The Twelve Dancing Princesses

by Rachel Isadora (Author) Rachel Isadora (Illustrator)

The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A Caldecott Honor winning illustrator gives this classic fairy tale a brand new setting!

Night after night, the twelve princesses mysteriously wear out their shoes. But how? The king promises a great reward to any man who can solve the mystery. Rachel Isadora has revitalized and reimagined this well-loved Brothers Grimm fairytale by bringing the story of the twelve princesses to Africa.

The unique presentation of this classic tale is sure to enchant readers with its vibrant imagery.

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School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Isadora relocates the setting of this story to the court of an African kingdom, and the result is a delightfully original version of the traditional tale. Double-page collage illustrations, crafted using oil paints, printed paper, and palette paper, feature a variety of African art and cultural motifs. The lovely princesses, whose skin tones range from light brown to deep ebony, are arrayed in a colorful range of traditional folk costumes, jewelry, and hairstyles. Beginning with the stunning cover, featuring exuberant dancing couples and huge white letters placed against a dramatic black background, Isadora's art evokes an air of high-spirited romance. Throughout, dramatic collages move the story forward at a lively pace. The dance scenes in particular, elegantly composed and detailed, come alive with swirls of movement. With her innovative re-imagining and masterful art, Isadora has created a memorable version of this tale that complements other fine retellings,

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
Isadora offers an entirely distinct treatment.

Review quotes



Rachel Isadora
Rachel Isadora began dancing at the age of eight. She trained at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and has danced professionally. Rachel lives in New York City with her family.

Rachel Isadora has illustrated many books set in the world of dance and theater, including Opening Night, My Ballet Class, Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl, and Ben's Trumpet, which received the Caldecott Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.

copyright (c) 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780142414507
Lexile Measure
860
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Puffin Books
Publication date
November 12, 2009
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV012040 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | Adaptations
Library of Congress categories
Folklore
Fairy tales
Germany
Library Media Connection, 11/01/07

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