K-Gr 3—Ritchie offers a well-written version of the classic tale of princesses with a secret. Though the sisters are locked in their bedchamber at night, their shoes are worn out every morning. Their father, the king, initiates a contest to solve the mystery; suitor after suitor is banished when he cannot figure out what's happening. A soldier is given an invisibility cloak by an old woman and follows the princesses on their nightly adventure—dancing with princes across a lake. The truth comes out, the king is relieved, and the soldier marries the eldest princess; he admires her spunk and sparkling eyes. Jay produces her trademark crackle-glazed paintings featuring elongated figures and dreamlike scenes.
VERDICT An enchanting, accessible edition of the classic story. For fans of fairy tales and princess lovers everywhere.
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