This is an original fairy tale written and illustrated by Ray. In the kingdom where this story takes place the queen has died and all things beautiful and growing have left the land. It is now a barren land that can not be farmed. People are starving and sad. The old king is now left with his three daughters and must decide which one will rule his kingdom. He gives them a week to do their best to improve the kingdom and he will decide then who he will choose. The oldest two daughters decide to build tall towers to bring glory to their kingdom and themselves, no matter the cost to the kingdom. The third daughter, through a series of miracles, using special gifts her mother left her brings the kingdom back to life.
This is a wonderfully original story. The illustrations are beautiful, folk art with collage. The story of the littlest princess being kind and smart is not new, but the way in which she brings her kingdom back to life is new. I enjoyed this story. I liked that the princess brought life back to her land with the help of the people of the kingdom. This is a wonderful fairytale that will be enjoyed by children in preschool and older children. It would be interesting to share this with older children so they can see a fairytale for the first time at an older age and hear their interpretation of this story.
Reviewed by Carrie Holton
