I love twisted fairy tales. There is something fun about taking a well known story and turning it on it’s ear. I also enjoy when an author adds a fun or quirky twist to their story, and on a recent trip to the book store I found a new book to add to my list of favorites. The Princess and the Pig written by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Poly Bernatene (Walker & Company, 2011) is a delightful tale that is not your usual princess story.
Here is the book description:
There’s been a terrible mix-up in the royal nursery. Priscilla the princess has accidentally switched places with Pigmella, the farmer’s new piglet. The kindly farmer and his wife believe it’s the work of a good witch, while the ill-tempered king and queen blame the bad witch-after all, this happens in fairy tales all the time! While Priscilla grows up on the farm, poor yet very happy, things don’t turn out quite so well for Pigmella. Kissing a frog has done wonders before, but will it work for a pig?
Book thoughts:
- I love that the author references traditional fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty, The Frog Princess, and Thumbelina in the book, but does not actually use them in the plot.
- Unlike most princess books, this book dares to show some of the not so nice parts of being a princess/pig which is a refreshing change.
- This book does have a happily ever after for some of the characters, others do not have a happily ever after, which is an unusual twist.
- The bright, fun, illustrations perfectly compliment the story.
- The refrain used throughout the book “the sort of thing that happens all the time in books” made me smile each time it was used.
The Princess and The Pig is a delightful tale that would be a great addition to any home or school library. There are some great lessons about honesty that can used in the classroom as well.
Happy Reading,
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
Thanks for sharing this book, Sue! Another fun picture book to check out. I appreciate your “feeding” my list.
Poor Pigmella! Too funny…