Thorfinn chooses the princess of love, she denies him and, anticlimactically, runs off with the jester. This story had much potential, but it suffers from poor execution and an unsatisfying ending. Watercolor illustrations with an old-fashioned fairy-tale feel are detailed and handsome, but often fail to represent key plot elements and emotions in the story. Long-winded text with awkward placement makes the book needlessly difficult to read, even for an adult.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA
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About the Author

Vivian French has written over two hundred books for children.
While she currently lives in Britain, she frequently travels and teaches around the world.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933605944
• ISBN-13: 978-1933605944
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singing to the Sun deserves high praise for its original twist on classic storytelling., September 6, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Singing to the Sun (Hardcover)

Singing to the Sun is a children's picturebook written in the style of a fairytale. A young prince grows up as the heir to powerful father and a wealthy yet greedy mother. When he hears of a life-or-death test posed by a faraway king in return for the hand in marriage of one of his three daughters, he decides to set out and face the challenge that has claimed the lives of so many other contenders. His father urges him to marry the princess who will bring him power; his mother demands that he marry the princess who will bring him wealth. The third princess brings naught but love. With the help of a clever jester, the prince is able to survive the challenge - but which princess will he choose, and will she choose him in return? A fairytale with a most unexpected twist at the end - the prince may not get to marry the princess, but that doesn't mean that the story ends badly for either of them! - Singing to the Sun deserves high praise for its original twist on classic storytelling.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power, Riches, or Happiness, September 6, 2009

By 

Karen Woodworth Roman "Happy Librarian" (DeKalb, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Singing to the Sun (Hardcover)

Singing to the Sun is a Fairy Tale by Vivian French and illustrated by Jackie Morris. The story starts out ordinarily enough. A king who only wants power weds a woman who only loves gold. The poor child they produce is of no use to them until it is time for him to find a bride. The prince goes out to face a challenge for his princess with a jester and a tabby cat. He chooses well with the jester's help, but that's not the end of the story. French's illustrations are lovely, detailed watercolors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Beautiful, February 5, 2009

By 

Portianay "portianay" (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Singing to the Sun (Hardcover)

The cover is eye-catching, beautifully done; each page is rich with perfect illustrations. The story is absolutely RIGHT. I have not read a fairy tale in a long time, perhaps EVER, with such a perfect message. well done, Vivian French and Jackie Morris!