The Princess and the Pea

Last updated Thursday, February 6, 2002

Author: Alain Vaes, based on a story by Hans C. Andersen
Illustrator: Alain Vaes
Date of Publication: 2001
ISBN: 0316896330
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2003

Synopsis: (from the publisher) The prince of Upper Crestalia wants to get married, but his mother doesn't want him to, for selfish reasons. The queen makes up ridiculous tests that no aspiring bride can pass. Then the prince, convinced he is destined to remain single, meets Opal, heir to the throne of Lower Crestalia and the only princess ever known to drive a pickup truck. The prince soon discovers that not only is Opal handy, she is practical, beautiful, and genuinely nice. But can any of those qualities save her from the queen's trickery? You may think you know the story of "The Princess and the Pea," but you have never seen it as amusingly told and wittily illustrated as it is in this rollicking version of the classic tale.

Craft ideas:

• Make a sash like the Queen's, and decorate it.
• Make an opal necklace for you or for your mother/grandmother.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!