Title: Sleeping Beauty
Author: Mahlon F. Craft
First published September 1, 2002
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781587171208 (ISBN10: 1587171201)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
From Sleeping Beauty to Mia Thermopolis, princesses have captured our hearts and imaginations for generations. In Perfect Princess, bestselling author Meg Cabot and acclaimed fashion artist Chesley McLaren team up to celebrate the diverse and inspiring princesses of the world.
Whether they’re from ancient history or modern-day fairy tales, each princess has her own unique story to tell. And who better to guide us through their fascinating lives than Princess Mia herself?
With her trademark wit and wisdom, Mia shows us how any girl can embody the qualities of a true princess: courage, kindness, and a fierce determination to make the world a better place. Get ready to be inspired by the royal roster of Perfect Princess.
Editoral Review
Mahlon F. Crafts Sleeping Beauty, published in 2002, is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale we all know and love.
Craft is an accomplished author and illustrator of childrens books, bringing a wealth of experience to his work. Sleeping Beauty, targeted for children aged eight to twelve, is in the fantasy genre and explores themes of love, loyalty, bravery, and the power of a mothers love.
The book tells the familiar story of a beautiful princess who falls asleep for a hundred years after pricking her finger on a spindle. The kingdom falls into a deep sleep too, and only the kiss of a prince can break the spell.
What makes this retelling unique and riveting is the authors addition of twists and new characters that deepen the story and bring it to life. The plot revolves around the young prince Lely, who has been sent by his parents to rescue the kingdom from the curse laid upon it by the wicked fairy Thistle.
Along his journey, Lely meets a host of charming characters, including brave knights, mischievous fairies, and a cunning feline companion, who join him in his quest to save the sleeping kingdom. The characters in Sleeping Beauty are well-developed, each with their own distinct personality and backstory.
Princess Aurora is not just a passive and helpless victim in this version but is shown to be a strong and resilient character who overcomes adversity. The books setting, a fantastical world of enchanted forests and castles, is beautifully described, transporting the reader into a magical realm.
Crafts writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for young readers to follow the story’s twists and turns. The pacing of the plot is well-executed, with exciting scenes and moments of tension that keep the reader invested in the story.
The book also has a valuable lesson about the power of family and the importance of love. One of the book’s strengths is the author’s ability to modernize and refresh a classic tale for a new generation of readers.
Sleeping Beauty has become a timeless fairy tale, adored by children and adults alike, and this retelling with a fresh perspective offers something new and exciting.
However, one of the book’s weaknesses is that the resolution to the conflict is somewhat rushed, leaving the reader longing for a more satisfying conclusion.
Additionally, the book’s language may seem too simplistic for older readers. Overall, Sleeping Beauty is a delightful read, full of magic and wonder, and it rejuvenates a classic fairy tale for a modern audience.
It teaches young readers about courage, determination, and perseverance while offering an escape into fantasy. I recommend this book for children aged eight to twelve or anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale.
I give Sleeping Beauty four out of five stars.
