I’ve been on a bit of a Shannon Hale kick recently. I listened to three of her books in a row this past month: Goose Girl, Princess Academy, and Book of 1,000 Days.
I love reinvented fairy tales (so long as good versus evil isn’t turned on its head). And Shannon Hale’s retellings truly bring these tales to life.
Each book by Shannon Hale portrays a kind girl thrown into impossible circumstances who must learn to be courageous, selfless, and noble. Each tale contains just enough fairy tale magic to make it sparkle, but the magical elements never overwhelm the story.
In Princess Academy, the sages predict the prince’s future bride will be from a small, mountain, mining community. The girls are forced to attend Princess Academy to prepare should the prince choose one of them. Miri, a girl never allowed to mine, must use all her cleverness and bravery when things don’t go as expected. This Newberry winner is perfect for girls ages 10 and up. In fact, there is a whole series of Princess Academy books, though I’ve only read the first.
In The Goose Girl, Ani, a princess with the gift of speaking to animals, has been promised, against her will, to the prince of a neighboring kingdom. On the way, her maid stages a coup, claiming the title of princess herself, while Ani barely escapes with her life. Ani becomes the goose girl in the new kingdom to seek a way to reclaim her title and her life, but she learns much more than she bargained for in her new position. This book is based on a story by the same name from The Brothers Grimm. Again, I feel this story is appropriate for ages 10 plus. There are a few grisly images and some danger.
Book of 1,000 Days was by far the most mature title I read from Hale. Though I first assumed it was a retelling of “Rapunzel,” it’s actually based on aT Brothers Grimm story called “Maid Maleen.” Set in Asia, it’s written as a diary of a princess’s maid. They both get bricked up in a tower by the king for seven years when the princess refuses to marry the man he chose. This story was more intense in violence, danger, and emotions (perhaps because of the first-person perspective). I’d recommend it for girls 13 and up.
Although I greatly enjoyed these books, I have two caveats for parents before I recommend them.
- Each book contains an element of romance. It is minimal and pretty innocent, but it’s there in each book.
- There is a situation in each book where a man has the intention of harming either the main character or a secondary female character in a malicious way. Though this is always prevented and the manner of harm intended is never stated, I’d still be cautious about introducing this depending on the child and their history and level of sensitivity.
Her writing was engaging and vivid, and I think Shannon Hale’s books will become favorites of many girls.
The audiobooks were well done and are available on Audible. You don’t have to be a member to buy from Audible, but first time members get a free book. The images below are links to the Audible version.
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What retold fairy tales have you or your kids enjoyed?
I’m a big Shannon Hale fan! I love YA lit and Ms. Hale’s ability to win over young adults and older adults alike is, like her writing, a true art form.
Yes, I loved her writing! Have you read her Ever After High series? Someone asked me about them recently, but I haven’t read them. They look cheesy, but since her other books are so well written, maybe they are too. I’d love to hear if you’ve read them!
I love her books, too! I just finished reading the 3rd Princess Academy book. All 3 are very different from each other, but they each had something unique to offer, and I liked them all.
One of my favorite fairy tale retellings is “Toads and Diamonds,” by Heather Tomlinson. Also, Jessica Day George has some really good ones. “Princess of the Midnight Ball” is one of my favorites of hers.
Thanks for your input, Linnae! I we curious about the rest of the Princess Academy series, and the rest of those are new to me!
I loved Goose Girl! I haven’t read her other books, but it sounds like I need to give them a try. Thanks!
Great, Beth! You seem to be such a fast reader, I look forward to seeing reviews of some of the rest of her books on your blog! 😉
Have not read her books. Need to put it on my list. Have not really had the strong desire (actually: the time) since I have a son, so I’m more trying to do the “Boy” books. But I would like to read to read her books.
Yes, Hale’s books are really aimed at girls, but I bet you’d enjoy them!
We are huge Shannon Hale fans here! Book of a Thousand Days is one of my all-time favorite books! And I just wanted to add that my husband has read all of the Goose Girl books (Books of Bayern) and The Princess Academy books and really enjoyed them. He awaits the newest ones as eagerly as do our daughters and I!
Thanks for sharing this! Found you at the #LMMLinkup and hope to see you at Booknificent Thursday this week as well!
Tina
Thanks for sharing how much your husband likes her books! I thought they might only have a girl appeal, but I guess good story and writing always have universal appeal! 🙂
Book of A Thousand Days is one of the very best fantasy books out there. Have you ever read Juliet Marillier’s Wildewood Dancing? It is a good bit longer than Shannon Hale’s books, but there is nothing inappropriate in it (that I recall!) and the characters are incredible. It’s a true page turner, as well. You will not sleep until you finish it! I reviewed it here if you’re interested. http://miathereader.com/wildwood-dancing-review/ I’m also curious if you’ve read any of Shannon Hale’s work for adults? I read Austenland and decided Shannon Hale is much better at writing fantasy stories. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t as good as I expected because I really love her other books.
No, I haven’t read Wildewood Dancing! You’ve piqued my curiosity!! And I didn’t even realize Hale had books for adults. I’m curious about her Ever After High series for kids. The covers look cheesy, but I’ve enjoyed her books…
I have never read any of her books, but they sound like pretty good retellings of the fairy tales. I’m reading so many books right now, but maybe I’ll give them a try when I finish some of the ones I’ve already started. Blessings! I’m visiting from #LMMLinkup!
There are always so many books to read! But it’s a good problem to have. Thanks for stopping by!
Do you think boys will like these books? My boys are 7 and 10 and decided they don’t like “girl” books (although they love the Little House books, so the strength of their conviction is lacking…) Is the distinction between girls books and boys books valid? If not, what advice do you have for me to help my boys see past the cover or the female protagonist so they can see that the story is for them, too?
Tracy, it’s hard to say. The writing is good, and the girls are strong characters who do interesting thing, but the focus really is primarily on the female characters (though Tina from Mommynificent.com says her husbands loves them!). Goose girl might be a better start for them than Princess Academy if you want to give her books a try.
I like these type of tales too. Thanks for linking up at the #LMMLinkup again.;)
Hi, thanks for linking up with us at the #LMMLinkup this week. I enjoy your reviews. 🙂 I love Shannon Hale books too. She is so creative.
Thanks, Mary! I’m so glad I’ve discovered her books! 🙂
Shannon Hale is a favorite of ours. We also enjoy a number of Gail Carson Levine’s stories. She rewrites are more different from the original fairy tales, but they’re still creative with lovely characters. Ella Enchanted is best known, but totally different than its movie spinoff. We just listened to Fairest, very loosely based on Snow White, which uses a full cast and lots of singing. My 10, 8 and 6 year old all enjoyed it, though we all agreed there was just a bit too much kissing 😉 .
We just listened to Ella Enchanted last month! What an interesting take on Cinderella! We’ll have to try Fairest. Thanks for the recommendation! (And our kids are the same ages, just add in a 3-yo for us!)