The Ordinary Princess facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | M. M. Kaye |
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| Cover artist | M. M. Kaye |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fairytale fantasy |
| Published | 1980 (Kestrel Books) |
| Media type | |
The Ordinary Princess is a fun children's book written and drawn by M. M. Kaye. It's about a princess named Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne of Phantasmorania. That's a long name, so everyone just calls her Amy! Amy is special because she was given a very unusual gift: she's completely ordinary.
Just like the story of Sleeping Beauty, this book starts when a new princess is born. Fairies come to give her special gifts. But one fairy godmother, named Crustacea, gives Princess Amy a very different gift. She says, "You shall be Ordinary!" This means Amy grows up with plain hair and freckles. She's not like her six older sisters who love fancy clothes. Amy prefers playing outside in the woods.
Contents
The Story of Princess Amy
Amy's Escape from Royal Life
Amy's parents want her to marry a prince. They even plan to hire a dragon! A prince would "rescue" Amy from the dragon. This way, he could "win her hand in marriage." But Amy doesn't like this idea at all.
So, Amy decides to run away. She climbs down a vine outside her window. She escapes to the magical Forest of Faraway. There, she makes new friends. Her friends are animals: Peter Aurelious the crow and Mr. Pemberthy the squirrel.
A Princess Gets a Job
After a while, Amy's clothes become old and worn. Another fairy godmother tells her she needs money for new clothes. To get money, she needs a job!
So, Amy finds work at a nearby castle. She becomes the fourteenth assistant kitchen-maid. It's a busy job! There, she meets a man named Peregrine. He does all sorts of jobs around the castle.
Discovering True Identities
Amy and Peregrine become good friends. Eventually, Peregrine learns that Amy is actually a princess. And Amy finds out that Peregrine is really King Algernon of Ambergeldar! Just like Amy, he doesn't like his fancy given name. They both prefer to be ordinary. Because they are so much alike, they decide to get married.
Fun Facts About the Book
Music in the Story
A classic folk song called "Lavender's Blue" is important in the book. The first two lines are: Lavender's blue, rosemary's green, When I am king, you shall be queen. This song is a special theme throughout Amy's adventure.
Real-Life Inspiration
The author, M. M. Kaye, shared a secret about the book. The house that Amy and Peregrine build together is called "The Birches." This house was inspired by a real place! It was based on a house that M. M. Kaye and her sister built in the woods of Wilmcote Hill.
