Staff Review: "The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas" by Tony Wilson

Does Cinderella make you yawn? Do you cringe every time you hear Snow White sing? Are you sick and tired of poofy, pretty pink princesses? Well, then, do I have to book for you! For all those wishing for something different, I am pleased to introduce you to Tony Wilson's "The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas"!

You all know the story of the princess and the pea, right? The prince finds the sensitive and true princess by placing a pea beneath a zillion mattresses.  Well, that method worked for Prince Henrik's older brother Hans, who married Princess Eva. So when Henrik decides that he wants to get married, he considers the same process, but decides that Eva is a little too sensitive. Henrik declares that his princess "didn't have to be beautiful or sensitive.  She just had to like hockey and camping and have a nice smile." And so the quest begins.  With every visiting girl, Henrik leaves out an old sleeping bag and camping mattress with an entire bag of frozen peas underneath. Needless to say, the hunt does not go well. At least until his old friend, Pippa, shows up to play some hockey and spy on Eva.

A tale of substance over sparkle, Henrik and Pippa's adventure will make you giggle and feel good. Illustrated with engaging pencil and collage pictures, Sue deGennaro's artwork adds to the fun with a retro feel. "The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas" will be a favorite with everyone who reads it, regardless of age or gender. 

--Andrea W., H.Q.  


P.S. For more fractured fairy tale fun, check out the titles below!

"Waking Beauty" by Leah Wilcox

"Falling for Rapunzel" by Leah Wilcox