The Barefoot Book of Princesses (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Olwyn Whelan (Illustrator) "Once upon a time, there was a prince who wanted to marry a princess..." (more)
Key Phrases: wet princess, bright treasures, real princess, Green Jade, Beggar King, Lord Hsu (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade K-3-Persian, Chinese, Iroquois, and other cultures from around the world are represented in this collection. Only two of the seven tales are readily available elsewhere-"The Princess and the Pea," which opens the book, and "The Sleeping Beauty," which closes it. None of the retellings are particularly inspired and a number include rhymed couplets that interrupt the flow of the story. Most of these women and girls are not particularly likable; they are spoiled, self-centered, and dependent. Only the Persian princess shows any self-reliance. Colorful full-paged and spot illustrations decorate the book but do not enhance it. The origin of each tale is noted under the title but the author's source notes are personal rather than descriptive. For a better collection on the same topic, try Shirley Climo's A Treasury of Princesses (HarperCollins, 1996).
Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Matthews come[s] up with treasure.... Whelan's effervescent artwork recalls Jane Ray's in composition, color and use of detail and borders. She tailors her delicate watercolors to each story's country of origin." --Publishers Weekly

"Talking birds, magic red beans and, of course, resourceful heroines, tumbling out from a jaunty, fantastical compendium that reflects sources as various as Scandinavia, China and Persia." --Smithsonian Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 63 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Books (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901223744
• ISBN-13: 978-1901223743
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #782,864 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars smashing anthology, October 26, 2000

By A Customer

This is a beautifully illustrated anthology of folktales from many cultures. I enjoyed reading it as much as the listener enjoyed hearing it. I did have to tone down some of the stories slightly based on our choices for our preschooler [they are traditional folktales, and sometimes violent, but not more than I was exposed to as a child!] and would not be upsetting to most older children. It is a lovely way to glimpse other cultures and traditions, particularly as the illustrations seem to mesh well with each story and culture.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Collection from Around the world, October 17, 2008

By	Bonnie Neely - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Barefoot Book Of Princesses PB w CD (Barefoot Books) (Paperback)

The Barefoot Book of Princesses retold by Richard Walker, Illustrated by Olwyn Whelan
This lovely quality paperback book in large format comes with a delightful story CD with world music. The selections of traditional favorite fairy tales includes one from many countries, and the end blurbs tell a little about each tale's origin. The Princess and the Pea, a world favorite, is presented as a Danish tale; The Mountain Princess is from Persia; The princess who Lost her Hair is from Akamba; The Birdcage Husband is a Kalmuck tale; The Beggar princess is Chinese; The Horned Snake's Wife is Iroquois; and The Sleeping Beauty is German. The illustrations, by the well-known Scottish illustrator, are delightfully bright spirited, modern, and whimsical.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Barefoot Book of Princesses, May 20, 2008

By	Granmarie (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Barefoot Book Of Princesses PB w CD (Barefoot Books) (Paperback)

My seven year old grand-daughter loved it!! We read it together until it was bedtime. First thing in the morning, she wanted to finish the book, thank goodness it was Saturday. She enjoyed all of the stories and did have a favorite.