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