The Princess in the Forest

Rating:
Summary: Another enchanting story by Sibylle von Olfers
Review: I ordered this book directly from Gryphon House publishers, so it's not out of print. I don't know why Amazon.com lists it as such.

"The Princess in the Forest" was originally published in 1909. If you liked von Olfers' "The Story of the Root Children" then you will surely enjoy "The Princess in the Forest." It is another lovely combination of simple text and beautiful, detailed illustrations. This story focuses on the cycle of a single day, rather than the seasonal cycle in "Root Children." Eight simple pages of text and eight lovely accompanying illustrations make for a gentle and calming bedtime story.

The princess wakes in her castle, dew maids clothe her, moss boys bring her breakfast and a pair of crows give her school lessons. Then it is time for play with the forest animals and storytelling to the mushroom children and finally the star folk come to light her way home. One single star watches over the princess through the night. Each illustration is framed by a realistic botanical drawing, adding to further nature-identification fun.

The animals are drawn realistically (like in Beatrix Potter's books) and the children look like children rather than cartoons. The princess in this story is drawn as a young girl, maybe 8-12 years old, clothed in a long, tunic-like red robe, which I liked, as opposed to many princess stories which feature an adult or teenage girl in gaudy and sometimes bosomy dress. The artwork and story emphasize innocence and a natural setting; there are no wicked antagonists or scary situations.

Highly recommended for princess fans of all ages, although the text is suitable for first or second grade-level readers to read alone.