The Salt Princess

Everlasting Tales #2

by Anoosha Syed

Everlasting Tales is a collection of multicultural fairy tales and folktales—honoring the stories passed down through oral tradition by refreshing and preserving them for new generations.

Princess Amal always danced to the beat of her own tabla.

Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Zammarud, there lived four princesses. The youngest, Princess Amal, always loved to stir up trouble—just for a little fun.

Until one day, her playful spirit led to a misunderstanding with her father, the king. In his embarrassment, he banished her from the kingdom.

But all was not lost for Amal. To reunite with her family, she'll just need to prove that life is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of seasoning. . . .

In the second of the Everlasting Tales collection, multicultural folktales passed down through oral tradition now refreshed for a modern audience, critically acclaimed and bestselling creator Anoosha Syed shares the Pakistani tale of the Salt Princess. Back matter includes an author's note and a condensed tale in Urdu for bilingual readers, the perfect gift for baby showers.

Genres: Picture Books, Folklore, Childrens, Asia, Fairy Tales

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا]

Beautiful illustrations

[Kirin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with most folktales, the older I get, the more I find myself not loving some of the messaging. Sure the "moral" might still hold up over time, but the details seem to position or frame things that just don't sit right with me. Obviously, I am notorious for over analyzing, but here we are. The story on the surface is sweet and not one I had heard before. I asked some relatives, as we are Pakistani, and they too were unfamiliar with it. The backmatter states that the folktale belongs to many cultures across the world, so I'm not sure if it a remnant of colonization that was just translated in to Urdu or if it has roots actually in the subcontinent. The story is between a king and his daughters, particularly his youngest who has her own wit, charm, and mischievousness. When she pushes it too far one day and finds her self banished from her father's kingdom, she along with the support of a neighboring prince, uses the same set of skills to reconnect with the king.

I had this book on my radar because of the illustrations, and they did not disappoint. The detail, the style, the colors all combine to reward the reader for spending time in the pages. There is no Islam, a few dupatta style head coverings is all.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A fantastic story featuring a clever and mischievous princess, a kind and understanding prince, and beautiful artwork.

Four princesses tell their father how they love him. But when Princess Amal compares her love to humble and common salt, the king banishes her from the kingdom. She finds a new home and comes up with a clever way to reunite with her family.

Such a fun story. Nicely written.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Lovely color, details, and humor. I really enjoy all the mischief Princess Amal gets into.

Includes a telling of the story in Roman Urdu and traditional Urdu as well as an Author's Note about Syed's inspiration and the story's morals.

A wonderful story that questions societal expectations and cultural norms. I am really enjoying the Everlasting Tales series.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations showcase this classic tale. Syed brings readers into this story of a young princess who shares her love for her father. She tells him she loves him as much as salt and he becomes enraged. He banishes her from the kingdom. Readers see her find love and acceptance elsewhere but still long to see her family. The king learns a difficult lesson when he comes to a banquet in a neighboring kingdom that is serve without salt. A powerful lesson for readers of all ages-common things should not be taken for granted. They are the essence of life.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got to say I've got a thing for old stories told well. This is a wonderful new to me story.

I really appreciated the author telling us why the king/father did what he did and how he learned that his child is more important than the opinions of others. It's a small detail, but one that I greatly appreciate.

The illustrations are well done, stylistic and fitting for the story.

[Norshakila Makmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice illustrations, but i’m not a fan. an annoying father who rather banish his own daughter than to face being “humiliated” in front of the public. mind you, for a silly reason as being compared to salt. banishment lasted for a year too. finds love, etc etc. i only like the twist when the daughter fed the father salt.

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the illustrations because they are stunning. Not sure how to rate the story itself. It's a translation of an original Pakistan folktale, so not a huge fan of the overall messaging contained within.

[Rubani K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I was so excited when I saw a princess story book that had a Desi focus- not something that was common in children’s books when i was growing up. Super cute illustrations and I looooved all the colour- a wonderful nod to just one amazing aspect of this rich culture.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with a good moral point and beautiful art. We got it from the library and now my daughter wants to buy a copy for her shelf at home.

[Lucy Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful retelling of the Pakistani folktale called the Salt Princess.

[Mari]

I think I read a version of this book with jewish characters

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to "The Way Meat Loves Salt."

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

lessons 4 parents on accepting their children (could apply to LGBTQ). Loved message in back of book.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most exciting fairy tale retelling I’ve read, but the art is beautiful throughout, and I do appreciate the changes made to update/flesh out the story.