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The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales
A collection of six of Williams' original fairy tales, originally released as individual picture-books. The Practical Princess; Stupid Marco; The Silver Whistle; Forgetful Fred; Petronella; and Philbert the Fearful.
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First published January 1, 1969
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About the author
Jay Williams
157 books41 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Jay Williams (May 31, 1914–July 12, 1978) was an American author born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Max and Lillian Jacobson. He cited the experience of growing up as the son of a vaudeville show producer as leading him to pursue his acting career as early as college. Between 1931 and 1934 he attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University where he took part in amateur theatrical productions.
Out of school and out of work during the end of the Depression, he worked as a comedian on the upstate New York Borscht Belt circuit. From 1936 until 1941, Jay Williams worked as a press agent for Dwight Deere Winman, Jed Harris and the Hollywood Theatre Alliance. And even though he played a feature role in the Cannes prize winning film, The Little Fugitive produced in 1953, he turned his attention to writing as a full time career after his discharge from the Army in 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in the Army he published his first book, The Stolen Oracle, in 1943.
Williams may be best-known for his young adult "Danny Dunn" science fiction/fantasy series which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. Though Abrashkin died in 1960, he is listed as co-author of all 15 books of this series, which continued from 1956 until 1977. Jay Williams also wrote mysteries for young adults, such as The Stolen Oracle, The Counterfeit African, and The Roman Moon Mystery.
In all, he published at least 79 books including 11 picture books, 39 children's novels, 7 adult mysteries, 4 nonfiction books, 8 historical novels and a play.
Williams and his wife Barbara Girsdansky were married June 3, 1941. They had a son, Christopher ("Chris"), and a daughter, Victoria. Jay Williams died at age 64 from a heart attack while on a trip to London on July 12, 1978.
Jay Williams (May 31, 1914–July 12, 1978) was an American author born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Max and Lillian Jacobson. He cited the experience of growing up as the son of a vaudeville show producer as leading him to pursue his acting career as early as college. Between 1931 and 1934 he attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University where he took part in amateur theatrical productions.
Out of school and out of work during the end of the Depression, he worked as a comedian on the upstate New York Borscht Belt circuit. From 1936 until 1941, Jay Williams worked as a press agent for Dwight Deere Winman, Jed Harris and the Hollywood Theatre Alliance. And even though he played a feature role in the Cannes prize winning film, The Little Fugitive produced in 1953, he turned his attention to writing as a full time career after his discharge from the Army in 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in the Army he published his first book, The Stolen Oracle, in 1943.
Williams may be best-known for his young adult "Danny Dunn" science fiction/fantasy series which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. Though Abrashkin died in 1960, he is listed as co-author of all 15 books of this series, which continued from 1956 until 1977. Jay Williams also wrote mysteries for young adults, such as The Stolen Oracle, The Counterfeit African, and The Roman Moon Mystery.
In all, he published at least 79 books including 11 picture books, 39 children's novels, 7 adult mysteries, 4 nonfiction books, 8 historical novels and a play.
Williams and his wife Barbara Girsdansky were married June 3, 1941. They had a son, Christopher ("Chris"), and a daughter, Victoria. Jay Williams died at age 64 from a heart attack while on a trip to London on July 12, 1978.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 4, 2021
Mostly fabulous. The artwork is classic & lovely, but the princesses are modern & clever. The stories are both exciting and funny. Includes Petronella, one of the most successful of Williams' picture-books.
November 16, 2022
Unconventional princess that are practical and witty to boot.
Bedelia is a beautiful princess who was gifted with logic during her christening.
I didn't like Stupid Marco because I don't like stupid people but I guess the way he is described is the way the princess is always described in these stories. So, it's kind of a reversal of roles.
The Silver Whistle is such an odd little story with, often time nonsensical and unrealistic.
Again, Forgetful Fred is another stupid man that has a HEA. Reminds me of those Scandanavian tales with Ivan the Fool.
I did like the story of Petronella.
Philbert the Fearful is about Sir Philbert the clever knight. I did like this tale of the wise knight saving the damsel princess.
Over all, I would have to say that I enjoyed the stories, even though they are not the picture perfect princess tales.
I can't say much about the images because they are just silhouetted cutouts.
December 25, 2007
Some of the first reinvented, reconsidered fairy tales I ever read, and still among the best. Whimsical, edifying, funny and cohesive. The beautiful silhouette illustrations only add to its many charms.
June 5, 2008
Anyone who wants to know a lot of the secrets of my personality should read this book. The idea is so cliche - like the "politically correct" fairly tales - up-ending gender roles and what-not, but really, I wanted to be all these girls, beautiful, sensible and heroic. To rescue the prince from an enchanter but then run off with the enchanter instead. That's awesome!
July 26, 2023
At first, I thought that I would not like the book because I thought it would be too feminist (I like a princess in distress) but I was wrong. The stories are very original and keep you hooked. The princesses are very smart, beautiful and "normal". The book is full of riches and beauty. I really like how they describe the places, instead of saying "go to the desert," they say, "a land where the trees have leaves but no branches and where the ground moves when the wind blows."
About/Spoilers (a little)
My favorite tale of the six is "The Practical Princess." Bedelia is beautiful, smart and has common sense. The story was a combination of sleeping beauty and Rapunzel. Sleeping beauty because the fairies give her gifts and because the prince is under a "sleeping" spell. And it's like Rapunzel because of the princes' long hair.
"Stupid Marco" isn't as bad as I thought it would be. The point of stupid Marco is that he has the archetypal traits of a princess.
"The Silver Whistle" will make your imagination work overtime. The settings are beautiful; the cottage and the land of the Wazar (that one kept me guessing). This story reminds me of a book or movie I read or watched where a king had a ring that kept him forever young and he was all alone because everyone around him was passed on (it may have been The Legend Of the Seeker).
"Forgetful Fred" is a story about a clumsy and absentminded boy and his quest for a very rich king.
"Petronella" is a really sweet story about a princess who seeks her own fortune and adventure. In a very princessy way, she does what is right and gets her reward.
"Philbert the Fearful" is a story about a knight who has to reluctantly go on an adventure because his doctor said it would do him good. He meets other knights along the way, uses his wits to rescue and defeat and stay alive and healthy.
✨✨✨✨✨
About/Spoilers (a little)
My favorite tale of the six is "The Practical Princess." Bedelia is beautiful, smart and has common sense. The story was a combination of sleeping beauty and Rapunzel. Sleeping beauty because the fairies give her gifts and because the prince is under a "sleeping" spell. And it's like Rapunzel because of the princes' long hair.
"Stupid Marco" isn't as bad as I thought it would be. The point of stupid Marco is that he has the archetypal traits of a princess.
"The Silver Whistle" will make your imagination work overtime. The settings are beautiful; the cottage and the land of the Wazar (that one kept me guessing). This story reminds me of a book or movie I read or watched where a king had a ring that kept him forever young and he was all alone because everyone around him was passed on (it may have been The Legend Of the Seeker).
"Forgetful Fred" is a story about a clumsy and absentminded boy and his quest for a very rich king.
"Petronella" is a really sweet story about a princess who seeks her own fortune and adventure. In a very princessy way, she does what is right and gets her reward.
"Philbert the Fearful" is a story about a knight who has to reluctantly go on an adventure because his doctor said it would do him good. He meets other knights along the way, uses his wits to rescue and defeat and stay alive and healthy.
✨✨✨✨✨
August 3, 2007
I loved this book as a girl. All of the princesses are smart and funny, and certainly not waiting around to be rescued - they go forth to rescue themselves and others. I highly recommend it to anyone whose kids are obsessed with princesses - it's a lovely counterpoint to the "Disney" version of what a princess is and should be, without being dull or preachy.
May 28, 2021
Awesome book that empowers women and writes fairy tales so show them as the heroes, not just the damsels in distress.
January 8, 2025
I would be so happy if I have read this as a kid. It is fresh and liberating as promised. For some reason at times I can just tell it’s written by a male author and that’s not a compliment
August 10, 2017
I bought this book in the early 1980's so that my new born daughter would have a different kind of fairy tale for me to read to her and her to read later on her own.
It's full of royal women who can think, act and rescue not just themselves, but sometimes the hapless Prince.
We also read "regular" fairy tales as I believe that magical thinking is also important. I grew up before Title IX, so being a "hero" in an arena for a female was not a great possibility, but did happen. This book may be dated by having practical, brave and not helpless princesses which we have become used to seeing and being.
It's still a good book, with short enough stories that neither you nor your child will get bored.
It's full of royal women who can think, act and rescue not just themselves, but sometimes the hapless Prince.
We also read "regular" fairy tales as I believe that magical thinking is also important. I grew up before Title IX, so being a "hero" in an arena for a female was not a great possibility, but did happen. This book may be dated by having practical, brave and not helpless princesses which we have become used to seeing and being.
It's still a good book, with short enough stories that neither you nor your child will get bored.
July 1, 2009
Another set of short fairy tales (six of them), this one for much younger readers. The heroines in this are feisty and interesting and actually DO something, which is always a nice change.
They're aimed at pre-teens so were a little too obvious for me to fully enjoy. I wanted more from each of the stories, which is testament to the interesting ideas and engaging characters, although frustrating in the long run.
Definitely something I'd give my nieces though!
They're aimed at pre-teens so were a little too obvious for me to fully enjoy. I wanted more from each of the stories, which is testament to the interesting ideas and engaging characters, although frustrating in the long run.
Definitely something I'd give my nieces though!
April 28, 2012
"All of the princesses in this collection of original tales are smart and funny, and certainly not waiting around to be rescued - they go forth to rescue themselves and others. I highly recommend it to anyone whose kids are obsessed with princesses - it's a lovely counterpoint to the Disney version of what a princess is and should be, without being dull or preachy."
June 17, 2009
One of my favorites growing up, but couldn't remember the title. I think this was my first introduction to silhouettes. This may still be at my mother's house, but I intend to at least put a slip of paper with my name on it inside.
September 23, 2012
I grew up with this book and I have an original copy that has a different cover.
November 9, 2015
I loved these stories when I was a kid. Loving them just as hard as an adult. They're a brilliant example of the classical form of a fairy tale, and they have great heroines who rescue themselves.
August 16, 2022
The years passed, and the time came for the princes to go out and seek their fortunes. Michael and George said good-bye to the king and queen and mounted their horses. Then out came Petronella. She was dressed in traveling clothes, with her bag packed and a sword by her side.
“If you think,” she said, “that I’m going to sit at home, you are mistaken. I’m going to seek my fortune, too.”
“Impossible!” said the king.
“What will people say?” cried the queen.
“Look,” said Prince Michael, “be reasonable, Pet. Stay home. Sooner or later a prince will turn up here.”
Petronella smiled. She was a tall, handsome girl with flaming red hair and when she smiled in that particular way it meant she was trying to keep her temper.
“I’m going with you,” she said. “I’ll find a prince if I have to rescue one from something myself. And that’s that.”
(Jay Williams, The Practical Princess and other Liberating Fairy Tales [Petronella], p.66)
Princess Bedelia was blessed at her christening with common sense and grew up to be The Practical Princess who would go on to save her kingdom, her life, and her prince. Loved seeing Bedelia reason her way out of situations. Logic in the face of fairy tale tropes is something I loved here as much as I did back in Melisande .
The kingdom is used to shaking their head and pitying Stupid Marco, and no one is expecting much to come from him setting out to rescue a princess. But with luck, dedication, and the advice of a new friend he manages to find the treasure of someone who doesn’t mind that he can’t remember his left from his right. A stupid main character stumbling into success is a common fairy tale trope but the companion was a nice addition. Traditionally they blunder around on their own but everyone deserves someone to respect and understand them. Yeah, I said it. The real treasure is the friends you make along the way.
The daughter of a wise woman, Prudence has a few tricks up her sleeves to make it in a world where the pretty girl gets all the breaks. I know practicality is Princess Bedelia’s thing but in The Silver Whistle Prudence has a good head on her shoulders, too, and I love that the Williams still found a way to make her a little too trusting and gullible by disguising it as being... well, prudent.
Forgetful Fred tends to be absent minded if his task doesn’t involve music in some way, but he still managed to assure his wealthy employer that he’d be able to find him the Bitter Fruit of Satisfaction. The quest goes off track fairly quickly, but is that really such a disaster? This story wasn’t one of the strongest plot-wise but I quite liked the message about putting your own needs above those of your employers. I’m writing this review in early 2021, working 220+ hours a month, 12 hour shifts, and have worked through the last several weekends. Last week I had my first 8 hour shift in ages and I can’t describe what it felt like to step outside and see daylight for the first time in what felt like forever. Every part of you lifts up. It’s a moral that’s particularly important to me right now.
I was sure Petronella was a traditional story, but I guess it’s just that natural-sounding. No, I’m legit surprised to find this one here, I even went and double checked the Table of Contents of Italian Folktales because I had a false memory of it being in it. This is a fantastic story (and one of my all-time favorites) that pokes fun at fairy tale staples like the three princes setting out on a quest and the ‘throw a comb grow a forest’ trick, and of course the damsel in distress trope. It’s got a great twist ending and a funny heroine who’s trying so hard to fit the script.
Due to his less than heroic reputation, Philbert the Fearful is forced by the king to set out on a quest to rescue a princess. I adored this one. Philbert sets out with two other knights who run into danger and get what’s coming to them while Philbert avoid much of the trouble and shows how being called Fearful says more about the people who use the title than it says about him.
EDITING:
The editing is fine, but I want to use this section to praise the construction of the book. The dust jacket was horribly damaged so I ended up giving up and tossing it, and was delighted to discover that this book is one of those beautiful old hardcovers with the cover art printed right onto it. I love these kinds of books; it’s such a charming vintage touch. I wish it would come back into style. The pages are designed to be large print and uncluttered with woodcut artwork, and I think the book would be easy for children to read.
ENJOYABILITY:
I wasn’t too hot for Stupid Marco or Forgetful Fred, but loved everything else. I think it’s because both characters fit the ‘fool blundering into success’ trope and I don’t like those stories at all. The other characters all had agency.
THEME:
Fairy tales by Jay Williams. Sometimes I wonder if I should get rid of this section, but then I remember Detective Stories . Someday I’ll review one just as bad and then I’ll be glad I kept this section.
THE VERDICT?
Love it. It took months to get to me due to you-know-what but it was worth the wait.
“If you think,” she said, “that I’m going to sit at home, you are mistaken. I’m going to seek my fortune, too.”
“Impossible!” said the king.
“What will people say?” cried the queen.
“Look,” said Prince Michael, “be reasonable, Pet. Stay home. Sooner or later a prince will turn up here.”
Petronella smiled. She was a tall, handsome girl with flaming red hair and when she smiled in that particular way it meant she was trying to keep her temper.
“I’m going with you,” she said. “I’ll find a prince if I have to rescue one from something myself. And that’s that.”
(Jay Williams, The Practical Princess and other Liberating Fairy Tales [Petronella], p.66)
Princess Bedelia was blessed at her christening with common sense and grew up to be The Practical Princess who would go on to save her kingdom, her life, and her prince. Loved seeing Bedelia reason her way out of situations. Logic in the face of fairy tale tropes is something I loved here as much as I did back in Melisande .
The kingdom is used to shaking their head and pitying Stupid Marco, and no one is expecting much to come from him setting out to rescue a princess. But with luck, dedication, and the advice of a new friend he manages to find the treasure of someone who doesn’t mind that he can’t remember his left from his right. A stupid main character stumbling into success is a common fairy tale trope but the companion was a nice addition. Traditionally they blunder around on their own but everyone deserves someone to respect and understand them. Yeah, I said it. The real treasure is the friends you make along the way.
The daughter of a wise woman, Prudence has a few tricks up her sleeves to make it in a world where the pretty girl gets all the breaks. I know practicality is Princess Bedelia’s thing but in The Silver Whistle Prudence has a good head on her shoulders, too, and I love that the Williams still found a way to make her a little too trusting and gullible by disguising it as being... well, prudent.
Forgetful Fred tends to be absent minded if his task doesn’t involve music in some way, but he still managed to assure his wealthy employer that he’d be able to find him the Bitter Fruit of Satisfaction. The quest goes off track fairly quickly, but is that really such a disaster? This story wasn’t one of the strongest plot-wise but I quite liked the message about putting your own needs above those of your employers. I’m writing this review in early 2021, working 220+ hours a month, 12 hour shifts, and have worked through the last several weekends. Last week I had my first 8 hour shift in ages and I can’t describe what it felt like to step outside and see daylight for the first time in what felt like forever. Every part of you lifts up. It’s a moral that’s particularly important to me right now.
I was sure Petronella was a traditional story, but I guess it’s just that natural-sounding. No, I’m legit surprised to find this one here, I even went and double checked the Table of Contents of Italian Folktales because I had a false memory of it being in it. This is a fantastic story (and one of my all-time favorites) that pokes fun at fairy tale staples like the three princes setting out on a quest and the ‘throw a comb grow a forest’ trick, and of course the damsel in distress trope. It’s got a great twist ending and a funny heroine who’s trying so hard to fit the script.
Due to his less than heroic reputation, Philbert the Fearful is forced by the king to set out on a quest to rescue a princess. I adored this one. Philbert sets out with two other knights who run into danger and get what’s coming to them while Philbert avoid much of the trouble and shows how being called Fearful says more about the people who use the title than it says about him.
EDITING:
The editing is fine, but I want to use this section to praise the construction of the book. The dust jacket was horribly damaged so I ended up giving up and tossing it, and was delighted to discover that this book is one of those beautiful old hardcovers with the cover art printed right onto it. I love these kinds of books; it’s such a charming vintage touch. I wish it would come back into style. The pages are designed to be large print and uncluttered with woodcut artwork, and I think the book would be easy for children to read.
ENJOYABILITY:
I wasn’t too hot for Stupid Marco or Forgetful Fred, but loved everything else. I think it’s because both characters fit the ‘fool blundering into success’ trope and I don’t like those stories at all. The other characters all had agency.
THEME:
Fairy tales by Jay Williams. Sometimes I wonder if I should get rid of this section, but then I remember Detective Stories . Someday I’ll review one just as bad and then I’ll be glad I kept this section.
THE VERDICT?
Love it. It took months to get to me due to you-know-what but it was worth the wait.
July 14, 2021
Short review for each of the six stories.
The Practical Princess - Meh.
Stupid Marco - The two leads had chemistry at least, so points for that.
The Silver Whistle - It was ok, I guess.
Forgetful Fred - Meh.
Petronella - I think it would've been better if Petronella decided she wasn't ready to get married yet. I just feel what she did at the end was kinda a dick move.
Philbert the Fearful - Meh. It was ok, I guess.
You know, if you want to read a book that does what this one was trying to do, I'd recommend Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.
The Practical Princess - Meh.
Stupid Marco - The two leads had chemistry at least, so points for that.
The Silver Whistle - It was ok, I guess.
Forgetful Fred - Meh.
Petronella - I think it would've been better if Petronella decided she wasn't ready to get married yet. I just feel what she did at the end was kinda a dick move.
Philbert the Fearful - Meh. It was ok, I guess.
You know, if you want to read a book that does what this one was trying to do, I'd recommend Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.
August 3, 2017
I recommend this book to anyone with children. The fairy tales are funny. I loved it as a kid and wore it out. I recently repurchased it used (is it out of print) and am reading them to my son. Even though it was targeted to the women's lib movement (hence the title), the stories Feature smart girls who may or not also be pretty. My son has enjoyed it so far. I wish I would have replaced it when my daughter's were younger!
August 31, 2017
I remember how much I adored this book when I was a kid and it's still really good. It's always refreshing to read a fairy tale where the princess is allowed to be smart and save the prince. The only trouble is that now I want more. Every one of these stories ends up with the princess getting married. That's still her main function and desire. Maybe it's time for an update where the princess rescues herself and lives happily ever after.
October 6, 2017
Take everything you know about fairy tales and flip it on its head. This is a refreshing series of short stories that throw perfectly likable characters into hot messes and every time you think you know what is going to happen next based on all other popular and main stream fairy tales, the story spins in a more realistic, holistically fresh plot twist and ending.
May 28, 2018
As the title implies, these fairy tales are far more interesting than the usual hero-and-damsel type story. They are fun and surprising, and the writing is witty.
July 10, 2022
Fun, amusing, and original fairy-tales that are not slapping you in the face with the feminist/liberation message as so many other "reimaginings" do.
February 18, 2021
What is the purpose behind fairy tales? Do they just relate romantic fantasies that every woman dreams about and heroism every man half-heartedly aspires to, or are they clever scrutinies of reality with all their caustic examples of human nature? Considering that morals do exist in most stories, fairy tales must also have points, pertinent instructions and warnings for the careful listener and/or reader. However, archetypes of this genre the modern world is accustomed to experiencing through the arts and the media become conventional and foolish after frequent discussion and perusal. Therefore, the only solution available when it comes to overly familiar classics is to either retell the story in an innovative and unspoiled way or to personally leave the fairy tale and its mysteries alone by seeking out a writer who has bravely decided to traverse the flawed territory that is the world of fairy tales. One such author is Jay Williams, who in 1978 published a compilation of six original fairy tales not based on any popular romance already known to fans of the Brothers Grimm and other propagators of old folk tales. The title of his storybook is very direct as well, being The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales. It’s true that the title itself is rather long, but the book’s content reflects exactly what the title notes: these “fairy tales” are modernized versions promoting the common concepts of the historical period during which they were created.
Change is certainly needed, and while Williams may not have a particularly feministic approach he does diversify every tale by silently (and humorously) perceiving the typical stereotypes included and then completely transforming them into better, more humane characters. For example, the title story, The Practical Princess, centers on a princess who finally is endowed with a serviceable gift from magical beings with some brains: common sense. It’s obvious that the author has realized how this trait is deplorably lacking in most narratives of that kind and also in the characters themselves as well as their subsequent actions. Princess Bedelia is described to be beautiful but she is not stupid. She manages to kill a dragon herself by using gunpowder, or she explores her temporary prison to find a male re-creation of Rapunzel, only it is a golden and very long beard that becomes a ladder this time.
Stupid Marco, on the other hand, demonstrates that intelligence is not the only earned quality needed for greatness. Unselfish help from others should always be welcomed, especially when that person could be one’s future spouse. Petronella is a familiar favorite from another modern fairy tale collection called The Outspoken Princess and The Gentle Knight, being a story about a strong-willed princess determined to fulfill family tradition by means of a twist. The last three stories in The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales also feature lessons just as conspicuous.
Like in Stupid Marco, Forgetful Fred has a main character suffering from absent-mindedness and slow wits, but not necessarily idiocy. Unlike Marco, though, Fred is a commoner who gets to marry a pretty girl and forget about wanderlust and wealth, two notions that are still obsessions for men who are not knights or heroes. In The Silver Whistle, Prudence is simply an orphaned servant girl who has a magical whistle and the ability to know exactly when to obey or disobey her cantankerous masters. Her own curiosity and her prudence balance her self-appreciation and her mental clarity; due to her temperament, she marries a prince not because she is a ravishing beauty or the daughter of a king but because she saves his life. Last but not least in the “sextet,” there is Philbert the Fearful. Fear is an emotion understood by all, but Philbert is a knight who feels it only too well. He values his own life to the extent that he only undertakes reading and eating an apple a day “to keep the doctor away” instead of going on perilous quests and risking his health. However, Philbert is not such a selfish coward as he seems; he proves himself to be superior to his colleagues by displaying courage at the right moment, caution being advisable as opposed to laughable public displays of “valor.”
The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales is a lesser known example of perennial wisdom, but Williams’ fairy tales have surprising characters and wit to recommend this collection to anyone who is tired of how ordinary fairy tales generally are.
Original review on my book review website, Around the Bend of the Book
Change is certainly needed, and while Williams may not have a particularly feministic approach he does diversify every tale by silently (and humorously) perceiving the typical stereotypes included and then completely transforming them into better, more humane characters. For example, the title story, The Practical Princess, centers on a princess who finally is endowed with a serviceable gift from magical beings with some brains: common sense. It’s obvious that the author has realized how this trait is deplorably lacking in most narratives of that kind and also in the characters themselves as well as their subsequent actions. Princess Bedelia is described to be beautiful but she is not stupid. She manages to kill a dragon herself by using gunpowder, or she explores her temporary prison to find a male re-creation of Rapunzel, only it is a golden and very long beard that becomes a ladder this time.
Stupid Marco, on the other hand, demonstrates that intelligence is not the only earned quality needed for greatness. Unselfish help from others should always be welcomed, especially when that person could be one’s future spouse. Petronella is a familiar favorite from another modern fairy tale collection called The Outspoken Princess and The Gentle Knight, being a story about a strong-willed princess determined to fulfill family tradition by means of a twist. The last three stories in The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales also feature lessons just as conspicuous.
Like in Stupid Marco, Forgetful Fred has a main character suffering from absent-mindedness and slow wits, but not necessarily idiocy. Unlike Marco, though, Fred is a commoner who gets to marry a pretty girl and forget about wanderlust and wealth, two notions that are still obsessions for men who are not knights or heroes. In The Silver Whistle, Prudence is simply an orphaned servant girl who has a magical whistle and the ability to know exactly when to obey or disobey her cantankerous masters. Her own curiosity and her prudence balance her self-appreciation and her mental clarity; due to her temperament, she marries a prince not because she is a ravishing beauty or the daughter of a king but because she saves his life. Last but not least in the “sextet,” there is Philbert the Fearful. Fear is an emotion understood by all, but Philbert is a knight who feels it only too well. He values his own life to the extent that he only undertakes reading and eating an apple a day “to keep the doctor away” instead of going on perilous quests and risking his health. However, Philbert is not such a selfish coward as he seems; he proves himself to be superior to his colleagues by displaying courage at the right moment, caution being advisable as opposed to laughable public displays of “valor.”
The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales is a lesser known example of perennial wisdom, but Williams’ fairy tales have surprising characters and wit to recommend this collection to anyone who is tired of how ordinary fairy tales generally are.
Original review on my book review website, Around the Bend of the Book
January 4, 2010
Six short stories that are short and perfect. Gotta love a princess named Bedelia who deals with dragons in a very practical way. And a knight who didn't really want to go on a quest (it would be bad for his health) but manages to defeat the enchanter and then discovers it was the wrong castle. Whoops. Read and enjoy!
February 12, 2012
Fun, fast read. It took about an hour. A great way to lighten the mood after reading a heavier, intense book ("Ender's Game"). Although I don't have any daughters, I may get a copy someday to read to my boys when they're a bit older. We need more fairy tales with practical, sensible princesses...and absent-minded princes.
January 28, 2015
2015 Reading Challenge
- A funny book
- A book of short stories
- A book set in a different country
- A book you can finish in a day
- A book from you childhood
- A book with magic
Amusing short stories with smart characters. I just wish it didn't have the typical marry-the-first-person-you-meet fairy tale tripe. Otherwise, cute book.
- A funny book
- A book of short stories
- A book set in a different country
- A book you can finish in a day
- A book from you childhood
- A book with magic
Amusing short stories with smart characters. I just wish it didn't have the typical marry-the-first-person-you-meet fairy tale tripe. Otherwise, cute book.
September 25, 2014
I read these stories to my girls....not only do they laugh out loud at the escapades of the (usually) hapless prince but they really identify with the intelligent, practical princesses.
Highly recommended for reading to young impressionable princesses.
Highly recommended for reading to young impressionable princesses.
April 19, 2016
Absolutely love this book! It was one of my favourites as a child, and it's lost none of its magic over the passage of time. In my opinion a fairytale is a timeless classic - exactly what we have here. Love the gorgeous illustratations too. My only complaint is I'd like more!
September 15, 2007
The illustrations fascinated me the most. I don't even remember the story.
March 3, 2008
I read this as a young girl so many times that I had parts of it memorized.
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