[close] At last, the true story behind the Princess and the Pea! (Come on, did you really think a princess could feel a pea through 20 mattresses?) In this retelling of the classic fairy tale we're finally presented with the pea's-eye view. This fresh green perspective allows us to see that the tiny legume held lofty expectations from the early days in the pod. We also learn something we suspected all along--the whole thing went down a little differently than rumors held. (One can imagine a whole line of revisionist fairy tales recast from the eyes of crucial inanimates--the beanstalk, the glass slipper, the red riding hood.)

Grey's bright, whimsical illustrations will help distract readers from the text's choppy timeline and odd capitalization, and observant young viewers will spot early on a key player in the finale. Note: While the story may give kids a new respect for vegetables, we can't promise that means they'll start eating them. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis [close]