Review: Princess April Morning-Glory

Written during the golden age of Hollywood, Princess April Morning-Glory is a beautifully told children's book that transcends the years.   The story of Princess April Morning-Glory is told in a way that a young child can understand and relate to.

Princess April Morning-Glory has become unhappy with her life and leaves Fairy Land without realizing or understanding the consequences of her actions.  In order to return home, she finds a Wizard who tells her that she must complete 3 good deeds before he can tell her how to get home.  As she sets about her task, Princess April Morning-Glory makes new friends who help her along her path as she works to return home and learns about herself in the process.

The one thing that was hard for my children to understand was reading the calligraphy.  It was beautifully done, but is it hard for a young child who is learning to read to make out all of the words.


FTC Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Kelley Smott Garrett through Pump Up Your Book Tours for review. I am not being compensated for this review.

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About Letitia Fairbanks:

Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, lived a life guided by artistic passions. In 1939, wanting to commemorate her late uncle, Letitia began work onPrincess April Morning-Glory, allowing a creative outlet for combining her lifelong loves: painting, writing, and illustration.

Holding firm to her artistic identify, Letitia gravitated toward portraiture, landscapes, and still-lifes. She was also a biographer, co-authoring Douglas Fairbanks: The Fourth Musketeer, with Ralph Hancock. Her marriage to Hal Smoot in 1966 marked the beginning of a particularly joyful and creative period. Needle points and annual Christmas cards, which featured a painting from the previous year, not to mention her role as a wife, mother, step-mother and grandmother brought her much fulfillment. After a life rich in artistic accomplishment, Letitia passed away in September of 1992.

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 About Kelley Smoot Garrett:

Kelley Smoot Garrett was born in Dallas, raised in Manhattan and has lived the life of a West Texas wildcatter as well that of an IT professional. At one time or another in her life she’s called places as diverse as Scourie, Scotland; Austin, Abilene and Midland, Texas; Singapore; Paris; and Auckland, New Zealand — home. She is proud to be the daughter of Sue Ashby and Harold Smoot and the step-daughter of Letitia Fairbanks Smoot. She currently lives with her husband Danny Garrett, three cats, and one happy only-dog, Moxie in the Texas Hill Country.

About Princess April Morning-Glory:

At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood.

Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike.

Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day. John Barrymore, and Letitia's cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King's (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg's 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo's 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin's (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick's 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda.

Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make.

The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage.

But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. CanPrincess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again?

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Princess April Morning-Glory Tour Page:

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/01/26/pump-up-your-book-presents-princess-april-morning-glory-virtual-book-publicity-tour-win-kindle-fire-hd/

Guest Post - Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

A journey in to the wandering mind of Azra’s Pith…

I was sort of a space cadet as a kid― always in my own little world. I had stories running through my head all the time. The main presence in all my adventures was this lonely, wandering soul on a never ending journey of great importance.

I never thought about it then, but I’ pretty sure the wandering hero (sort of) was a reflection of me, and the magical adventures I wanted to take. When I read THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis, I turned into a tireless seeker of portals. The thought of entering another realm through my closet was fantastic! The ideas for the Azra’s Pith series were always there, I just never thought to write them down until my son was born. Alexander Drake became crystal clear – he was my wandering hero.

A couple of the characters are loosely based on personalities that have stood out in my life. Of course, I exaggerated or understated them depending on the personality. Beatrice (Alexander’s Grandmother) is based on my grandmother. She lived in an old yellow house in the woods. Some of my fondest childhood memories were created during my visits there. Ferdinand, the fearless hopper, and Julien, the wise and somewhat silly empyrean wizard are both part of my imaginary cast of characters that have been with me for years.

I started out with the intention of writing short stories to read to my son and the series evolved from there. When I finished the final chapter of part one, I already knew how the entire series would unfold. I’m on part three and trying my best to take my time. I don’t know how I will feel when it all ends.

Review: Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit

Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit by Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The title sounded interesting so when I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book, I took it. The main character, Alexander, is spending time at his grandmother's house while his father is away on a trip. While exploring the woods around her house, he stumbles onto the entrance to another world. The story takes you on his journey through this world as he tries to learn more about the mother that he never knew. The story and characters are well written and interesting. I was able to quickly read this book because I was caught up in the story and Alexander's journey. I am looking forward to reading about what happens to Alexander next. FTC Notice: I obtained an electronic copy of this book from the author to review as part of her Virtual Book Tour. View all my reviews

Review - Anne of Green Gables

From the first time I read this book, years ago, I was hooked on Anne and the world of Avonlea.  I loved to immerse myself in this story and the other books that follow.  "Anne of Green Gables" is so well written that every time I read it, I find myself in the story living in Avonlea with Anne as she makes friends and lives with Marilla and Matthew at Green Gables.

I always feel as if I have rejoined old friends when I read this book.