The Ordinary Princess

The Ordinary Princess is a fairy tale about Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne (called Amy), who receives an unusual gift from a fairy godmother at her christening - the gift of being ordinary. Princess Amy grows up unlike her perfect royal sisters, with simple tastes and a love of nature. When faced with traditional princess expectations, she takes matters into her own hands and sets out to forge her own path in life. The story follows Amy's journey as she makes her way in the world outside palace walls, taking on work and making friends with both animals and humans. Her adventures lead her to discover what she truly values in life. This tale turns classic fairy tale tropes upside down to explore themes of authenticity and the value of being true to oneself rather than conforming to societal expectations. The folk song "Lavender's Blue" weaves through the narrative as a symbolic thread.

Readers call this a charming fairy tale that subverts traditional princess tropes. Many reviews note it works well as both a children's story and an adult comfort read. Readers appreciate: - The humor and light tone - Princess Amy's practical, down-to-earth personality - The black and white illustrations - Short length perfect for reading in one sitting - Messages about being true to yourself Common criticisms: - Plot feels rushed, especially the ending - Some find it too simple/predictable - Limited character development beyond Amy Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings) Representative review: "A refreshing take on fairy tales that doesn't try too hard to be subversive. Amy is delightful because she's ordinary, not because she's rebelliously un-princess-like." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mention discovering it as children and returning to reread it years later with continued enjoyment.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine A princess cursed with obedience must find her own path and challenge traditional fairy tale expectations while learning the true meaning of choice and freedom.

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock The tale follows an unconventional princess who must master magic and navigate court life while refusing to conform to royal standards of beauty and behavior.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine A shy princess steps out of her comfort zone to save her sister and kingdom, discovering her own strength beyond the traditional princess role.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale A crown princess loses her identity and must work as a common goose girl, finding her true self away from the constraints of royal life.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George A peasant girl rejects the traditional dragon-slaying narrative and forms partnerships with dragons instead, creating her own destiny through determination and skill.

🌟 M. M. Kaye was also famous for writing "The Far Pavilions," an epic historical novel about British-occupied India that became an international bestseller. 🌟 The author drew inspiration for Princess Amy's character from her own childhood experiences of feeling different from societal expectations. 🌟 "Lavender's Blue," the folk song featured throughout the book, dates back to the 17th century and was originally known as "Lavender Green." 🌟 The book's illustrations in its first edition were done by Jos. Gable and helped establish the distinctive visual style that influenced later fairy tale retellings. 🌟 Published in 1980, "The Ordinary Princess" was one of the earliest modern fairy tales to challenge traditional princess stereotypes, paving the way for contemporary works like "Shrek" and "Brave."