The Gypsy Princess - Softcover

Gilman, Phoebe

4.4

189 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0590123890 ISBN 13: 9780590123891

Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 1997

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A folktale about the Gypsy Cinderella

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From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3. Cinnamon, a young gypsy, has always dreamed of living in a palace. So when Princess Cyprina visits to have her fortune told and invites Cinnamon to return with her, the girl abandons Babalatzzi the dancing bear and her old auntie without a backward glance. Cinnamon is sumptuously dressed and entertained but royal life soon loses its dazzle. Her loneliness manifests itself in dreams of her gypsy friends, and she heads for home. When Babalatzzi doesn't recognize her, she plunges into a lake to remove the final trappings of royalty and joyously returns to her former life. Gilman's writing effectively captures the spirit and cadence of a traditional fairy tale. However, because this original fantasy relies heavily on the "grass is always greener" premise, Cinnamon's actions are predictable and the story is robbed of dramatic tension. Still, the girl's transition from wild gypsy child to primped and pampered princess is interesting to observe. The tempera illustrations are overly sweet but lustrous, and the repeated use of gilded frames enhances their painterly quality; some of the scenes burst out of the frames, adding to their drama and vitality. There are several intriguing details and the human characters are realistically portrayed; unfortunately, Babalattzi resembles a stuffed animal. While not as vibrant and compelling as the author's Something from Nothing (Scholastic, 1993), this book will satisfy demand for tales of princesses and palaces.?Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Ages 5^-8. Like many little girls, gypsy girl Cinnamon dreams of being a princess. After she tells the fortune of a real princess, she receives an invitation to live at the royal palace. It's not surprising that "Princess" Cinnamon eventually tires of her lonely life of luxury. What is unexpected is Cinnamon's discovery that it can be very difficult to give up wealth, even if keeping it means unhappiness. This is a smoothly told story, albeit with some dubious gypsy stereotypes thrown in. But it's the romantic--if stilted--full-page paintings of little girls with golden crowns, pomaded hair, and silk ball gowns that will capture young readers' attention. Once Cinnamon is at the palace, tiny framed miniatures show what is happening at home. Expressly for the princess-book crowd. Julie Corsaro

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