Grace Maccarone

Eight little girls study ballet with Miss Lina in the town of Messina — and happily arrange themselves in four groups of two. There’s a bit of concern upon the arrival of ninth girl until Miss Lina suggests a new configuration. The light, lively illustration, rhyming text, and school of girls are reminiscent of the Madeline books.

Retellings in verse present a host of memorable females in traditional stories from around the world. Join Prince Ivan’s quest, revisit the girl in the tower, listen to Sheherazade as she spins her tales. Then examine the detailed, luminous illustrations to find hidden people and things in this inventive recasting of familiar folktales. 

Ten princess tales are retold in verse accompanied by highly detailed illustrations that encourage close examination. The lush illustrations place princesses in unique settings, affirming their universal appeal. “The Princess and the Frog”, for example, is set in China; the princess whose sleep is disturbed by a single pea under many mattresses appears in an African county.