Author: Katherine Paterson
Recommended Age: 8-11
Date Published: 1992
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: At the King’s dying wish, selfish Prince Raphael must marry a girl who is his equal in every way before he takes the throne. But can he find such a girl? And when he finds someone who might be the one, how can they prove she is his equal?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
- Noble Characters: Prince Raphael is arrogant, selfish, and rich. When his dying father requires him to marry a girl who is his equal, Raphael gives his advisors one year to find the perfect girl or be cast in the dungeon for the rest of their lives. Far away in the mountains, the beautiful Rosamund hears of the Prince’s command. Encouraged by her friend, the wise old wolf, she travels to confront the Prince with a challenge of her own.
- Captivating Plots: What is true wealth? What is true beauty? What is true wisdom? When Rosamund appears before the court, she challenges the prince to reevaluate everything he selfishly believes about himself and his inheritance. But will Raphael accept Rosamund’s challenge?
- Elaborate Worlds: Set in a fantasy kingdom where the people tremble at the thought of their selfish prince one day taking the throne, a kind-hearted shepherd girl may be the only one who can save the kingdom.
