The Ordinary Princess

M. M. Kaye (author)

Faith Jaques (illustrator)

Puffin, UK: 1980; 123pp

ISBN: 9780613835442

Genres: fantasy, folk/fairytales, humour

Issues: friendship, identity

Advanced vocabulary

Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne, the seventh princess born to the kingdom of Phantasmorania is the most beautiful and gifted of all - until her christening.

Crustacea, one of her fairy godmothers blesses her with the gift of Ordinariness, and, despite her mother's best efforts, the child becomes plain Princess Amy - with the emphasis on plain. It doesn't worry Amy, of course - she takes great delight in playing in the woods and meeting other ordinary people. But when her mother and father decide to marry her off to a stuffy prince, it is time to take matters into her own hands.

This is a most enjoyable read from an accomplished storyteller, and while it tends to be preferred by girls, it has been greatly enjoyed by co-ed classes, who loved to recite all of the princesses' names at any available opportunity. The strong female role models are excellent for girls - as well as boys - and encourage all readers to be their own person, take charge of their own lives. Great fun for everyone, this delightful fairytale romance makes a wonderful read-aloud.