Twice Upon a Marigold [Paperback]

Jean Ferris (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Since Queen Olympia's fateful fall into the river, newlyweds Christian and Marigold have been living happily ever after. And they had every intention of keeping it that way--until they find out that Olympia may not be as gone as they thought. Turns out Olympia is alive and well in a faraway village, having lost her memory after her ill-timed tumble. But one day she awakes and remembers her previous glory as queen. Accompanied by Lazy Susan (Sleeping Beauty's slacker sister) and Stan Lucasa (a gentleman with a surprising destiny), Olympia returns, determined to take back the kingdom. Yet, thanks to a cast of familiar characters, grabbing the throne may not be as easy as Olympia thinks!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—This sequel to Ferris's beloved Once upon a Marigold (Harcourt, 2002) shifts its focus from Christian and Marigold to one of the less-savory characters. At the end of the first book, the evil-plotting Queen Olympia falls into a river, allowing everyone else to live happily ever after. Now, she has arrived downstream in Granolah and, suffering from amnesia, starts a new life as "Angie." It's only when she snaps out of it and wants her throne back that trouble starts. With her friends as her companions, she treks back to Beaurivage, resumes her reign, and jails King Swithbert and Ed, the troll who raised Christian. When Marigold realizes what has happened, she cooks up a plan with Christian, her father, and Ed. But just as they've deposed the queen, Olympia turns back into Angie. Realizing they're much better off with Angie, they bring in a wizard to rid her body of any traces of Olympia, and the whole kingdom returns to its happily-ever-after mode. In focusing on Olympia and introducing a plethora of new minor characters, Ferris moves away from what was so endearing about the first book: Marigold and Christian. Throughout this one, they are settling into marriage and bickering, which becomes monotonous. Still, the sequel shines in its more witty moments, as when Marigold discovers knock-knock jokes. Fans of the first title will surely want to read this novel, but it does not stand alone.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Not many novels based on the fairy-tale tradition extend beyond the conventional happy ending, but Once upon a Marigold (2002) was never a conventional example of the genre. In this sequel, which takes place one year later, young Queen Marigold and King Christian of Zandelphia are having a minor quarrel when they are suddenly united by a common enemy. Marigold’s mother, wicked Queen Olympia, has returned to the neighboring kingdom to the despair of her subjects and her family. Although violence isn’t the whole answer to overthrowing Olympia, it never hurts to have the palace guards on your side or, for that matter, a wizard’s elephant with an unconventional cure for disagreeableness. Appealing new characters and fresh plot twists give this sequel a life of its own, though fans of the earlier book will enjoy the continuation of its story line, wry humor, and offbeat sense of fun. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; Reprint edition (April 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152066926
• ISBN-13: 978-0152066925
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,449 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Royalty

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tale, wonderful lessons, May 10, 2008

By 

Greg Barrett "Journalist. Author. Former News... (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Twice Upon a Marigold (Hardcover)

I like to read what my children are reading because it gives us common ground for conversation and I like to know what's on their minds. Sometimes this can be tedious, i.e. reading fiction written for primary school kids.

The Marigold series is not a tedious task for me. I thoroughly enjoy the engaging, witty writing, and the subtle lessons that resonate from the narratives are good seeds to plant. I highly recommend these books. Children and adults will enjoy them.

My 10-year-old son has long been an avid reader, but with the Marigold series he briefly gave up his MP3 player during the morning ride to school. He read instead.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great sequal!, May 27, 2008

By 

Emily A. Sheridan "Emily Sheridan" (Coshocton, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twice Upon a Marigold (Hardcover)

My students were excited to see a sequal to Once Upon A Marigold! I wish I could buy a whole class set! This is a great addition...hopefully, there will be a 3rd book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, August 29, 2011

By 

stayce1020 (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Twice Upon a Marigold (Paperback)

Twice Upon a Marigold was a great sequel. It makes you want to keep reading to get to the climax of the book. Funny, entertaining, and a great ending to a fairytale story.