La Princesa and the Pea - by Susan Middleton Elya (School And Library)

About the Book

The team behind "La Madre Goose" puts a rhyming twist on the classic fairy tale by placing it in a diverse setting and incorporating Spanish words throughout. Full color.

Book Synopsis

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming bilingual retelling, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration.

El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn't agree.

The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .

Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

Review Quotes

★ This engaging read-aloud is a fresh reimagining of a classic [. . .] The endearing and playful illustrations set the story in Peru [. . .] And the pea under the mattresses test? Let's just say that the prince makes sure his chosen one passes with flying colors.--School Library Journal, starred review

★ Reading this would be a fabulous way to compare and contrast and use [readers's] knowledge of the first story and the colorful illustrations to make inferences as to meanings of words and phrases.--School Library Connection, starred review

The classic Hans Christian Andersen tale unfolds with Latin flair [. . . .] Martinez-Neal's darling, soft-edged mixed-media illustrations bring the brown-skinned characters to life in costumes from different regions of Peru--Kirkus

Martinez-Neal's illustrations, featuring stylishly exaggerated figures rendered in warm tones and delicate lines, are inspired by the textile designs of the indigenous people of Peru. With eye-catching details on every page, this book is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, and clever rhymes make this a book to enjoy more than once.--Booklist

Martinez-Neal's graceful illustrations . . . really make this lively title a winner . . . . an enjoyable retelling for young audiences, [and] professionals looking to expand the diversity of a fairy-tale collection or unit of study will find it particularly valuable.--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About The Author

Susan Middleton Elya is the author of many books that cleverly incorporate Spanish vocabulary into lively verse, including La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, Little Roja Riding Hood, illustrated by Susan Guevara, and Oh No, Gotta Go!, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Her writing has been described as "Perfect for bilingual classes stretching their English wings and a charming way to introduce Spanish to English speakers" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

Juana Martinez-Neal grew up and studied painting in Lima, Peru, and now lives with her family in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her illustrations for this book were inspired by the culture and arts of the indigenous people of Huilloc and Colca Canyon, Peru.