About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with self-image or making unkind comparisons based on physical appearance. This witty subversion of the Sleeping Beauty trope introduces Miserella, a beautiful but mean-spirited princess, and Jane, a plain girl with a heart of gold. When a magic spell puts them both to sleep, the story challenges the traditional idea that 'pretty' equals 'good.' It is a perfect choice for parents who want to instill a sense of justice and internal value in children aged 5 to 9. Through humor and clever twists, Jane Yolen provides a roadmap for discussing how our behavior defines our beauty. It serves as a gentle reminder that being kind and helpful is far more rewarding than being conventionally beautiful but cruel.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with social hierarchy and appearance-based discrimination in a metaphorical, secular way. The resolution is highly hopeful and grounded in poetic justice.
