“Once Upon and Ever After…shows the importance of accepting change and not living in the past…well written, with a fun rhythm and great rhyming scheme [and] exciting scenes full of suspense and wonder…I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.” – Readers’ Favorite. … “A wonderful and modern take on fairytales. Children and adults alike will enjoy adding Once Upon and Ever After to their bookshelves.” – Indies Today.Once Upon and Ever After is a different kind of fairytale. Told entirely from the prince’s point of view it charts the journey he takes from his early days of training to his final quest to rescue a princess.Unfortunately things don’t go to plan when he finds that the princess has already rescued herself and the next one he tries to save has done the same!What happens next? Find out in this modern fairytale for children of all ages.With pop up text and a handy word guide.
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I loved the twist. The prince goes to save the princesses, but they’ve already saved themselves. And then he realizes he can choose what he wants to be and develops his own talents. It’s really cute.
Once Upon and Ever After by Caroline L. Thornton
Cover intrigued me because it shows me they each know how to take care of themselves.
Colorful well blended pictures-there’s so much to point out to a child on the pages.
The words also rhyme and there is a glossary at the very end as some words are ones from long ago.
Double tapping brings the words in larger format so you can see them better. On the tablet the book has to be landscape mode-side by side pages.
The young prince no longer plays after a young age but is taught to fight and climb tower walls.
He’s on a mission and he wants to pass.
I can find many times the words are pointing to a nursery rhyme or fable or other fairy tale.
He realizes the princess knows how to take care of herself-she had escaped the tower prison.
He is able to track her…The different view of a fairy tale is refreshing to hear about.
He can do what he wants on as he realizes he’s been set free…
Enjoyed this book especially all the little things scattered about on the pages, so easy to pinpoint.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Once Upon and Ever After breaks away from the common fairy tales pattern. Instead, it gives young readers a different perspective on the lives of princes and princesses.
The children’s book starts with the lead character training for the activities expected of him as a royal. And, he aces in all the aspects.
However, when the time comes to practically apply what he learns in his training, the prince realizes something else. He discovers that things don’t necessarily go in rigid pattern. While not necessarily being disobedient, the lead character decides that he doesn’t need to follow the protocols royals are expected to do.
What triggers the lead character’s change of mind? Follow his life journey in Once Upon and Ever After. Be amazed at how his story unfurls.
The Book and the Author
Once Upon and Ever After veers away from the traditional fairy tales. In this book, the author allows the lead character to follow a different path. While the female character is projected as a brave lady who uses her wit. I appreciate the author for presenting the story this way. Caroline Thornton gives young readers and listeners a different perspective on fairy tales. By doing so, she makes the story closer to reality.
Moreover, I like the author’s writing style. She follows a rhythmic pattern of storytelling. Thus, adding texture to the story. The vocabulary she uses is consistently royal. And, I’m glad Thornton puts a glossary of the English words. Aside from making it easy for children to understand, she also broadens their vocabulary.
In addition, I commend Olha Melnyk’s colorful artwork. She neatly arranges the illustrations to keep the young people’s attention glued to the book.
Overall, I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to parents and guardians with kids 3 – 9 years old.
NOTE: The above review is also found at The Catalyst.
Excellent illustrations. This book takes a different approach that quite pleases me and little princes too. Although the princess appears on the cover, she’s more of a secondary character. It honors the bravery and independence of our fairytale princesses but gives me the perspective of the prince that is confronted with a change in the old tales and expectations. This time the prince is also honored with his wants and personality.
I like the fact that the book challenged the typical scenario of the prince saving the princesses. The princesses saved themselves, showing bravery and independence, and the prince turned the situation to his benefit making “lemonade out of lemons”. A good lesson for all ages.
Once Upon and Ever After by Caroline L. Thornton – This was a Bookbub freebie. What if you had the chance to decided what your own HEA looks like? Happy Reading!