The Princess and the Pea: An Interactive Fairy Tale Adventure

by Blake Hoena, Alex López (Illustrations)

Ouch, my aching back! In this story, a tiny pea can be a big problem. Navigate your way through three twisted versions of the classic fairy tale. Will YOU CHOOSE the path to your happily ever after?

112 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Blake A. Hoena grew up in central Wisconsin, where, in his youth, he wrote stories about robots conquering the Moon and trolls lumbering around in the woods behind his parents house, and the fact that the trolls were hunting for little boys had nothing to do with Blake’s pesky brothers. Later, he moved to Minnesota to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Since graduating, Blake has written more than thirty books for children, including retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Perseus and Medusa myth. Most recently, he’s working on a series of graphic novels about two space alien brothers, Eek and Ack, who are determined to conquer our big blue home.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

You think you know the story of the Princess and the Pea? Think again.
Blake Hoena lets the reader pick how this story of a princess, some overbearing parents, a prince with a monstrous problem and an irritating vegetable blend together in hilarious twists and turns.
Illustrated by Alex Lopez, Hoena gives 28 choices and 14 alternative endings to the once familiar tale.

The text is good for about a solid 3rd grade reading level. The humor is great for those who want something possibly a little more wholesome, but still funny. Even though Princess and the Pea is often a romanticized (forgive me) girly fairytale with kisses and happy endings, this one encourages the reader to redefine what a true princess or even prince is. That was really neat to see in fairytales. I think it is also a credit to Hoena as the writer because the original theme of the fairytale is to not judge based on appearances and he slaps the reader with it in several fun ways.

The characters are over the top and silly, just as they should be with such a story. Fast-paced, fun, and honestly, I want to read more of the Interactive Fairy Tale Adventure series.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling of the "Princess and the Pea" is a Choose Your Own Adventure geared for readers 8-12 years-old. This silly adaption gives the reader 28 different choices with 14 possible endings. The reader can end up with an ending that is mirrors the original tale, or their are choices where the princess and the prince are monsters. One series of choices has the princess perform other challenges besides sleeping on the 20 mattresses and blankets. This is clearly geared for those who like Choose Your Own layout and for those who like alternate versions of classic fairy tales.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first story was really cute, but the second one was weird and the third one was completely repetitive and basically the exact same as story one.

[Edie Walls · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love choose your own adventure books but this was a lame one.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't super impressed. The storylines are weak.

Eliana's review: "This book was ok, but the stories are too short."

[Svetlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting