With droll illustrations and a complicated plot, Vaës's (Reynard the Fox) retelling features an old-fashioned backdrop for a grease-spattered princess in mechanic's overalls who can fix a broken fan belt and match wits with a cranky queen. Gem-loving Queen Frieda decides to ban all weddings in the kingdom until someone is found to marry Prince Ralph; if people aren't buying engagements rings, she can corner the market in diamonds. The narrative contains some deliciously wicked satire, as when the queen presents the princesses vying for the prince's hand like Miss America contestants. After describing one finalist, Princess Penelope, as "an expert in the field of solar ethnicology," the queen asks her to demonstrate tricks with two yo-yos. A gypsy woman tells the queen that an opal would change her life, but she is not prepared for Princess Opal whose opal necklace keeps her awake as she sleeps on her traditional tower of mattresses to prove her worthiness. Vaës's waggish illustrations are as playful and funny as the text. The queen's corgies cavort in the dining room, a Charles Laughton butler minces in with a turkey, a pigeon courts his lady love by puffing up his neck while the prince woos Princess Opal in a red sports car. A comical spoof delivered in high style. Ages 6-8.(Sept.)
