This realistic fairy tale follows Beatryce, a young girl with no memory of who she is and being hunted by the king because of a prophecy that she will unseat him, as she threads together a small band of allies with the strength of her love and courage. These friends include a very disagreeable goat, Answelica, a timid and kind monk, Brother Edik, an adventurous errand boy, Jack Dory, and a mysterious sage, Cannoc. And so begins a cat and mouse game as the king tries to find Beatryce while Beatryce must regain her memories, keep the secret that she can read and write when women aren’t allowed to be educated, and find her way back to her mother. And while death and tragedy get their due in this world, it is the story and the lustrous illustrations that show bright places of discovery, wonder, and love throughout the book.
This is a beautifully designed book, written by Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, where every word and picture count. School-age children and adults will enjoy this tale of antics and adventure – consider it for a great read out loud!