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

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