THE TWELVE PRINCESSES
by Gordon Fitchett & illustrated by Gordon Fitchett
High-fashion ducks rendered in rich color pencil star in an otherwise ordinary retelling of this Grimms fairytale. The shoes of the king’s 12 daughters are mysteriously worn out every morning as if they had been danced in all night. The king has promised to reward the prince who could spend the night with the princesses and discover their secret. Prince after prince is tricked by the princesses and beheaded. Eventually an old soldier meets a woman on the road who gives him an invisible cloak and warns him not to drink anything that the princesses give him. Newcomer Fitchett’s richly textured, highly detailed wardrobes for the princesses are amusing. The black lace-up boots, stiletto heels, funky-chunky platforms, and sexy slides are all worthy of a spread in Women’s Wear Daily. The sanguine expressions, highlighted in thick red lipstick, on all of the ducks display an unexplained ennui. Close observers will be able to spot a princess not only dancing but also skinny-dipping at the party. Unfortunately, the text does not match the humorous and lush illustrations in wittiness or style, but those ducks do have a certain appeal. (Picture book/fairy tale. 5-8)