FICTION

The Most Wonderful Thing in the World

by Vivian FRENCH
illus. by Angela Barrett. 32p. Candlewick. Nov. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780763675011.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–4—A king and his queen are hoping to make a good marriage for their daughter and take the advice of a local sage who tells them the successful suitor should show them "the most wonderful thing in the world." In comes a procession of the weird and wonderful…mermaids, pyramids, even "a piece of frozen sky." Meanwhile, the princess is with the sage's grandson, exploring the kingdom she will inherit. He has fallen in love with her and makes his own offering; he shows the king and queen the most wonderful thing in the world— their own daughter. French's lyrical narrative tells a simple story well. Barrett's watercolor drawings have the requisite detail to make this a story to pore over, and circulation among the princess- and fairy tale-loving crowd is guaranteed.
VERDICT A lovely choice for large collections.
Reviewed by Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence, RI
The king and queen of a charming, Edwardian-era island kingdom decide to marry their daughter Lucia to the suitor who shows them the Most Wonderful Thing in the World. The winning suitor shows them Lucia herself. The lengthy and elegant text paints many intricate word pictures, while Barrett's tiny, delicious watercolors, filled with hidden details, will reward close examination.
 , Nov 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
BOOKS

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine
by Melleby, Nicole
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?