Children's Book Review: The Very Smart Pea and the Princess-To-Be

The Very Smart Pea and the Princess-To-Be
Written and illustrated by:  Mini Grey
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003

from goodreads.com:
When it comes to sorting out a Real Princess from a Fake Princess, the famous pea-under-the-mattress test is tried-and-true. But for those of you who may have wondered how anyone could feel a tiny garden-variety pea under the weight of twenty mattresses, this book will put that question to rest once and for all.

This witty spoof was shortlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in the UK. It was Mini Grey's first book and a worthy predecessor to such favorites as Traction Man is Here!

* My daughter recently read a short chapter book version of the classic tale "The Princess and the Pea."  While persuing the library bookshelves I found this book.  In this twist of the classic story mentioned, the tale is told from the pea's point-of-view.  The Queen wants her son to find a princess to marry or else she will take his very large allowance away.  The pea wants to help the Prince find a princess and we discover how the pea helps to make the happily-ever-after ending.  I always like a change of perspective/twist on old classics.  This was a cute and different version of the classic.  I have to say I thought that the Queen and the Prince looked a little scary with their "pea" eyes though.

Family Rating:  1 1/2 thumbs up.