Found in a charity shop, so reread again. Didn't know this as a child, but I've read it at least three times as an adult to try to make it up to young me.

Reminds me a bit of [b:The 13 Clocks|143126|The 13 Clocks|James Thurber|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1293669643s/143126.jpg|2099329] and [b:Many Moons|761365|Many Moons|James Thurber|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363787876s/761365.jpg|1645517] by [a:James Thurber|16839|James Thurber|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1183238729p2/16839.jpg], or [b:The Reluctant Dragon|226284|The Reluctant Dragon|Kenneth Grahame|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389064727s/226284.jpg|2196462] by [a:Kenneth Grahame|3843|Kenneth Grahame|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1201018750p2/3843.jpg] or even [b:The Light Princess|179579|The Light Princess|George MacDonald|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356515885s/179579.jpg|3193139] by [a:George MacDonald|2413|George MacDonald|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1201019294p2/2413.jpg]... if you like any in my list here, read the others too.... ( )

Adorable, sweet story. Perfect ending. Enjoyed very much. Nice to take a step back into this age-genre. I'll be sure my daughter reads it, too! ( )

What a darling story. Very simple and straightforward in the best tradition of fairy tales but just so sweet and charming. ( )

This was a read for Milliways.

It was also all sorts of adorable. I sat down meaning to read the first half one night, and to finish it the next day, but it went so quickly and so cutely, I could not help staying up, flipping pages, until I got to the end. The puns are adorable, the main characters are endlessly lovable, and it is a beautiful little fairy tale. ( )

I heard about this on a Twitter thread started by Gail Carriger, and I thought it might be just the thing after finishing a gritty urban fantasy novel earlier today.

What an adorable story! I adored Princess Amy, the fairy Crustacea, and dear dear Peregrine. I loved that Amy liked herself and knew her own mind—the letter she left when she decided to run away was priceless. And the scenes with Peregrine were so sweet! I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor as well.

This was a comforting, quick read, and I’m sure I’ll read it again.

P.S. Don’t skip the author’s intro when you read it! ( )

In the vein of Ella Enchanted, this cute and cleverly written children's book subverts the traditional fairytale while still providing a heartwarming happy ending. There are also some very charming illustrations. ( )

fair

Read to the kids. Predictably delightful. My kids especially liked the crow and squirrel pets. ( )

I know, it's a kids book, but I really did like it. I love the plot. Being, however, not a child, I wish there had been more character development and a longer plot. I want, very badly, to rewrite it for teens or adults, so that the story could gain more depth. ( )

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October 2019 Reread:

I have still never read a book that's more delightful, lively, sweet, warm, bright, joyful, and heartwarming than this one. It's charming in every way, in the truest sense of the word. It's also whimsical and witty. It never fails to put a huge smile on my face, make me laugh, and fill my heart to bursting with warm and wonderful things.

I keep reading this darling novella again and again, and it will never get old. This month's reread was my second in less than six months. I can't believe I've only read it four times, and only read it for the first time three years ago. It feels like it's been part of my heart for my whole life. I waited too long to read it for the first time, even after I heard about it late, when I was a teenager. Don't wait to pick it up, like I did!

I shall try to sum up the basic premise, but every time I've tried to capture this lovely book in the past (including very recently), my words have failed to do it justice. I also tried not to spoil anything in my first review, but there will be basic spoilers in the next paragraph.

This is the tale of a young princess who's too ordinary in every way to appeal to any suitors. Her parents love her dearly, but they're horrified at the disgrace of a princess failing to marry. But the Ordinary Princess decides she's much happier living an ordinary, independent life, and she firmly resolves to never marry at all--though she's genuinely forced to run away to ensure that. Forging her own path, she finds adventure, friendship, and a life of her own making. And, unexpectedly, she meets a friend who's as ordinary as herself. . . .

The Ordinary Princess herself is a wonderful and endearing protagonist. I love her cleverness, resourcefulness, mischievous spirit, and determination. And I love each of her friends, especially a certain young man! I love their friendship and the way they relate to each other and have loads of fun together--it's so sweet! It's so obvious that they truly care about each other and want the best for each other.

I love everything else about the book too! My original review below sums up a few of those things.

This is a fairy tale, it's true--but it’s not a retelling of a traditional fairy tale, even though it pays homage to them and pokes fun at them. Rather, it's an original fairy tale made up by the author--she purposefully included some aspects of original tales and contradicted others, such as making her princess ordinary instead of willowy and blonde. This tale does feature at least one fairy--but not the type of fairy you’d expect. And there is a titular princess--but as the title suggests, the princess is not the usual type of princess, either.

This was published as a children's book, but it has just as much to offer for adults. It can truly be enjoyed just as much by teens, adults, or anyone of any age. Some aspects of the book are _targeted more at older people, such as the humor and romance, but will also delight even the youngest child.

The Ordinary Princess will delight readers of all ages who love fantasy, fairy tales, or children's books for any age--or those who simply love sweet stories with heart, humor, and unique and lively characters.


March 2018 Review:

The Ordinary Princess is one of the sweetest books I have ever had the immense pleasure of reading. Indeed, I have never read a sweeter book! There's such a blissful, joyful, cozy, warm, and heartfelt feeling that comes packed into this little book. It's utterly delightful, and I read it each time with a huge, beaming grin on my face. It's also humorous - I laughed out loud often throughout!

The characters are wonderful and so, so sweet. I love that the main character is a princess yet ordinary, sensible, and practical. She's so sweet. A certain important friend of hers is just as sweet and wonderful, a person whom I adore for many reasons. And I love the princess's parents and each of the other characters in turn. They're all so vivid and sweet and funny!

The settings are colorful and beautiful, and the descriptions allow me to see each flower, tree, and castle. The forest is especially gorgeous, and I wish I could spend an afternoon there. The accompanying illustrations by the author are adorable, and they fit the book perfectly.

I love the satirical commentary on princesses, princes, royalty, fairy tales, and court customs. It's hilarious! The author makes fun of the common fairy tale cliches and turns them on their heads, and I love it.

Also, I adore the author's perfect use of the "Lavender's Blue" song, which was interwoven perfectly and very meaningful.

I wish I had read or discovered this book sooner - and obeyed the recommendation from a dear friend earlier! But I'm just glad I did read it when I did, even if it wasn't till my late teens. I spent a blissful afternoon under the trees and sunshine immersing myself in the story, and I read it in one sitting, which I never, ever do! I've been greatly looking forward to re-reading it ever since I read it the first time, and it was wonderful to do so just now. Since my first read, I've also been anticipating someday reading it to my little sister, which may not be far off now - and I can't wait! It will be such a fun read-aloud, and I know she'll love it just much as I do - perhaps even more as she grows older.

I highly recommend this book to people of all ages - it can be enjoyed equally by children and adults who delight in a sweet story. ( )

I received this as a gift and read it in about 45 minutes. It's a wonderfully simple story with a touching moral. I love fractured fairy tales! And the illustrations done by the author add just the right amount of sentimentality. ( )

Thoroughly charmed. Wish I'd read this sooner. ( )

The story revolves around the 7th princess of Phantasmorania, Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne, or Amy for short, after an old fairy bestows upon her the gift of ordinariness. Unlike her six sisters before her, Amy is not content with being married off to the first man who asks for her hand, so she sets off to live in the woods instead, leaving nothing behind for her family but a note. Her journey of living on her own brings her to a nearby village, where she gets a job as a housemaid to save up to buy new clothes, as hers had become too worn out and torn in the forest. Along her long convoluted journey she meets new friends and learns many lessons about loving who you are and always being true to yourself.
Although the reader interest level is pegged at 3rd to 5th graders, the reading level is at about 6th grade, so this might be a book for a more advanced reader, or for a teacher to read aloud to the class.
The author teaches the reader that loving and accepting oneself is the most important part of life, that people are not always what they seem, and that just because someone has been labeled one thing does not mean that they have to fit in any categories. ( )

One would think this good for tomboys, feminists, etc. However, in the end, (and no this is not a spoiler), Amy has the classic HEA. She gives up most of her freedom to become a queen to a rather sexist young king.

I would have loved this as a child - but I'm glad I didn't read it then. I did read fairy tales then - but I didn't dream too much of my own HEA because the tales were so fantastic. This book, being a little more realistic, would have made the idea of losing myself in love to Prince Charming seem more attainable. And I would have focused my efforts on finding my prince rather than on developing my own self.

So, in other words, I would have become more like the perfect princesses, in that I would have become more vapid and vain. And, for fear of other little girls reacting that way, I cannot recommend this to them.

So, to be fair, I should not give this four stars. But I will anyway, because now that I'm grown I was able to just plain enjoy the sweet story. And the illustrations (by the author!) are a delight.

Upon yet another reread, two years after this review, with a casual reread sometime last year:

Found in a charity shop, so reread again. Didn't know this as a child, but I've read it at least three times as an adult to try to make it up to young me. Reminds me a bit of The 13 Clocks and Many Moons by James Thurber, or The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame or even The Light Princess by [George MacDonald... if you like any in my list here, read the others too....

(Apparently I wasn't disturbed by the HEA this time - I think it's because I misinterpreted the first time - these two *will* be able to stay true to their inner natures, and Amy will not have to become ladylike, despite them both being responsible royals.) ( )

I probably re-read this once a year...a non-traditional fairy tale about being yourself and finding your place in the world ( )

Before all the fractured fairy tale movies and other retellings, there was The Ordinary Princess. This is from the 1980s and has been reprinted several times, with progressively worse covers, but I am lucky enough to have the original cover.

This is an original fairytale in the style of Eleanor Farjeon and Milne, who wrote what are usually called "fairy stories" that might or might not have contained actual fairies. Princess Amethyst Alexandra Aurelia Anne was the seventh daughter of a fairy tale king and queen but received an unusual gift at her christening; "You shall be ordinary!" says the Fairy Crustacea. And ordinary Amy is. She has a snub nose, cries, and is no more a golden-haired, romantic princess than the maids of the castle. So it's easy for her to switch places with one Clorinda and retreat to the forest where she enjoys a happy life. But one day she meets a boy named Perry...

I think, if reprinted with the original or a good cover, this fairy tale would find an audience. It has just a little romance, a lot of humor, and pokes gentle fun at fairy tale tropes without being crude or raucous. It's still a fairy story with magical creatures, floating dresses, and royalty. It's also a sweet fantasy with animals, a truly delicious and unique fairy godmother, and an ordinary heroine who is anything but ordinary.

Verdict: I can't recommend you purchase this now, the only in print cover is awful, however, it's worth looking for a used copy to enjoy for yourself.

ISBN: 0153046120; Published 1984 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich; From my personal library

Amethyst, the seventh daughter of the king & queen of Phantasmorania, is cursed with the gift of being ordinary. When her parents attempt to arrange her marriage, Amy runs away to the forest to make her own way in the world as a plain, simple girl. Through the story, Amy learns that being ordinary doesn't have to be a bad thing and that there are qualities that are much more beautiful than beauty itself.

Characters: Amethyst (Amy) the princess, the King & Queen, Clorinda, fairy godmothers
Setting: Phantasmorania (fictional kingdom)
Theme: Self-acceptance

Possible post-reading discussions include:
self-image; self-acceptance; beauty; generosity; kindness; and independence.

The Ordinary Princess is a lovely little story that plays on fairytale conventions before that idea became fashionable. In this tale, M. M. Kaye, known for her sweeping historical novels and exotic mysteries, shows herself not only an able children's author, but also a talented illustrator.

The Ordinary Princess tells the story of the seventh daughter of King Hulderbrand and Queen Rodehesia. Of course all princesses are blonde, beautiful, and accomplished, but a seventh princess must be even more so (the youngest princess is always the prettiest, in all the stories). At the christening of Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne, all the fairies bestow on her all the usual gifts of Health and Charm and Beauty and Wit, except the last fairy — the grumpy Fairy Crustacea. Her gift? "You shall be ORDINARY!" And so it was. The beautiful blonde hair turned mousy brown, the happily placid child began screaming like any ordinary baby would, and Phantasmorania had to resign itself to an outstandingly average seventh princess.

Amy, as she became known, grew up so exceedingly ordinary that all her princely suitors left abruptly after meeting her. Amy didn't mind; she often slipped out of the palace to roam the forest and forget her mother's efforts to fade her freckles and curl her hair. One day Amy learns of a plan to lock her in a tower besieged by a dragon so that some noble knight would have to rescue her (and then, of course, marry her). Amy runs away and finds a whole new life in another kingdom, where she meets a charming man-of-all-work at the castle. But despite her ordinariness, Amy's still a princess... how can they ever be together?

Kaye's authorial voice is humorous, the pacing is perfect, and the illustrations exquisite. The plot's a little predictable, but only because it's been copied so many times since. I loved this story and am coming to regard Kaye as a favorite author. Recommended! ( )

Recensione su: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-rm
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-rm ( )

This is a really lovely twist on the traditional children's tale. The novel is full of humour and magic. The Princess Amy is a character who all young girls should meet. One of my favourite childhood memories is curling up in a sunny corner of the house reading this story. ( )

This is a really lovely twist on the traditional children's tale. The novel is full of humour and magic. The Princess Amy is a character who all young girls should meet. One of my favourite childhood memories is curling up in a sunny corner of the house reading this story. ( )

Sweet tale of an average-tempered freckled girl who happens to be a princess. Mom and dad try to marry her off to stuffy politicos but she's having none of it, runs off to the forest and gets a job. Perfect for reading at bedtime. ( )

I still love this book and re-read it every few years. Lovely and simple princess story too strong for Disney types. An ordinary princess runs away from home to work at another palace as a kitchen maid. Lovely pencil drawings compliment the story throughout. ( )

Oh my goodness, this was such a delightful book! I'm glad that I picked it up - sometimes it's easy to discount these kinds of books, but this one is a perfect example of why it's silly to do so.

Princess Amy is the seventh daughter of King Hulderbrand and Queen Rhodesia. All throughout history, the seventh daughter has been the most beautiful, the most extraordinary princess of them all - but not this time. This time, the most powerful Fairy, Crustacea, is out of patience when she arrives, delayed by traffic, at the christening of little baby Amy - and gives her the gift of ordinary. Of course this is a travesty and a tragedy to the royal court, and a never-ending source of shame and embarrassment to the King and Queen - but Amy is perfectly happy to be herself and not stiffly proper and bored.

When she is of an age to marry, and her suitors have all seen her and then just remembered urgent appointments that they had forgotten, her father decides to take matters into his own hands (well, at the advice of his council), and endeavors to hire a dragon to lay waste to the kingdom in the hopes that some enterprising young prince will come to slay it in return for the princess's hand. Amy catches wind of this plot, and wants no part of it, so she runs away to seek her own fortune.

I loved the wit and the humor in this story. I found myself giggling at the descriptions of the royalty and the extremes that they will go to to get their way. I also really loved Peregrine, the man-of-all-work that Amy meets. He is such a sweet and honest person, and accepts Amy for who she really is, rather than what she looks like. I have to say that in this children's book, I found myself thinking that the romance was sweeter and more moving than in some of the adult romance novels I've read.

This is definitely a feel-good keeper of a book. I loved the message that no matter who you are, or where you come from, being yourself will bring you happiness. ( )