Once Upon a Marigold

Publishers Weekly

A boy raised by a troll decides to see the world one day and discovers that lovely Princess Marigold, with whom he has corresponded, is about to become betrothed. "The author breathes new life into archetypal characters by adding unexpected and often humorous dimensions to their personalities," wrote PW. Ages 10-up. (June) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

With a beautiful princess, a love struck lad, a scheming queen, mistaken identities, and the battle between good versus evil, Once Upon a Marigold has all the classic elements of a fairy tale. But with carrier pigeon "p-mail," a princess who can read thoughts, and a prince with a lack for inventing, this story will entertain and capture the attention of today's modern young reader. Growing up with a troll for a dad, Christian enjoys the quiet life of the forest until he begins spying on the royal family with a telescope. Although he doesn't care for the trappings of court, he inexplicably finds himself falling in love with young Princess Marigold. Because of the distance—both physical and social—between the two, they are able to share their true feelings and thoughts with one another. The two come together in a tangled plot as a queen tries to get rid of Marigold, and Christian and Marigold try to overcome the pressures of society. With a surprise revelation, a flying contraption, and two loveable pets, this story comes to a satisfying, yet hip "happily ever after ending." This short novel would serve as a great companion to a study of fairy tales and the many spin-offs in literature today. 2002, Harcourt,
— Leah Hanson

From The Critics

This is a funny fairy tale about a little prince who runs away to the forest and finds a friendly troll to live with. Edric, the troll, really doesn't want to take the prince home with him, but is too kindhearted to leave him. Years pass and Prince Christian, who has forgotten about his royal lineage, falls in love with the princess who lives across the river. Through a series of misfortunes and adventures he wins the princess Marigold, and defeats the evil stepmother just as expected in fairy tales. The most non-traditional part of this story is Edric the Troll, who spices his speech with mangled proverbs as he advises his foster child/prince through his teenage growing pains. Young readers from middle to secondary levels will enjoy this tonguein- cheek tale about a troll, a prince, and the search for eternal love. 2002, Harcourt, 266 pp.,
— Freya Zipperer

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-As the cover proclaims, this story is truly "part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink." Readers first meet Chris when he is a strong-willed, clever child of six. He has run away from home, determined to live on his own in the forest. Edric, a troll, finds him and gives him shelter but cannot make him go back home, and Chris grows up with Edric and his dogs as his family, guided by an etiquette book found in the forest and Edric's own wisdom. As the boy grows, he continues his interest in inventing and watches the princess in the castle across the river. She is headstrong but lonely, and when Chris contacts her by carrier pigeon (or p-mail), they become best friends. When he takes work at the castle, there is no way that Chris, a commoner, can tell Marigold who he is, and he can only stand by as she is to be married to an unsuitable suitor. When he learns that her life is in danger, he must find a way to save her and the kingdom. This complex, fast-paced plot, a mixture of fantasy, romance, comedy, and coming-of-age novel, succeeds because these characters are compelling, well developed, and sympathetic. Quirky personalities and comic subplots give the story additional texture. Readers will be drawn into this world and be satisfied by the denouement. This blend of genres will appeal to a wide range of readers, and it's all great fun.-Shara Alpern, The Free Library of Philadelphia Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Cold indeed is the heart not made warm by this bubbly fairy-tale romance. Raised by a kindly forest troll, Christian knows little of the world beyond what he can see through his telescope, but gazing upon a nearby castle, he falls head over heels for Princess Marigold. What chance has he, though, as a (supposed) commoner? When at last he nerves himself to send her a message via carrier pigeon, she answers and the courtship is on-via "p-mail" at first, then, after he lands a job as a castle servant, face to face. Setting numerous fairy-tale conventions just a bit askew, Ferris (Of Sound Mind, 2001, etc.) surrounds her two smart, immensely likable teenagers, who are obviously made for each other, with rival suitors, hyperactive dogs, surprising allies, and strong adversaries. The most notable among the last is devious, domineering Queen Olympia, intent on forcing Marigold into marriage with a penniless, but noble, cipher. The author gets her commonsensical couple to "I Do" through brisk palace intrigue, life-threatening situations, riotous feasting, and general chaos; Queen Olympia gets suitable comeuppance, and the festivities are capped by the required revelation that Christian is actually heir to the throne of neighboring Zandelphia. Fans of Gail Carson Levine's Princess Tales will be in familiar territory here, as well as seventh heaven. (Fiction. 11-13)

From the Publisher

"Readers will gobble this story up."—VOYA