Absolutely delightful early chapter book. I do love the way this author rethinks the tropes and cliches and comes up with something fresh, but doesn't spoil the stories by introducing angst or heavy philosophy. The clever princess has to win the hand of the prince, the peasant seeks his fortune and almost becomes a prince, and the kind prince passes a most unusual test even though he tries to fail it. I wish I'd had this book when I was about 7 or 8 - I'd have read it 'til it fell apart. Lively illustrations are a nice enhancement. ( )