LA PRINCESA AND THE PEA

LA PRINCESA AND THE PEA by Susan Middleton Elya. Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

La Princesa and the Pea, Susan Middleton Elya's take on the Princess and the Pea is a hoot to read and it rhymes! This classic fairy tale is remade in Peruvian style, and it is a definite win. Starting out in the typical Princess and the Pea fashion, the queen mother is on the hunt for a suitable bride for her son. (Her sour expressions and her mirror-image cat are to die for!) However, the prince has other ideas when a certain young lady appears on the scene who may not pass his mother's test. He just may lend a little aid! Lots of Spanish words are included in the text with a glossary at the beginning of the book.

The illustrations in this book are fantastic! Juana Martinez-Neal uses a combination of acrylics, colored pencils, and graphite on handmade textured paper. Make sure and see her note at the end of the book as to how she wove the Peruvian culture into her art. Also notice all the adorable guinea pigs in almost every picture. Tons of fun!

Alongside Activity- Find Peru on the map. Google pictures of the people especially pictures of the Huilloc and Colca Canyon areas. Google their methods of dyeing, spinning, weaving, embroidery, etc.