The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech

(Ages 8-10)Well recommended. This Carnegie medal winner has written a wonderful tongue in cheek modern fairytale. It is full of humour, innuendo and plain foolishness, mixed with a thinly disguised but intriguing plot. Certainly adults and interested young readers will enjoy the many trite and humorous comments on events, such as the personal characteristics of the royal children! Imagine a King who would rather lie on his brocade divan than deal with the forty seven 'Ministers of Inventory'! Imagine consulting an hermit who others refer to as 'the King's folly'! It's quite original and very amusing, especially when we wonder what royals really do! Pia and Enzio two peasant children, find a leather pouch with the King's emblem on it and the adventure begins. It's an easy and fascinating read. It could be a wonderful teaching example in the ways of exaggeration with twists and humour within the fairytale mould.
Sue Nosworthy