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Tales of Princesses and Princes Volume 1
Seven entertaining stories involving Princesses, Princes, Magical Creatures, and Extraordinary Happenings.
This delightful and humorous collection of re-adapted folktales, which has pen and ink illustrations at the beginning of each story, includes characters like the three Princes, who set out to try and find a singing bird that will heal their ailing father, an orphan girl who helps an injured lion, a Princess who is kidnapped by a sea witch a proud Queen who withstands cruel captivity and saves her daughter, a Princess who discovers that she is fated to marry a pig, a Prince who refuses to be the heir to the throne until he has righted an old iniquity, and a Prince who longs for adventure and comes to regret it.
Recommended for children and the young at heart.
This delightful and humorous collection of re-adapted folktales, which has pen and ink illustrations at the beginning of each story, includes characters like the three Princes, who set out to try and find a singing bird that will heal their ailing father, an orphan girl who helps an injured lion, a Princess who is kidnapped by a sea witch a proud Queen who withstands cruel captivity and saves her daughter, a Princess who discovers that she is fated to marry a pig, a Prince who refuses to be the heir to the throne until he has righted an old iniquity, and a Prince who longs for adventure and comes to regret it.
Recommended for children and the young at heart.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2016
About the author
Sonal Panse
35 books62 followers
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When I was seven, I decided I wanted to be an artist and a writer. I thought it would be an excellent way of finding out more about the world. It has since been a fine journey in staying balanced, making connections, and continually learning something new. I'm very happy to have such a creatively rewarding and fulfilling occupation.
I write children's books, YA books, NA books, graphic novels, and romance books, and I have a Sunday comic-strip 'The Smartist'; if you haven't seen it yet, you should. I'm deeply interested in art, books, music, musical instruments, gardening, dog training, travel, languages, history, science, kind and humorous people, mindfulness, and lots and lots and lots of other things.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in History, a Master's Degree in English Literature, and a Diploma in Fine Art.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 13, 2016
Tales of Princesses and Princes is an anthology of fairy tale retellings. As someone who's always ready for another fairy tale, I dove in with excitement. To my delight, the anthology proved full of stories written in the classic fairy tale fashion. I'd like to say something brief about each of them...
The Golden Bird -- I loved the sidekick in this story, a sharp barmaid who doesn't take no for an answer.
The Lion Prince -- Amana, the heroine of this story, is full of spirit and kindness. Her courage in the face of adversity makes her possibly my favorite of the bunch.
The White Gull -- I love stories set by the sea, and the sea is the perfect backdrop for the opening of this story, where a storm threatens the lives of two young princes. In fear, they make a promise their parents will be loathe to keep… I also enjoyed how a gull--rather than the more usual dove or swan--played the role of helper.
The Wicked King -- I liked the little mouse who came to help the Queen in her distress. However, I wasn't able to sympathize as easily with the characters in this story as I was with the other stories. The princess was obstinate, and not in a good way, making it difficult to like one of the major good guys. I was also disappointed when the mice weren't present throughout the story--I'd hoped they'd have a bigger presence. Of the seven stories, this one felt the weakest, but I did like the ending.
The Enchanted Pig -- This story reminded me a lot of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, one of my favorite fairy tales. The two tales definitely share some elements, though instead of a white bear, the prince in this story is a not-so-common pig. The princess of the story shows great fortitude despite the trials she must go through, making it a satisfying story all around. This one is tied with The Lion Prince as my favorite of the anthology.
The Grateful Prince -- In most of the other stories, the princess was the one who stood out--in this one, the prince did. Upon learning the circumstances following his birth, he strikes out immediately to rescue the poor girl who swapped places with him. Of all the princes in the anthology, I like him best, for his compassion and determination.
The Blue Parrot -- This tale was perhaps the most complicated, with many players and much back-and-forth between the good guys and the bad. However, its underlying theme was simple, and although I would have liked a little more forewarning of the player who ultimately saves the day, overall it is a good story.
Each of these tales takes place in an exotic land, where princesses are beautiful and princes are handsome. I'd like to see more fairy tales retold in this fashion by Panse, perhaps with new twists, such as princesses who are plain rather than stunning, or sharp-witted princes who save the day without needing a maiden's advice (granted, the latter was somewhat present in The White Gull, though even he required some prodding from the princess to stay on task, the silly bird.)
In regards to this particular anthology, however, it stands on its own well, with a fine selection of stories retold in Panse's own way, without losing the feel of a good, old-fashioned fairy tale.
The Golden Bird -- I loved the sidekick in this story, a sharp barmaid who doesn't take no for an answer.
The Lion Prince -- Amana, the heroine of this story, is full of spirit and kindness. Her courage in the face of adversity makes her possibly my favorite of the bunch.
The White Gull -- I love stories set by the sea, and the sea is the perfect backdrop for the opening of this story, where a storm threatens the lives of two young princes. In fear, they make a promise their parents will be loathe to keep… I also enjoyed how a gull--rather than the more usual dove or swan--played the role of helper.
The Wicked King -- I liked the little mouse who came to help the Queen in her distress. However, I wasn't able to sympathize as easily with the characters in this story as I was with the other stories. The princess was obstinate, and not in a good way, making it difficult to like one of the major good guys. I was also disappointed when the mice weren't present throughout the story--I'd hoped they'd have a bigger presence. Of the seven stories, this one felt the weakest, but I did like the ending.
The Enchanted Pig -- This story reminded me a lot of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, one of my favorite fairy tales. The two tales definitely share some elements, though instead of a white bear, the prince in this story is a not-so-common pig. The princess of the story shows great fortitude despite the trials she must go through, making it a satisfying story all around. This one is tied with The Lion Prince as my favorite of the anthology.
The Grateful Prince -- In most of the other stories, the princess was the one who stood out--in this one, the prince did. Upon learning the circumstances following his birth, he strikes out immediately to rescue the poor girl who swapped places with him. Of all the princes in the anthology, I like him best, for his compassion and determination.
The Blue Parrot -- This tale was perhaps the most complicated, with many players and much back-and-forth between the good guys and the bad. However, its underlying theme was simple, and although I would have liked a little more forewarning of the player who ultimately saves the day, overall it is a good story.
Each of these tales takes place in an exotic land, where princesses are beautiful and princes are handsome. I'd like to see more fairy tales retold in this fashion by Panse, perhaps with new twists, such as princesses who are plain rather than stunning, or sharp-witted princes who save the day without needing a maiden's advice (granted, the latter was somewhat present in The White Gull, though even he required some prodding from the princess to stay on task, the silly bird.)
In regards to this particular anthology, however, it stands on its own well, with a fine selection of stories retold in Panse's own way, without losing the feel of a good, old-fashioned fairy tale.
June 6, 2016
Tales of Princesses and Princes - Volume 1 is a delightful book of fairy tales newly adapted by the author. The tales themselves are full of the traditional motifs: enchanted princesses and princes, helpful animals, magical chase scenes. But it's best to just enjoy the stories and not to pay too much attention to the plot devices, or you start to feel like a comparative folklorist, and that way lies madness.
The important thing is that steadfastness is rewarded, and good triumphs over evil. Also, in these particular stories the villain or villainess tends to self-destruct instead of requiring execution by gruesome methods. That helps to make this collection suitable for children (which isn't always true of fairy tales, as anyone familiar with them knows).
They're also good for reading aloud--I tried it with my two youngest, who enjoyed hearing 'The White Gull' as a bedtime story last night. The only thing I'd say is that while the original stories can be overly laconic, Panse's versions sometimes go the opposite way and, when read aloud, seem just a bit wordy.
The author's wonderful illustrations--each story has one as a frontispiece--aid visualization and add to the magic of the stories themselves.
One interesting note: I'd assumed these stories would be based on Indian folklore, but in fact Panse has retold stories, found in Andrew Lang collections, that come from several different cultures. She adapted these to an Indian setting by changes such as substituting jackals for foxes, rakshasas for goblins, or a Tamal tree for a rose. Out of curiousity, I read a couple of the source stories (available on Project Gutenberg, since they're in the public domain), and I can testify that her retellings are usually better than the originals.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
The important thing is that steadfastness is rewarded, and good triumphs over evil. Also, in these particular stories the villain or villainess tends to self-destruct instead of requiring execution by gruesome methods. That helps to make this collection suitable for children (which isn't always true of fairy tales, as anyone familiar with them knows).
They're also good for reading aloud--I tried it with my two youngest, who enjoyed hearing 'The White Gull' as a bedtime story last night. The only thing I'd say is that while the original stories can be overly laconic, Panse's versions sometimes go the opposite way and, when read aloud, seem just a bit wordy.
The author's wonderful illustrations--each story has one as a frontispiece--aid visualization and add to the magic of the stories themselves.
One interesting note: I'd assumed these stories would be based on Indian folklore, but in fact Panse has retold stories, found in Andrew Lang collections, that come from several different cultures. She adapted these to an Indian setting by changes such as substituting jackals for foxes, rakshasas for goblins, or a Tamal tree for a rose. Out of curiousity, I read a couple of the source stories (available on Project Gutenberg, since they're in the public domain), and I can testify that her retellings are usually better than the originals.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
June 30, 2016
Tales of Princesses and Princes is a captivating collection of fairy tales retold from stories written by Andrew Lang. This is my second time reading a collection by Sonal and I was not disappointed. The author has a captivating style that keeps you reading one story after another, turning the pages until you finish the book in one sitting.
The tales are all about princesses and princes, some so foolish they do not know what to prioritize in life and some making foolish vows and rash decisions. Others are so proud and stubborn they remain regal and firm no matter what the circumstances. And yet others exhibit such wisdom they overcome even the greatest enemy. All the princesses are beautiful and princes change from animals to humans when kissed or loved. There is a lot of love and magic and they all 'live happily ever after’ (sigh).
At the heart of each tale there is a basic age old life lesson conveyed that applies to all. My favorite is the common maiden who loved a prince enough to give him up and she ended up saving his life and marrying him. Lesson – if you love someone let them go, they will surely come back if they are meant for you. And the princess who married a pig – don’t despise your destiny and humble beginnings. You never know who the pig is!
Sonal builds a magical world so unreal at times and yet so plausible and endearing to its reader. To be honest I am a sucker for fairy tales and folktales and this one just got me through and through. And the book does confirm I am still young at heart.
The tales are all about princesses and princes, some so foolish they do not know what to prioritize in life and some making foolish vows and rash decisions. Others are so proud and stubborn they remain regal and firm no matter what the circumstances. And yet others exhibit such wisdom they overcome even the greatest enemy. All the princesses are beautiful and princes change from animals to humans when kissed or loved. There is a lot of love and magic and they all 'live happily ever after’ (sigh).
At the heart of each tale there is a basic age old life lesson conveyed that applies to all. My favorite is the common maiden who loved a prince enough to give him up and she ended up saving his life and marrying him. Lesson – if you love someone let them go, they will surely come back if they are meant for you. And the princess who married a pig – don’t despise your destiny and humble beginnings. You never know who the pig is!
Sonal builds a magical world so unreal at times and yet so plausible and endearing to its reader. To be honest I am a sucker for fairy tales and folktales and this one just got me through and through. And the book does confirm I am still young at heart.
July 9, 2016
This is a small collection of seven fairy tales “re-adapted” from Andrew Lang. The writing is clear and the illustrations are quite lovely. The formatting/proofreading is of a very high quality and that adds to one’s reading pleasure.
But I don’t understand what the author means by “re-adapted.” The Lang books referred to have their original publication dates; did the author read those or some adaptation of the Pink, Red, Violet and Olive Fairy Books? Whatever the case, some readers may wonder just how original are these tales now told. (I consider a reading of the Lang stories for the sake of making the comparison beyond the scope of this review.)
I also find the language or tone of the writing “highfalutin” – as if told by someone who might have been a Victorian Aunt Augusta. This tone disconcerted me for I cannot imagine anyone today reading these stories to children. (They do not have, for example, the artlessness of Charlotte’s Web or the cheekiness of The Phantom Tollbooth.) These tales are in search of an audience.
But I don’t understand what the author means by “re-adapted.” The Lang books referred to have their original publication dates; did the author read those or some adaptation of the Pink, Red, Violet and Olive Fairy Books? Whatever the case, some readers may wonder just how original are these tales now told. (I consider a reading of the Lang stories for the sake of making the comparison beyond the scope of this review.)
I also find the language or tone of the writing “highfalutin” – as if told by someone who might have been a Victorian Aunt Augusta. This tone disconcerted me for I cannot imagine anyone today reading these stories to children. (They do not have, for example, the artlessness of Charlotte’s Web or the cheekiness of The Phantom Tollbooth.) These tales are in search of an audience.
May 28, 2016
I Loved all the stories in this book. It reminded me of my childhood. Stories were similar to The TV Serial and short stories related to my childhood.
Well narrated, well written stories.
Recommended for all fantasy lovers!!
Well narrated, well written stories.
Recommended for all fantasy lovers!!
July 7, 2016
I was pleased to see at the end of this book the acknowledgement that these stories were not original and were based on the publications of Andrew Lang, the majority of which are free on Amazon.
This book appears to be merely a re-wording of Lang’s collections, some of the stories are shortened slightly, the characters are given names, a fox is replaced by a jackal and a giant a sorceress, but the originals are infinitely readable and I question the need for another book. What is beautiful and original are the illustrations before each of the stories, which have been formatted to fit well on Kindle, something not easy to do.
I can make no comment on the stories and characters themselves, only the language used in the re-telling and I question whether a young child would understand words like indolent, chagrined, marauding, composure, although tantrums may be a good word to explain. Personally I feel the shortening loses some of the sense of time and atmosphere of the original.
I am happy to acknowledge I do not have children and have not read to young children and therefore a parent may take a different approach. For me, apart from the illustrations, this work does nothing to enhance the original stories.
This book appears to be merely a re-wording of Lang’s collections, some of the stories are shortened slightly, the characters are given names, a fox is replaced by a jackal and a giant a sorceress, but the originals are infinitely readable and I question the need for another book. What is beautiful and original are the illustrations before each of the stories, which have been formatted to fit well on Kindle, something not easy to do.
I can make no comment on the stories and characters themselves, only the language used in the re-telling and I question whether a young child would understand words like indolent, chagrined, marauding, composure, although tantrums may be a good word to explain. Personally I feel the shortening loses some of the sense of time and atmosphere of the original.
I am happy to acknowledge I do not have children and have not read to young children and therefore a parent may take a different approach. For me, apart from the illustrations, this work does nothing to enhance the original stories.
June 2, 2016
One magical summer (pun intended), I spent my spare time reading all twelve of Andrew Lang's fairy books. This collection of stories took me back to that time, mostly because they are based off of select stories from Lang's books, but also because they are classic fairy tales.
And yet, they seemed like new stories to me. Sonal Panse has retold them with charm and flair, while still keeping their fairy tale feel. The last story, The Blue Parrot, was especially good, even though I have read Lang's version before. Also, I loved the beautiful illustrations at the start of each chapter.
It has been a while since the summer when I read all those fairy tales, and I had almost forgotten how enchanting fairy tales are (pun absolutely intended). This book has reminded me. And I hope it will remind you, too.
And yet, they seemed like new stories to me. Sonal Panse has retold them with charm and flair, while still keeping their fairy tale feel. The last story, The Blue Parrot, was especially good, even though I have read Lang's version before. Also, I loved the beautiful illustrations at the start of each chapter.
It has been a while since the summer when I read all those fairy tales, and I had almost forgotten how enchanting fairy tales are (pun absolutely intended). This book has reminded me. And I hope it will remind you, too.
July 10, 2016
This is an excellent, well written collection of fairy tales that held my interest the whole way through. These are retellings of existing folklore, repackaged to fit into an Indian culture. The end result was an interesting mix between traditional fairy tales and Eastern culture.
Do be warned that I wouldn't really call these children's stories. These are more along the lines of original fairy tales, with several dark elements in the story.
I especially enjoyed the story of the imprisoned Queen and her daughter, but each story is quite unique from the others. And of course, good conquers bad just as it should in each tale.
I received a free copy in exchange for a review.
Do be warned that I wouldn't really call these children's stories. These are more along the lines of original fairy tales, with several dark elements in the story.
I especially enjoyed the story of the imprisoned Queen and her daughter, but each story is quite unique from the others. And of course, good conquers bad just as it should in each tale.
I received a free copy in exchange for a review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews