E. D. Baker

E. D. Baker is an American children's author best known for her fantasy novels and fairy tale adaptations. Her most recognized work is "The Frog Princess" (2002), which inspired the Disney animated film "The Princess and the Frog." Baker has written multiple successful series, including The Tales of the Frog Princess, The Wide-Awake Princess, and The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker. Her books often feature strong female protagonists and creative twists on traditional fairy tale elements. Since beginning her writing career in 2002, Baker has published over twenty novels for middle-grade readers. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have earned various accolades, including being selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. Prior to becoming an author, Baker worked as a teacher and earned her M.Ed. from the University of Buffalo. She currently resides in Maryland, where she continues to write fantasy novels for young readers.

Readers praise Baker's fresh takes on fairy tales and her ability to write engaging stories for middle-grade audiences. On Goodreads, fans highlight her humor and creative plot twists. One reader noted: "Baker manages to make familiar fairy tales feel completely new without losing their magic." Readers appreciate: - Strong female characters who solve their own problems - Clean content suitable for young readers - Interconnected storylines across series - Light, humorous tone Common criticisms: - Predictable plot developments - Simple writing style that some find too basic - Character development that feels rushed - Later books in series becoming repetitive Average ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: The Frog Princess (3.9/5 from 33,000+ ratings) - Amazon: Tales of the Frog Princess series (4.5/5 average) - Barnes & Noble: Wide-Awake Princess series (4.3/5 average) Most readers recommend Baker's books for ages 8-12, with The Frog Princess series receiving the strongest reviews among her works.

The Frog Princess (2002) Princess Emma kisses a prince who has been turned into a frog, only to find herself transformed into a frog as well, leading to an adventure to break the spell.

Dragon's Breath (2003) Emma and Eadric journey to visit Emma's aunt, a witch who might help them break the curse keeping Eadric from turning human.

Once Upon a Curse (2004) Emma confronts a family curse that transforms all females into birds on their sixteenth birthday.

No Place for Magic (2006) Emma and Eadric travel to his kingdom where they face challenges from his family who oppose their marriage.

The Salamander Spell (2007) A prequel following young witch Grassina as she learns to control her magical powers and becomes the Green Witch.

The Wide-Awake Princess (2010) Princess Annie, immune to magic, must save her cursed sister Gwendolyn from an enchanted sleep.

The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker (2014) Former tooth fairy Cory becomes a matchmaker for fairy tale characters while searching for her own happy ending.

More Than a Princess (2018) Princess Aislin, born with both fairy and pedrasi magic, navigates two different magical worlds while facing threats to her kingdom.

Jessica Day George writes fantasy novels featuring princesses and dragons in series like Dragon Slippers and Princess of the Midnight Ball. Her books incorporate fairy tale retellings with original worldbuilding focused on magic, castles, and crafts like knitting and dressmaking.

Shannon Hale creates fantasy stories with The Books of Bayern series and Princess Academy featuring strong female leads in magical settings. Her work centers on friendship, self-discovery, and reinvented fairy tales with detailed world-building.

Gail Carson Levine wrote Ella Enchanted and other fairy tale adaptations with independent heroines who challenge traditional story elements. Her books mix humor with fantasy while exploring themes of choice, identity, and breaking curses.

Patricia C. Wrede created The Enchanted Forest Chronicles featuring a princess who chooses to live with dragons rather than follow conventional fairy tale roles. Her writing combines fantasy elements with practical problem-solving and unconventional character choices.

Diana Wynne Jones authored Howl's Moving Castle and other fantasy novels that blend magic with everyday life. Her work features complex magical systems and characters who discover their own abilities while navigating relationships and responsibilities.