(image taken from Goodreads)
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Pura Belpré Award for Illustrator (2018)
What's it About?
A lonely prince in need of affection searches for a wife. There are many prospects but one stands out. Capturing his eye as she passed through his village and invited herself to stay, the Prince falls fast. His mother does her best to find a true princess for her son, even if it means being sneaky. Will his Madre ruin his chances of true love with a tiny el guisante? Determined to marry the maiden he chose, le principe's clever ideas might just work to keep his one true love regardless of how authentic a princess she may be.
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Reaction:
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya is an adorable bilingual telling of the classic The Princess and the Pea. Following closely to the traditional storyline this version is well matched with illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal that help bring this version to life.
Throughout the telling key words are highlighted in Spanish adding some flair and interest to the way this classic is retold. Many of the words in Spanish can be interpreted by English-speaking readers through the illustrations or context making their use seamless throughout the story. The rhyming text adds even more charm to this version of The Princess and Pea keeping the authenticity of the story but adding a little bit of something that might be missing from the original.
La Princesa and the Pea gives an authentic version of the classic that doesn't dilute interest because the reader may already know the story. The characters in this version are alive with personality aided by the illustrations that seem to come alive on the page.
Truly an enjoyable and sweet retelling that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. Depicted with colorful, and often humorous illustrations it does not disappoint as a classic of its own.
For more information on Susan Middleton Elya and other bilingual books she's written click here
Juana Martinez-Neal also has some other diverse and cultural children's books here
318 words
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