Books based on fairytales always hold a soft spot for me. I remember the copy my mother bought me of the stories of Hans Christian Anderson. These were not all happy stories. I remember The Red Shoes just breaking my heart and I read the real story of The Little Mermaid before Disney ever had a chance to change it (let's not go near how old that makes me.)
But despite all this, I was enchanted by the stories. They are ones that I remembered well into adulthood, while so many other books were forgotten. These stories are now part of our collective culture and children remain fascinated by their retelling.
So when I get to read books that bring out these characters and stories in new and interesting ways, I am always intrigued. These fairytales are compelling and the books I am profiling today keep their rich history alive and well - but they never loose their often funny, sometimes scary beginnings.
To see all my recommendations for books based on the humorous and gruesome fairytales of the past, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
Title: The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle
Author: Christopher Healy
Target: Grades 4-6
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
In this, the second book in the series, the League of Princes bumble their way into another adventure. For those not familiar with our heroes, the League of Princes is comprised of the Prince Charmings from everyones favorite fairytales. Stepping out of the shadow of their more famous counterparts, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow While and Briar Rose, the princes attempt to keep a stone of great power out of the wrong hands. However, the princes are still struggling. Gustav is dealing with his trigger fast temper, Duncan is still giving names to all the animals, Frederick continues his role as head of the grammar police and Liam is questioning his ability to be a hero. Can these four princes really take on one on the most viscous villains in the kingdom, the Bandit King, who has just turned eleven?
Why I love this story:
I actually think I enjoyed this second book even more than the first, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. This book was fast, furious and funny! I just love the play of the four princes who can’t seem to get anything right, but they all have hearts of gold.
Each of the characters is well written, with a distinct and humorous personality. Even the villains are wonderful, and the new additions in this book were perfect. Little Tailor was my favorite, and what he can do with a piece of string is priceless, but he is sadly never really respected by the hard hearted villains.
The illustrations by Todd Harris bring a lightheartedness and whimsy to the story which is a perfect complement.
Who this book is for:
Boys and girls will love this story. Any kid who likes to laugh and enjoys a raucous adventure should like this book. While you don’t have to read them in order, I think kids will enjoy the second more if they have read the first book, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.
Final thoughts:
A fun quote from The Hero’s Guide to Being a Hero, ”Knowledge is power. For instance, don’t you feel much more powerful now that you have the knowledge that knowledge is power?”
