The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Retells the tale of twelve princesses who dance secretly all night long and how their secret is eventually discovered

Grade 2-4-- Last year appeared to be the "Year of the Dancing Princesses," with the publication of two illustrated editions of the story, one by Marianna Mayer, illustrated by Kinuko Craft (Morrow), and one by Anne Carter, illustrated by Anne Dalton (Lippincott). To keep the "ball" rolling, here is yet another version of the old tale in which a king's daughters mysteriously dance their slippers to shreds each night. As with Mayer and Carter, Sanderson has chosen the elaborate French version as the basis of her retelling; however, she succeeds where the others failed. Her text is coherent and fully fleshed out, with an attention to detail that allows her to avoid the discrepancies and incongruities that marred Mayer's version. The text reads smoothly, with a straightforward formality that is complemented by the classic nature of the illustrations. Painted in oil, in a realistic yet romantic style, the pictures have the dark, rich texture of old velvet. (The scene in the underground forest is especially lovely, with its opulent gowns of the princesses and the sparkling wood warmed by a golden lamp glow.) Sanderson's stately composition and sure hand with face and figure make her illustrations more effective than Dalton's, creating scenes so real that viewers begin to wonder why they are unable to hear the music and laughter. A fine addition to any fairy-tale collection, this one belongs on the shelf next to the simpler, more traditional Grimm version by Errol Le Cain (Puffin, 1981). --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Lib . District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Given the recent publication of at least three other retellings of this classic tale of the princesses who mysteriously dance each night away, one may question the need for yet another edition. While certain aspects of Sanderson's oil paintings are lovely, this version is somewhat flawed. With their rich, muted colors and intricate detail, the illustrations capture the story's magic and romance, while recreating the lavish dress and customs of the 15th century. At its best--showing the youngest princess standing in the royal garden or the 12 sisters making their way through a golden forest--Sanderson's art recalls Italian paintings of the era she depicts. The characters' faces and several hairstyles, however, are decidedly contemporary, as if a group of high school youths were attending a masquerade ball. In addition, the book's design is curiously flat and uninteresting: other than the paintings themselves, the pages have a starkness that belies the story's innate elegance. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.