Customer Reviews

The Very Smart Pea and the Princess-to-be

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As the mother of a two-year-old, I am delighted when I find a book that both of us enjoy reading, since books get read over and over. This is one of those delightful books that we share.

The storyline is clever: the tale of the princess and the pea, as told from the pea's perspective. We learn about a prince who just can't seem to find the right princess (even when threatened with having his allowance withheld), the very polite princesses who sleep like babies on the multiple-mattressed bed, the pea's resolution to "do something!" and what comes of it.

The charming illustrations add to the attraction: vegetables of various sorts adorn the walls; even the queen's eyes are made of peas; and the front and back inside covers detail the "before" and "after" scenes in the palace garden.

While my daughter enjoys this book at age 2, I know that older children would be delighted, as well. A beginning reader could probably master the text after a few times through with help; in addition, the notion of telling a fairy tale from the perspective of some lesser character is one which could be used as a creative writing exercise in the early grades.

As for me, I will be on the lookout for more gems from Mini Grey!

I recently used this book during my lesson on fractured fairy tales. The students really enjoyed comparing and contrasting this version to the original fairy tale. You know that there are always two sides to every story.

There are some books which are more fun for parents than kids, and this might be one of them. I found this retelling of the tale to be creative, yet oddly uncompelling. If your kids already know the story of the princess and the pea, then this postmodern tale might be amusing. I'm not a big fan of the traditional princess-marries-the-prince fairy tale, but this one didn't cut it for me or my kids. Since some reviewers seem to love it, I suggest you check it out of the library first to see what you think.

I died laughing reading this book, it was absolutely darling. The pea is a very smart one, having undertaken the task of making a princess seem acceptable for the queen, and when the pea learns of the woman's identity, he is very surprised! As will you be.

A lovely tale for male or females, this book has enchanting illustration that draw the reader in to the plight of the pea.

This whimsical remaking of the original Princess and the Pea story is told in a modern day matter-of-fact sort of prose. The pea narrates this book in the first person. The illustrations are quite charming and overall, this is an engaging and entertaining book.

DeeDee Fox, author and illustrator, The Ruby Red Slippers

This book is beautifully illustrated, and is a very gentle, loving look at relationships and being true to yourself.

This book has the possibility to be a great read for children who like turn about fairy tales. Lots of chances to enlarge on humor but it had more pic's than substance. Hoping it would be as funny a read like the Nick Page story books. Story line is too predictable.
savanna