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The Apple-Pip Princess
With sumptuous artwork, Jane Ray tells an original fairy tale of a humble princess whose love for nature’s beauty restores a kingdom.
Once there was a kingdom full of laughter, happiness, trees, and birdsong. But when the queen dies, the land becomes quiet and barren, and everyone is filled with sadness. What will make the kingdom bloom again? Can Serenity, the youngest of three princesses, bring hope and life back to her kingdom with a single apple pip — a precious seed left to her by her mother? This original fairy tale is brought to life and exquisitely illustrated by the internationally renowned Jane Ray.
Once there was a kingdom full of laughter, happiness, trees, and birdsong. But when the queen dies, the land becomes quiet and barren, and everyone is filled with sadness. What will make the kingdom bloom again? Can Serenity, the youngest of three princesses, bring hope and life back to her kingdom with a single apple pip — a precious seed left to her by her mother? This original fairy tale is brought to life and exquisitely illustrated by the internationally renowned Jane Ray.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2007
7 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. Ray
80 books31 followersBorn in London, Jane studied art and design at Middlesex University. Her main study was ceramics and she didn't start to illustrate until she left college. Her first published work was a series of greetings cards for Roger la Borde, followed by some book jackets, and eventually black and white illustrations for a poetry anthology with Orchard Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 31, 2022
Almost want to give it five stars, for the multiculturalism, for art, for nods to traditional tales, for modern twists.... Little things like the fact that there's no mention of the lack of a male heir, and the sisters' interesting come-uppance, make this special.
And big things are special, too. The people and the kingdom grieve, and that is all it takes to explain how desolate they've become... there's no invading neighbor, evil witch, greedy vizier; just grief. And so the solution is natural, plausible, authentically inspiring, not just a corny fantasy. (Even though the time-frame is fantastic.)
Highly recommended to all fans of traditional or original fairy tales.
I will look for more by Jane Ray.
And big things are special, too. The people and the kingdom grieve, and that is all it takes to explain how desolate they've become... there's no invading neighbor, evil witch, greedy vizier; just grief. And so the solution is natural, plausible, authentically inspiring, not just a corny fantasy. (Even though the time-frame is fantastic.)
Highly recommended to all fans of traditional or original fairy tales.
I will look for more by Jane Ray.
February 22, 2010
This is an original fairy tale and while it uses a familiar formula, there are some unique aspects to the story.
The tale is engaging, and I love how the youngest princess goes about getting the privilege of ruling the kingdom. How Serenity, the youngest child, gets the land to blossom, using her own idea, her inheritance from her mother, and the land’s people is just lovely, and the results even more heartening. I also appreciate the overall harmony that’s achieved by the last page.
The illustrations are slightly off kilter in a completely delightful way; they’re really beautiful, very special.
This book is a winner and it shows that fairy tales don’t have to be classics to be an asset to the genre.
The tale is engaging, and I love how the youngest princess goes about getting the privilege of ruling the kingdom. How Serenity, the youngest child, gets the land to blossom, using her own idea, her inheritance from her mother, and the land’s people is just lovely, and the results even more heartening. I also appreciate the overall harmony that’s achieved by the last page.
The illustrations are slightly off kilter in a completely delightful way; they’re really beautiful, very special.
This book is a winner and it shows that fairy tales don’t have to be classics to be an asset to the genre.
December 31, 2009
In this original fairytale, we have three princesses whose father tells them they must do something within one week to prove who is most fit to take over the ailing kingdom. Predictably, the older sisters are preoccupied with glorifying themselves rather than helping their subjects but the third princess finds a beautiful and selfless way to bring good fortune back to the kingdom. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and I fell in love with the charming tale. Highly recommended!
February 16, 2020
In this gorgeous original fairy-tale from English author/artist Jane Ray, an elderly king - weighed down by sorrow after the death of his wife - proclaims that, of his three daughters, his kingdom will go to the one who makes the greatest 'mark' on their land. Suzanna, the clever eldest, decides to build a massive wooden tower, in order to demonstrate her importance; while Miranda, the vain middle one, builds a metal tower to mirror her beauty. It is the youngest daughter, humble Serenity, who has no idea what to do, who triumphs in the end, however, using her mother's box of blessings to transform the land itself into a lush paradise...
Visually stunning - as usual with her books, I loved Ray's artwork here, with its beautiful colors, golden accents, and mosaic-like sensibility - and boasting an appealing tale, The Apple-Pip Princess is structured like a traditional tale (three sisters, a competition, etc.), but imparts a very contemporary ethic of caring for the environment. I appreciated the message, and the fact that it was embedded in an entertaining story, I appreciated the fact that the royal family here are of African descent/appearance (one can't describe them as being "African-American," as I have seen some reviewers do, as this is not, of course, an American book), and I simply loved the artwork! All in all, a top-notch picture-book, one I recommend to all young fairy-tale lovers, and to fans of Jane Ray.
Visually stunning - as usual with her books, I loved Ray's artwork here, with its beautiful colors, golden accents, and mosaic-like sensibility - and boasting an appealing tale, The Apple-Pip Princess is structured like a traditional tale (three sisters, a competition, etc.), but imparts a very contemporary ethic of caring for the environment. I appreciated the message, and the fact that it was embedded in an entertaining story, I appreciated the fact that the royal family here are of African descent/appearance (one can't describe them as being "African-American," as I have seen some reviewers do, as this is not, of course, an American book), and I simply loved the artwork! All in all, a top-notch picture-book, one I recommend to all young fairy-tale lovers, and to fans of Jane Ray.
June 1, 2009
The lovely and eclectic illustrations are the high point of this moral tale about a sad and desolate kingdom whose queen has died.
September 14, 2019
A sad but loving and hopeful princess fairy tale, featuring a practical, POC princess.
Lessons to take from 'The Apple-Pip Princess' include: Go outside and play and plant a garden, for nature and your home and people will thank you later; look out for those less fortunate than you; materialistic things and showing off are unimportant, especially if you're a leader of a nation; speaking of, slave labour used in order to build materialistic things simply out of hubris is very wrong; the bigger the ego, the lonelier you'll become; things and memories of the past can be an important use for saving the present and future; in other words, learn from the past in order to save the future; grief can be a source of strength, not weakness; there is beauty in everything as long as we hope and prosper; and outdoor activities are a blossoming blessing and a joy in so many ways. Anyone can do and enjoy anything out in the grounds.
I don't want to spoil much about the plot, but Princess Serenity (lovely name) is a small, plain princess with a big and beautiful heart who will use her late mother's teachings and mementos to save her desolate kingdom, under her old, grieving and depressed father. Unlike her shallow and arrogant older sisters, Suzanna and Miranda, she will try to actually do something for the good of her people.
I'm relieved that the sisters don't turn out to be one-dimensional, and the story is more about grief, family, motherhood and sisterhood, than magic. There is no explicit romance, either, thank Queen Elizabeth I.
The illustrations are as illustrious and gorgeous as the progressive fairy tale. In some soft spots the writing is quite quaint, self-aware and humourous; Jane Ray shows off her personality in her opus.
In fact, "quaint" describes 'The Apple-Pip Princess' wonderfully.
Raindrops, sunlight, moonlight, a rainbow, a starbird's feather, a spider's dewy web, a nightingale's song, an embroidered silk bag, mist, a black cat, and an apple pip and other fruit pips - such are the ingredients for a marvelous, succulent and sweet princess tale; as well as for a magical garden, and for life.
Sugar, spice and everything nice don't cut it anymore. Neither do roses, kittens, bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens.
It seems that every great picture book I've read recently can so easily be made into an animated family film. Come on, make more female-led animated films!...whoever might be reading this!
'The Apple-Pip Princess' - Absolutely breathtaking, mellifluous, feminist, and important to read to children. It is about happiness, and working hard to save the environment and your society. What could be more important than that?
For we will all live happily ever after then.
'Can a tiny apple pip really bring hope and happiness back to Serenity's beloved kingdom?
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference...'
Final Score: 5/5
Lessons to take from 'The Apple-Pip Princess' include: Go outside and play and plant a garden, for nature and your home and people will thank you later; look out for those less fortunate than you; materialistic things and showing off are unimportant, especially if you're a leader of a nation; speaking of, slave labour used in order to build materialistic things simply out of hubris is very wrong; the bigger the ego, the lonelier you'll become; things and memories of the past can be an important use for saving the present and future; in other words, learn from the past in order to save the future; grief can be a source of strength, not weakness; there is beauty in everything as long as we hope and prosper; and outdoor activities are a blossoming blessing and a joy in so many ways. Anyone can do and enjoy anything out in the grounds.
I don't want to spoil much about the plot, but Princess Serenity (lovely name) is a small, plain princess with a big and beautiful heart who will use her late mother's teachings and mementos to save her desolate kingdom, under her old, grieving and depressed father. Unlike her shallow and arrogant older sisters, Suzanna and Miranda, she will try to actually do something for the good of her people.
I'm relieved that the sisters don't turn out to be one-dimensional, and the story is more about grief, family, motherhood and sisterhood, than magic. There is no explicit romance, either, thank Queen Elizabeth I.
The illustrations are as illustrious and gorgeous as the progressive fairy tale. In some soft spots the writing is quite quaint, self-aware and humourous; Jane Ray shows off her personality in her opus.
In fact, "quaint" describes 'The Apple-Pip Princess' wonderfully.
Raindrops, sunlight, moonlight, a rainbow, a starbird's feather, a spider's dewy web, a nightingale's song, an embroidered silk bag, mist, a black cat, and an apple pip and other fruit pips - such are the ingredients for a marvelous, succulent and sweet princess tale; as well as for a magical garden, and for life.
Sugar, spice and everything nice don't cut it anymore. Neither do roses, kittens, bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens.
It seems that every great picture book I've read recently can so easily be made into an animated family film. Come on, make more female-led animated films!...whoever might be reading this!
'The Apple-Pip Princess' - Absolutely breathtaking, mellifluous, feminist, and important to read to children. It is about happiness, and working hard to save the environment and your society. What could be more important than that?
For we will all live happily ever after then.
'Can a tiny apple pip really bring hope and happiness back to Serenity's beloved kingdom?
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference...'
Final Score: 5/5
October 11, 2018
A beautiful story in a traditional fairy-tale style. It brings across the important values of leadership and true happiness. Furthermore, the illustrations show that this is a fairy-tale set in a non-white background, making it perfect for children who are usually unrepresented in literature. The illustrations are also beautiful, combining both drawings and collages in places. There are also many techniques from the illustrations that could be replicated over in art lesson and learning about how plant grow in science.
July 14, 2021
Completely lovely.
July 11, 2012
The Apple Pip Princess tells the story of a King with three daughters whose mother has died. With the Queen’s death, happiness has left the Kingdom and the King has all but given up. The three sisters each get the chance to prove to the King that they deserve to rule the Kingdom. The two older sisters both build towers to reflect their importance. The first sister builds a wooden tower which will be the tallest in the World and the next sister builds a metal tower that will reflect her beauty. The smallest princess, Serenity has been left a wooden box of things by her mother which at first seem ineffectual and Serenity despairs. The box contains: an apple pip seed; raindrops; rainbows; sunlight; a feather and a nightingale song. Serenity decides to plant the seeds and is soon helped by a boy from the nearby village. Other villagers join in but Serenity doesn’t think that she will complete her task and she and the boy sleep. When they wake up they see that everything has grown and the land looks fantastic and hopeful with new life. The King comes out and sees how much Serenity and her new friends have accomplished, contrasting sharply with the big ugly towers her two sisters are now ridiculously balanced on top of. The King tells Serenity that she will rule the Kingdom as she has displayed grace and hard work – the essential qualities for a ruler. Her sisters come down from their towers and everyone celebrates under the trees.
The Apple Pip Princess is a gorgeous all encompassing tale. It is a mix of a Fairy tale and folk tale and has the feel of an epic story with a big dose of escapism. At its heart is the message of simplicity, how the smallest gestures can be the ones that bear the most fruit (excuse the pun!) How capitalism and greed cannot compete with nature and the rewards that it brings. The story is accompanied by the most beautiful illustrations which add to the feeling of mysticism and far-away lands. They also convey what a stunning land Serenity creates. I loved reading this book and think it could be used in the classroom as an example of a modern day fairytale, perhaps as a basis for children to write their own fairy or folk tale. The book is aimed at 4 to 8 year olds.
The Apple Pip Princess is a gorgeous all encompassing tale. It is a mix of a Fairy tale and folk tale and has the feel of an epic story with a big dose of escapism. At its heart is the message of simplicity, how the smallest gestures can be the ones that bear the most fruit (excuse the pun!) How capitalism and greed cannot compete with nature and the rewards that it brings. The story is accompanied by the most beautiful illustrations which add to the feeling of mysticism and far-away lands. They also convey what a stunning land Serenity creates. I loved reading this book and think it could be used in the classroom as an example of a modern day fairytale, perhaps as a basis for children to write their own fairy or folk tale. The book is aimed at 4 to 8 year olds.
September 18, 2015
Best picture book I've read this year.
June 8, 2017
Multi cultural princesses that have nice sisters? yes!
August 4, 2023
Serenity's father, the ruler of the kingdom, was getting old and had to choose which one of his children should rule after him. Serenity had two older sisters, Suzanna and Miranda. He tells all three girls that they have to do something to make him proud. After a week, once he sees what each girl has done, then he will make his decision. Suzanna and Miranda start building towers, each trying to best the other sister. Serenity, on the other hand, starts planting seeds. Lots and lots of seeds. Soon she starts attracting attention from the village and a boy, named Joseph, comes over to give her a plum pit that they plant together. Word about Serenity and Joseph's planting soon spreads and more people from the village come to help. In the end, who will Serenity's father choose to rule the land after him? Will Serenity's hard work pay off? This is such a cute book with amazing illustrations. I love the story and how well it's written. I picked it up at a book sale and am really happy that I did! I love it! I also really love Serenity's name - I think it was a great choice, especially for the character she is in the story. Thank you for reading! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
May 29, 2019
Absolutely beautiful!
I picked this up in a secondhand bookshop today and bought it instantly, just based on the fact that it is illustrated (and written) by Jane Ray and is a fairytale.
It follows three daughters who have to persuade their father that they are the right one to take over the kingdom after him. Each has their own idea about what to do, but it is the shyest who has an idea that transforms the country.
I loved the illustrations, the casual inclusiveness (yay for princesses that aren't white with blonde hair and blue eyes!) and the sweet ending.
I picked this up in a secondhand bookshop today and bought it instantly, just based on the fact that it is illustrated (and written) by Jane Ray and is a fairytale.
It follows three daughters who have to persuade their father that they are the right one to take over the kingdom after him. Each has their own idea about what to do, but it is the shyest who has an idea that transforms the country.
I loved the illustrations, the casual inclusiveness (yay for princesses that aren't white with blonde hair and blue eyes!) and the sweet ending.
May 9, 2018
A king must choose between his three daughters as to which will be the best to rule the land. Luckily, pride and vanity do not rule the day.
Ages: 5 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 5 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
February 4, 2019
Just once I'd like to read a story about three princesses where the OLDEST is the wonderful one! I'm telling you, us eldest-of-three-girls folks do get the short end of the stick when it comes to fairy tales!
Still, I did like this one. I thought Serenity was a sweet girl and her idea to fill the land with trees an excellent one. I especially like the fact that the foolish sisters eventually came to their senses and joined the rest of the family. Very nice.
Still, I did like this one. I thought Serenity was a sweet girl and her idea to fill the land with trees an excellent one. I especially like the fact that the foolish sisters eventually came to their senses and joined the rest of the family. Very nice.
March 22, 2023
I didn't really enjoy this book, so I had to give it a lower rating. The story is not very entertaining and the graphics are somewhat boring, so it was a book that felt like it just needed to be finished to get it over with. The story behind it is definitely a good meaning but that could have been portrayed in a different more interesting way.
August 26, 2018
A fable about showing leadership and bringing healing to a community.
The oldest sister shows she's ready to lead by building the tallest tower. The next sister shows she's ready to lead by building a shiny, showy tower. The youngest sister plants seeds and inspires others to do the same.
The oldest sister shows she's ready to lead by building the tallest tower. The next sister shows she's ready to lead by building a shiny, showy tower. The youngest sister plants seeds and inspires others to do the same.
January 30, 2019
This is a good book for read-aloud, and it is also a good lesson on wisdom. Students would enjoy this book and you could tie in an activity that would have students planting seeds and taking care of plants, maybe at the start of the semester/year!
October 24, 2019
The king had three daughters and the queen had passed away. he decided he was going to choose one of his daughters to rule the kingdom but they had to do something significant for him to be able to consider him for the throne
August 17, 2021
One of my favorite picture books… such a lovely story of a princess that is absent any kind of love story beyond familial and community love. The protagonist is plucky and creative and saves her kingdom with an apple seed. Oh, and the illustrations are stunning. I couldn’t love it more.
November 14, 2017
Excellent story. We had a great conversation about the moral principles contained herein.
June 28, 2018
The illustrations were what made this one for me. So whimsical and detailed.
April 28, 2021
A lovely book favoring the attribute of wisdom over vanity and self-importance
May 11, 2021
An original fairytale about three princesses and what each of them does to impress their father so that they might rule the kingdom. THe artwork was divine.
July 25, 2023
Beautiful layered illustrations and a tale to match
June 13, 2008
In a barren, ramshackle kingdom lives a king and his three daughters. Their mother died years early and that is when the kingdom started to decline. Before her death, the queen asked each of her daughters to select something of hers to keep. The two older daughters selected shoes and a crown, but the youngest princess chose a very special box containing bottles and boxes filled with raindrops, rainbow, sunlight, spider web, a feather, nightingale song, and an apple seed. The king sets a challenge for his three daughters. The one who can make their mark and make him proud at the end of the next 7 days and nights will become the ruler of the kingdom. The two older girls build enormous towers to reach the moon and stars, one of wood the other of metal. The youngest princess plants seeds, cares for them, and works very hard using the gifts left by her mother. By the end of the week, she and the many people of the kingdom who see what she is doing and help, have transformed the barren land into green grass and trees.
This story of one person creating change and doing good is very powerful. Encapsulated in a folktale structure, the moral is not overly stated but instead stands on its own. The folktale structure is an important one, taking this modern tale and combining it firmly with tradition. Ray's language is a joy to read aloud, as it fairly dances off the tongue. In fact, Ray has created a princess tale that will resonate with everyone who hears it. Her artwork also lends another level to the story. These princesses are not golden-haired and fair, but dark complexioned and more universal as characters. The art too merges traditional feel with modern on each page.
Highly recommended as a read aloud for "green" days at school or for a princess book that will appeal to everyone. It would also be a pleasure to add to apple story times for preschoolers who are ready for a longer book. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
This story of one person creating change and doing good is very powerful. Encapsulated in a folktale structure, the moral is not overly stated but instead stands on its own. The folktale structure is an important one, taking this modern tale and combining it firmly with tradition. Ray's language is a joy to read aloud, as it fairly dances off the tongue. In fact, Ray has created a princess tale that will resonate with everyone who hears it. Her artwork also lends another level to the story. These princesses are not golden-haired and fair, but dark complexioned and more universal as characters. The art too merges traditional feel with modern on each page.
Highly recommended as a read aloud for "green" days at school or for a princess book that will appeal to everyone. It would also be a pleasure to add to apple story times for preschoolers who are ready for a longer book. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
April 18, 2009
I loved this book. Admittedly, a lot of the charm was having all of my kids snuggled onto the couch with me before supper, (after the vying for position and extra wiggling was done).
This is a practical and fresh fairy tale about an old king choosing a successor from his three daughters. Emma's questions drew out the pride and conceit of the older daughters who felt they were more important and more beautiful than anyone else, and did not act justly. This was a perfect foil to the humble apple pip princess who sought to be like her mother and provide assistence and work along side the people.
One of the most beautiful moments in the story, that I read in a loud voice, often over Caleb pointing and naming everything in the pictures (nice illustrations too). Was when Emma holllered in frustration, "Caleb, you don't have to know everything!" Now, if you have ever read any book with my daughter, you already know that she asks a million questions. She asks them while you are reading--and the answer is almost always forthcoming if she listens. It provided a beautiful teachable moment, and that night when we were in bed, she held her questions to the end of the page.
Finally, of no consequence to the book--but in relation to princesses, I was delighted to overhear Emma talking to her friend Renee in the car. She said, 'I am sad that princesses don't like lollipops'. Then she said, 'no, wait, I am a princess. I like lollipops. God is the biggest king and I am his daughter so I am a real true princess even though I wear pants and shirts and stuff'.
I prefer princess Emma to bat Emma-- or Emmamal, but I love that girl.
This is a practical and fresh fairy tale about an old king choosing a successor from his three daughters. Emma's questions drew out the pride and conceit of the older daughters who felt they were more important and more beautiful than anyone else, and did not act justly. This was a perfect foil to the humble apple pip princess who sought to be like her mother and provide assistence and work along side the people.
One of the most beautiful moments in the story, that I read in a loud voice, often over Caleb pointing and naming everything in the pictures (nice illustrations too). Was when Emma holllered in frustration, "Caleb, you don't have to know everything!" Now, if you have ever read any book with my daughter, you already know that she asks a million questions. She asks them while you are reading--and the answer is almost always forthcoming if she listens. It provided a beautiful teachable moment, and that night when we were in bed, she held her questions to the end of the page.
Finally, of no consequence to the book--but in relation to princesses, I was delighted to overhear Emma talking to her friend Renee in the car. She said, 'I am sad that princesses don't like lollipops'. Then she said, 'no, wait, I am a princess. I like lollipops. God is the biggest king and I am his daughter so I am a real true princess even though I wear pants and shirts and stuff'.
I prefer princess Emma to bat Emma-- or Emmamal, but I love that girl.
October 2, 2010
Author/Illustrator: Jane Ray
Published: 2008
Interest Level: K-2
Summary:Ray celebrates the transforming power of growing things in this beautiful, original fairy tale. A once-green kingdom turns into a barren dust bowl after a queen’s death. The king, concerned about his land’s future, challenges his three daughters to “do something to make your mark.” The creator of the best project will rule the kingdom. Two princesses build towering structures, but the youngest, Serenity, plucks a tiny apple seed from a box of nature’s treasures that belonged to her mother. That seed’s sprout inspires more planting, and soon the kingdom becomes a lush paradise, and Serenity is named the new ruler. Ray’s rich language and sure pacing create a winning read-aloud, but it’s the shining collage artwork that really stands out. Mixing color photos into her typically fine, elaborately decorated illustrations, Ray creates dramatic scenes of a kingdom’s renewal while highlighting the close ties among the brown-skinned princesses and the kingdom’s diverse people. Link this celebratory story Claire Nivola’s Planting the Trees of Kenya
My Take: This tale reminded me of the The Empty Pot. There is a lot that can be done with this book. The use of language is first element of this book that strikes me. Students, if used as a read aloud, can uncover meanings of words through word studies. Also, the book lends itself to holding discussions around the illustrations.
I would use this book have students make predictions. There are many good stopping points for students to stop and think about the prediction process.
Published: 2008
Interest Level: K-2
Summary:Ray celebrates the transforming power of growing things in this beautiful, original fairy tale. A once-green kingdom turns into a barren dust bowl after a queen’s death. The king, concerned about his land’s future, challenges his three daughters to “do something to make your mark.” The creator of the best project will rule the kingdom. Two princesses build towering structures, but the youngest, Serenity, plucks a tiny apple seed from a box of nature’s treasures that belonged to her mother. That seed’s sprout inspires more planting, and soon the kingdom becomes a lush paradise, and Serenity is named the new ruler. Ray’s rich language and sure pacing create a winning read-aloud, but it’s the shining collage artwork that really stands out. Mixing color photos into her typically fine, elaborately decorated illustrations, Ray creates dramatic scenes of a kingdom’s renewal while highlighting the close ties among the brown-skinned princesses and the kingdom’s diverse people. Link this celebratory story Claire Nivola’s Planting the Trees of Kenya
My Take: This tale reminded me of the The Empty Pot. There is a lot that can be done with this book. The use of language is first element of this book that strikes me. Students, if used as a read aloud, can uncover meanings of words through word studies. Also, the book lends itself to holding discussions around the illustrations.
I would use this book have students make predictions. There are many good stopping points for students to stop and think about the prediction process.
May 24, 2011
Author: Jane Ray
Genre: Fiction, Fairy Tales, Picture Books
Release: March, 2008
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5
Description: Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. . . .
Once there was a kingdom full of laughter, happiness, trees, and birdsong. But when the queen dies, the land becomes quiet and barren, and everyone is filled with sadness. What will make the kingdom bloom again? Can Serenity, the youngest of three princesses, bring hope and life back to her kingdom with a single apple pip -- a precious seed left to her by her mother? This original fairy tale is brought to life and exquisitely illustrated by the internationally renowned Jane Ray.
With sumptuous artwork, Jane Ray tells an original fairy tale of a humble princess whose love for nature’s beauty restores a kingdom.
Review: There once was a kingdom that flourished under the reign of a gentle king and his beautiful wife. But then the queen dies, leaving the king to raise their 3 daughters alone. Everyone and everything becomes barren and sad. Eventually, the king decides to set his 3 daughters to a special task: do something to change the land. Will the youngest princess, Serenity, be the one to save the land?
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
* Nothing at all.
WHAT I LIKED
* Everything! Another awesome children's book. It was touching, beautifully written, gorgeous illustrations...
The Apple-Pip Princess is perfect to read aloud to your children or students. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet, awesome read.
Genre: Fiction, Fairy Tales, Picture Books
Release: March, 2008
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5
Description: Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. . . .
Once there was a kingdom full of laughter, happiness, trees, and birdsong. But when the queen dies, the land becomes quiet and barren, and everyone is filled with sadness. What will make the kingdom bloom again? Can Serenity, the youngest of three princesses, bring hope and life back to her kingdom with a single apple pip -- a precious seed left to her by her mother? This original fairy tale is brought to life and exquisitely illustrated by the internationally renowned Jane Ray.
With sumptuous artwork, Jane Ray tells an original fairy tale of a humble princess whose love for nature’s beauty restores a kingdom.
Review: There once was a kingdom that flourished under the reign of a gentle king and his beautiful wife. But then the queen dies, leaving the king to raise their 3 daughters alone. Everyone and everything becomes barren and sad. Eventually, the king decides to set his 3 daughters to a special task: do something to change the land. Will the youngest princess, Serenity, be the one to save the land?
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
* Nothing at all.
WHAT I LIKED
* Everything! Another awesome children's book. It was touching, beautifully written, gorgeous illustrations...
The Apple-Pip Princess is perfect to read aloud to your children or students. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet, awesome read.
June 30, 2013
The Apple Pip Princess follows the life of a King with three daughters whose mother has recently died. With the Queen’s death, happiness has left the Kingdom and the King has all but given up. The three sisters each get the chance to prove to the King that they deserve to rule the Kingdom. The eldest of the sisters builds a wooden tower which will be the tallest in the World. The middle sister builds a metal tower. The eldest sister built the wooden tower to show her importance whereas the middle sister built the metal tower to reflect her beauty. The smallest princess, Serenity has been left a wooden box of things by her mother which at first seem ineffectual and Serenity despairs. The box contains: an apple pip seed; raindrops; rainbows; sunlight; a feather and a nightingale song. Serenity decides to plant the seeds and is soon helped by a boy from the nearby village. The King comes out and sees how much Serenity and her new friends have accomplished. The King tells Serenity that she will rule the Kingdom as she has displayed grace and hard work – the essential qualities for a ruler. Her sisters come down from their towers and everyone celebrates under the trees. This book could be used in a classroom for children aged between 4 and 8 as it is a modern day fairytale that shows children the rewards that nature brings. This story could be used as a basis for children beginning to write their own fairytale stories within literacy.
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