Ages: 3-8 (but I'd say even older kids will enjoy this)
The king of a faraway land loves pickle-chiffon pie which his wife, the queen, lovingly makes for him each day. But here's the problem, the king never gets to enjoy the entire pickle-chiffon pie because he always has guests a dinner -- dozens of princes all trying to woo his daughter, the lovely and kind princess. So, to solve his problem, the kind chooses three of the princes and sends them into the forest for three days with a mission -- find "the most unusual, the most marvelous, the MOST WONDERFUL THING' and bring it back to the king." The prince who wins the test will marry the princess. The three very different princes take off on their quests into the forest, which is full of Gazoos, Dimdoozles, witches, ogres, mice who paint and other magical (and talented) creatures. But, the gift that ultimately wins the princess, may surprise you.
Oh how we love this book! A friend gave it to the Little Lady Librarian for her third birthday, I think we read it 50 times that week, and atleast once a week since. Even though she can practically recite the entire book by memory she still loves it, and it's one that I don't mind reading to her over... and over... and over. Now, the Little Librarian Dude is getting to the age where he too can enjoy this story. It's full of whimsical creatures and funny words (like Gazoo and Snozzle) and the illustrations are just fabulous! They're colorful and cartoonish -- everything you could ask for in a children's book. What's very best about this fairytale though is it's reach. Sure, it's about a princess and marriage, but it's not so lovey dovey, ooey gooey that a little boy won't enjoy it. There are princes and ogres, which are appealing to boys, yet there's no blood-shed or violence (which is appealing to mom). It's a story that stretches the imagination, while teaching a valuable lesson about kindness and love.
I can honestly say that this is absolutely on my list of TOP 5 FAVORITE CHILDRENS BOOKS. It may even be in the top three. I promise once you read this book to your little librarian they'll beg you to read it again, and again... and maybe even once more.
The LLL has asked on several occasions to make pickle-chiffon pie. To be honest, I'm not sure I'd be willing to try it. So, I found this one. It's a No Bake Lemon-Lime Chiffon Pie. No pickles, but it is green. Should do the trick. I think we'll make it this week after reading the book.
Thanks again, Bekah! And that recipe you shared...we knew it in my family as "Lemon Fluff"...and let me tell ya...it was a staple at many FHEs.
ReplyDelete