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(More customer reviews)You know, if American children's authors aren't careful, Cornelia Funke is going to become the number one most sought after children's author the minute J.K. Rowling finishes Harry Potter #7. She's already become the number one most sought after German children's author (a cupcake to anyone who can name me another who's as well-known in America) and she solidifies her standing every day with books like, "The Princess Knight". I admittedly was a little shocked by parents pooh-poohing the book because it begins with the death of the title character's mother. How on earth do these parents read books like, "Snow White" or "Cinderella" to their kids? Or do they just rely on Disney films instead? And what about such classic picture book titles as "Babar"? Does any and every book get thrown out if someone kicks the bucket? Whatever the case, this is a fine fine book that gives the world a strong-hearted heroine who knows what she wants and how to get it. Think of it as a kind of "Alanna" by Tamora Pierce, but for younger girls.
When King Wilfred the Worthy's three sons were born, he knew exactly how to raise them. They were taught fencing and fighting and horseplay and good manners. When his daughter Violetta was born, however, he hadn't a clue. His wife died in childbirth and rather than ask anyone else for help, Wilfred decided to raise his daughter like his sons. Of course, being a girl she was physically smaller than her brothers. Only through constant training was she able to carry her own and win their amazed respect. When her sixteenth birthday comes up, Wilfred informs his daughter that there will be a jousting tournament for her hand on that day. Apparently he hasn't completely forgotten that Vi's actually a girl. For her part, Violetta is more than a little miffed. Quoth she, "You want me to marry some dimwit in a tin suit? Just look at your own knights! They whip their horses and they can't even write their own names!". This speech doesn't go down well with daddy dearest, but on the day in question Violetta concocts a plan that not only gets her off the hook but allows her to do what she wants for the rest of her life.
I'm amused by the people that dislike this book because of the fact that Vi does indeed marry at the end. The direct quote from the book is, "And who did she marry? Well, if you must know, many years later, she married the rose gardener's son and lived happily ever after". She marries on her own terms when she wants to and who she wants to. So has the book sold out because it ends with the main character getting a man? Dude, the book would have sold out if the author had felt that the character might have wanted a man but shouldn't have one for the greater good. I'm all for books in which the female protagonists live their own lives without reliance on a male in some way. This, however, felt right and worked within the context of the story. Also, there's the fact that the book says, "if you must know", as if this was her own personal choice and not some gossip to be bandied about by loose tongues.
Admittedly, for all the fine writing, Funke's book wouldn't have been half so successful if the book hadn't sported illustrator Kerstin Meyer's pictures. Using the Bayeux Tapestry as her inspiration, the pictures here have a kind of spunk and verve that allow the whole enterprise to work smoothly. The picture of Violetta bawling out her father is worth the price of admission alone.
So, you've got a great story with delightful pictures and a wonderful message about women and their work. There's nothing cloying or cutesy in Funke's tale. Just honest-to-goodness well-written storytelling and a main character with enough verve and oomph to last four or five picture books more, should the author so deem it a good idea (hint hint). A wonderful addition to any and every library. Definitely consider reading it alongside "The Paperbag Princess".
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