Heidi Anne Heiner's Blog, page 166

Bargain Ebook: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

This isn't quite as low as my usual bargain book posts, but I picked up the ebook at this price and thought I would share. After all, under $5 is usually considered a bargain book. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George has dropped almost three dollars to $4.61 over the weekend.

Book description:

Blessed-or cursed-with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she's known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn't hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who's been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he's forced to marry a troll princess.

Upcoming Video Game: Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure

From the press release found at Market Watch. The games are already listed for preorder at Amazon, too, at Wii(TM), Nintendo 3DS(TM) and Windows PC/Mac.

Go on a Royal Journey with Princesses in "Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure" Coming This Fall to Wii(TM), Nintendo 3DS(TM) and Windows PC/Mac

Players Will Enter The Kingdoms of Classic Disney Princesses: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Belle and Tiana

BURBANK, Calif., Apr 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Disney Interactive today announced the development of "Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure," a new interactive journey from the globally successful Disney Princess franchise. Slated for release this fall, the video game will be available for the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS(TM) hand-held system and Windows PC/Mac. In the game, players will find that a spell has been cast over the beloved Princess worlds and will need to use their magic wand to help Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Belle and Tiana restore peace and bring "happily ever after" back to each kingdom.

"The collection of Disney Princesses featured in 'Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure' have continued to timelessly captivate and charm audiences," said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. "This new game will allow fans of all ages to enter the worlds of favorite princesses while experiencing iconic locations such as Beast's castle, Rapunzel's tower and Cinderella's ball."

In "Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure," players will take on the role of an apprentice to the Fairy Godmother and will accidentally set off a series of events that cause friendly Sprites to transform into mischievous Imps. The evil Imps make their way into the worlds of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Belle and Tiana, and players must pursue the Imps into each Princess kingdom to prevent them from causing any harm. With the use of their magic wand, they'll need to turn the Imps back into their original Sprite form, and return them to their rightful home in the Magical Kingdom.

Each of the Princess worlds will allow players to explore and interact with familiar Disney characters such as Lumiere, Pascal, Flounder, Gus and other fan favorites who will help guide them through missions and progress though the game. Quests and mini-games, including platforming, hide and seek, and puzzles, are designed to test the skills of the youngest players and challenge older players alike.

Players can also customize their avatar and room in the Fairy Godmother's Castle, utilizing gems that are earned throughout the game to trade for items in the in-game "Wishing Well" store. Outfits, accessories and tiaras can be purchased to dress up avatars, creating hundreds of different combinations. Special items like floor patterns, wallpaper and furniture can be used to personalize and build out each player's room in the Castle.

"Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure" will be available this fall for Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Windows PC/Mac. Please visit www.Disney.com/PrincessVideoGames.com for more information.

Disney Interactive Media Group

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is one of the world's largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all current and emerging digital media platforms. Products and content released and operated by DIMG include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, and the #1-ranked web destination Disney.com and the Moms and Family network of websites.

Disney Interactive Media Group is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (nsye:DIS).

SOURCE: Disney Interactive Media Group

Fairy Tales in Stitches: DMC Fairy Tale Classics Series

Today we have a series of fairy tales kits by DMC with three tales by Hans Christian Andersen. I tried to discover if there were more of these, but three is fun considering we get a Snow Queen and an Emperor's New Clothes along with the ever popular Princess and the Pea. I also like the usage of quotes in the design since words are always important to me. I found most of these on Ebay through international sellers which makes me wonder if they are a European exclusive.

Fairy Tales in Stitches: Wicked Witch Wear

Here is another cross stitch pattern for today, Wicked Witch Wear. I took one look at this and thought of ABC's OUAT, especially that cape/cloak. Yes, it uses some Halloween stereotypes but there is some humor and fun here, too, that are more reminiscent of Snow White's Wicked Witch. This one is still in print and avaiable through sellers like 123stitch.

Fairy Tales in Stitches: Princess and the Pea by Cross Eyed Cricket

I shared a strange Princess and the Pea cross stitch pattern yesterday and here's another that is currently in print and available from most sellers. I found it originally at 123stitch. Well, it's not strange as much as unusual, too. What is going on with her hair? She really is having a white night. But that bed is awesome. And the image is too small to see what she is holding in her hand. I like the "Seek the Genuine" message, too. Although I've always taken issue with what is genuine in this tale, of course.
Here's another version of the same image that shows a little more detail.

Fairy Tales in Stitches: Princess and the Pea by Lula Chang

This is another vintage fairy tale cross stitch pattern, this time for Princess and the Pea by Lula Chang. This is a fun one. I found the images at Yester Years Goodies. Another one I would love to have! But it is on hold and unavailable, darn it.

New Release: Once Upon a Toad by Heather Vogel Frederick

Once Upon a Toad by Heather Vogel Frederick was released yesterday. This has been a high anticipation read for me--although it has to wait until I can order a copy for after my move--since Diamonds and Toads retellings are so rare. It sounds like fun. Frederick's Mother-Daughter Book Club has been successful and I am always pleased by her book choices from Anne of Green Gables to Little Women, she is promoting classics that deserve to be so and showing how modern readers can read and enjoy them. Now that talent has been moved to a fairy tale.

Book description:

A girl gets into a mouthful of trouble in this modern fractured fairy tale, from the author of The Mother-Daughter Book Club.

Once upon a time, Cat Starr lived with her astronaut mom in Houston. But when her mother gets sent on a long-term mission, Cat has to move to a far away land—her dad's house, halfway across the country—and share a room with her real-life evil stepsister, Olivia. Just when Cat can't take it anymore, Great-Aunt Abyssinia comes to the rescue. And things go from bad to worse.

The next morning, Cat opens her mouth and a toad hops out! What's more, when Olivia speaks, diamonds and flowers appear. How unfair is that? Before you can say "happily ever after," the girls are on the run from jewel thieves and a government agency. Can Cat save the day—and get rid of all those toads?

This is an enchanting fractured fairy tale from acclaimed Mother-Daughter Book Club author Heather Vogel Frederick.

Favorite Adaptations: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Here is Molly M.'s entry in the Favorite Adaptations giveaway to win a copy of Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross. The window for entries has been extended to April 14th and more entries are trickling in this week. Although the window is closing in a few days to win the book, but I will be publishing the entries throughout the month of April. You can submit after Saturday, you just won't have a chance to win the book.



Shannon Hale's novel The Goose Girl is one of my ultimate favourite fairy tale adaptations. Hale's ability to take such a strange and short story and turn it into a beautiful novel is amazing. I love her characterization of Ani and how she made the story so believable, yet keeping the feeling of a fantastical story. She takes elements of the story that may not make sense to a modern audience, or just seem strange, and creates a believable scenario. Hale's writing style is beautiful and sticks to the mood of a fairy tale. One of the reasons I love the novel so much is Hale's ability to create such an intricate world from such a short story. It's a wonderful book, one I've read many times, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes fairy tale adaptations. The audiobook is also very well done, with a full cast of voice actors for the many characters. The writing, the plot, the world-building, and the characterization of the novel all flows together to create an excellent new story. It's hard to put into words my feelings about this novel eloquently, but it really is an amazing book that you should read.

Fairy Tales in Stitches: Patterns by Teresa Wentzler

Yesterday I featured rare, out of print and now expensive (if you can find them patterns). Today I am sharing two patterns by Teresa Wentzler which have been reprinted and can now be downloaded for just $6.99 each online. That's savvy and the joys of the internet all at once. Love! Wentzler has many fantasy oriented patterns available through her online distributor. Cinderella (Stroke of Midnight) and Rapunzel are the two fairy tale themed ones. Rapunzel is a very popular inspiration for cross stitch patterns--and these predate Tangled so we can't blame/thank Disney for it. This Rapunzel reminds me very much of Lady of Shalott.

New Release: Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross is officially released today. Yes, this is the book you are entered to win by sharing your favorite adaptation of a fairy tales. Read more about that here and note that I extended the deadline through this Saturday. The book incorporates many fairy tales so it isn't a straightforward retelling of just one.

Book description from the publisher:

"Clever fun."—Kirkus Reviews

"Incorporating suspense and romance, this contemporary, edgy, Grimm-based novel is an entertaining and well-written entry in the crowded but popular genre."—Booklist


Mirabelle's past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents' tragic deaths to her guardians' half-truths about why she can't return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who's a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren't pretty things, and they don't always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she'll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.