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Description
The book pairs "The Fairy's Mistake," where a misguided fairy's curse causes a girl's words to tumble out as diamonds and rubies, with "The Princess Test," in which a girl transformed into a toad must win her prince's heart despite the spell. Both tales unfold in a whimsical kingdom where magical mishaps force the characters to solve riddles, challenge royal expectations, and seek their own happy endings. Written by Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine, the stories offer fresh spins on classic fairy-tale motifs for middle-grade readers.
Quick Summary
Gail Carson Levine takes classic fairy tale elements and gives them a clever, modern twist that's perfect for middle graders who love humor and happy endings. If your kid enjoyed Ella Enchanted, they'll find the same witty writing style here, with characters who have to prove themselves through clever problem-solving rather than just waiting for a prince. The story follows young girls who must pass tests to prove they're princess material, leading to lots of funny situations and surprising twists along the way. It's lighthearted and satisfying, with a message about being true to yourself rather than blindly following rules. Reluctant readers often gravitate toward Levine's books because the humor keeps things moving, and there's enough adventure to keep pages turning. Parents will appreciate that it's wholesome but not preachy, with enough gentle suspense to feel exciting without being scary.