The Cherry Pie Princess

Princess Peony is the youngest of the royal family, with six older sisters, who as all good princesses should, only care about things like pretty dresses and shoes. Peony would rather be finding out and doing practical things, something their strict governess, Miss Beef, with her well-ordered timetable, definitely does not encourage. One of their activities is to visit the library, but not to read or borrow a book, that is beneath them, but just because Miss Beef thinks it a good idea. The only princess remotely interested is Peony, who asks if they have a book about cooking. Unfortunately, under an edict known as Required Behaviour, the librarian is not supposed to speak to royalty and answering leads to his arrest. Peony is unaware of this and despatches a page boy to borrow one for her. A Thousand Simple Recipes for Pies, Puddings and Pastries becomes her sole reading over the next few years and Peony makes wonderful cherry pies, her father's favourite. However, when he learns that she has been in the kitchens, she is instantly banned from setting foot there again. A growing realisation that her father might be a tyrant, with his nasty habit of throwing people in dungeons, comes to a head during the preparations for the christening party for the new baby prince, when he absolutely refuses to invite the wicked hag. This can mean only one thing...trouble! It is up to Peony to save the day, with the help of the still imprisoned librarian, a failed jester who is his cell mate, and a talking cat. Vivian French uses fairy tale conventions to weave a delightful, entertaining magical tale with a resourceful heroine. This is perfectly pitched for readers of 7+, with black and white line illustrations.

Suggested Reading Age 7+