The Twelve Dancing Princesses

This Grimm fairy tale tells the story of twelve royal sisters who are locked in their room each night. Mysteriously, by morning, all their shoes are worn out from dancing! With the help of a magic cloak, a humble, intelligent gardener solves this intriguing enigma. In the process, he wins the love of the youngest princess and the favor of the king. Ruth Sanderson--who calls her own artistic style "romantic yet realistic"--has retold and illustrated well-received editions of Papa Gatto, an Italian tale, and Rose Red and Snow White, the Grimm fairy tale. Her beautiful, richly colored oil paintings of princesses, their detailed dresses, the castles, and enchanted forests will make young readers believe in the magical world of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. (Ages 5 to 9)