The Lovesick Salesman

by Margaret Gray, Randy Cecil (Illustrator)

A very long time ago, when this morning's mud puddles were still vast oceans, and dragons prowled their shores, there lived a little boy named Irwin who wanted to be a hero.

The uproarious prequel to the Christopher Medal
winner The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool

Every boy in the kingdom of Coriander dreams of being a hero, which makes it hard to get into the Heroic Academy. Young Irwin's brave swagger is more of a meek stumble, yet he is sure the teachers will see the heroic qualities that hide beneath his slightly silly exterior.

But they don't. So Irwin resigns himself to selling candy, which he doesn't really mind-until he meets the princess. Julia is exquisite and brilliant, and Irwin adores her, but she only has eyes for the greatest hero of all. Can the young salesman discover his inner hero in time to win her heart?

Genres: Fantasy

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Margaret Gray has been reading and writing fairy tales since she was a little girl, when her aversion to sports frustrated many gym teachers. She lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Kim Riehle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few books in your life that make you laugh, cry, and want to be a better you. This is one of those books. It is a wonderful journey were Erwin finds out that being a true hero is not based on looks or charisma. Its about being honest and always looking for the best in others even when they don't show it. There are amazing characters throughout the story and Margaret Gray puts a unique and humorous twist to medieval tournaments, wicked witches, and happily ever after. This is one of my favorite books.

[R. G. Nairam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful read.

The worrisome thing about sequels and prequels is that they'll not only not live up to the original, but will somehow taint the enjoyment of the original. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and now want to read /The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool/ again.

I really like Margaret Gray's narrative voice. So fun to read.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on princess life (it's hard being the least beautiful princess...you end up a witch just to be better at SOMEthing!) and heroes (who must attend the Heroic academy). My 6 year old thought it was hysterical.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my R.S. bookclub, which I never before have participated in. It was a simple and enjoyable book, a great one to read out loud to young kids as a bedtime story or something. A great choice if you need something simple.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super simple read. Kind of on the younger audience side of things, but I loved that!

It is a fairy tale with some fun twists. I loved the main charachter and that his family was in the candy (particularly caramels) business.

This is a great one to read aloud to the kids!

[Haim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very funny!! Margaret Gray is an amazing story-teller. How she gave a different take on the fairy-tales and the idea that there is a school to become a hero and that there are too many hero for work to go around...quite original. Loved the happy ending.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irwin and his best friend, Seymor have plans on attending the Heroic Academy, but only Seymor is accepted.
At the same time, Julia, the youngest princess, feels that girls can also be a True Hero.
This story can be read out loud to younger readers.
A very funny romantic comedy.

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a prequel to the ugly princess and the wise fool. i liked both of these stories. they weren’t outstanding, but they did a good job of rooting for the geeky underdog.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story with a good meaning!

[Melonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! It was clearly written for children, but the play on the classic fairy-tale is clever enough that adults might enjoy it as well.