A renowned author-illustrator of books for toddlers brings imagination and insight to one of Grimm's most-told stories. As pretty as one of the Trina Schart Hyman heroines she resembles, this princess has a conscience (reinforced by her mother, the queen, who replaces the usual king here). She also has a heart; and in trying to live up to her side of the bargain with good grace, she grows fond of the frog, and misses him when he doesn't show up to spend a fourth night. Ormerod borders her masterfully drawn illustrations with decorative creatures whose sinuous movement delicately suggests (as does the queen's startlingly red gown) the story's subtext of awakening sexuality; her pictures are warmed by sly humor--as well as by the affection that finally makes the frog a prince. A healthy, intriguing alternative to the usual version (in which harsh discipline of a spoiled princess precedes the transformation of the hated frog through an act of violence). Not just another ""Frog Prince,"" this one should be a first purchase.