book: Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library: A Little Princess (Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library)

book: Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library: A Little Princess (Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library) | Frances Hodgson Burnett ...

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	• Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library: A Little Princess (Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library) Frances Hodgson Burnett HarperFestival, 2007 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 2 reviews view larger image
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Simply charming!

Young Sara Crewe has never been like her childish counterparts. Sure, she has always loved dolls, and tea parties; pretending and magic. But, unlike many other children her age, she has always carried herself with a Princess-like air that made her seem much more like an adult than a child, earning her the title "Little Missus" from her beloved father, Captain Crewe. After all, very little makes Sara emotional. She rarely cries, and often stares right through people with a solemn look upon her face, trying to figure them out, and thinking bizarre thoughts that, likely, would not occur to anyone else. Still, she is her father's child, and does what she can to assist him in his daily doings, even though she is merely seven-years-old. But when she is forced to attend Miss Minchin's boarding school, all that changes.

Sara is dreadfully unhappy from the moment she steps foot into Miss Minchin's boarding school. She dislikes Miss Minchin on site, and knows that she is simply pretending to be fond of the curious child. But Sara knows that she must make the best of it to please her father, and make it known that she is in good hands, even if she thinks otherwise. Luckily, she has lovely Emily by her side. Emily is the doll she and her father searched high and low for, and Sara knows that, together, they will be able to face Miss Minchin's boarding school, no matter how strenuous things become. Unlike the other students at Miss Minchin's, Sara, at her young age, has already received enough education through life experience, that she is more than qualified to teach at the school. Instead, Miss Minchin quickly takes credit for the bright pupils intelligence, and uses her as an example for prospective students. It doesn't hurt that little Sara has the most glamorous clothes, and the most peculiar looks, that contribute to the many stares she receives from just about anyone she encounters. But Sara is also quite different in her demeanor. She does not talk down to the servants, or beggars in the streets, but, rather, works to befriend them. Unfortunately, when Sara's luck changes, and she learns that her father is dead, and has left her penniless, her kindness is not reciprocated. Suddenly, she is thrust into an attic bedroom in rags by Miss Minchin herself, forced to take on any task thought up, and share her living space with a family of rats. Now, Sara must find the strength to continue on as a Princess on the inside, in an attempt to take control of her newfound suffering, and make her father up in heaven. Perhaps, by pretending, and working her hardest to stay strong, she will have the ability to turn her life around, and reclaim her place in the world.

For years, I have passed by Frances Hodgson Burnett's A LITTLE PRINCESS, without having ever picked up the story, and giving it a read. At times, I contemplated seeing the film, but just never got around to doing so. However, when I saw Mary Engelbreit's illustrated version of the classic tale, I finally dove straight into the pages, only to have emerged with a new outlook on life. Sara is, perhaps, one of the most charming little characters I have ever encountered in fiction. She is unlike anyone I have ever encountered in all of my years of reading. Her caring, and giving nature make her an example for young readers the world over. From page one, her peculiar way of looking through people, and forming her own thoughts about anyone and everyone she meets gives her an original air that instantly draws you in. However, it is her ability to create magical worlds and scenarios all her own that give the story a fantastical element not found elsewhere. Hodgson Burnett has crafted a tale that is profound and original from beginning to end. Her ability to provide amazing imagery which assists you in seeing Sara and all of her friends - as well as her acquaintances and enemies - right before your eyes is amazing; while her know-how of incorporating a wonderful message, that of helping others no matter how much or how little you have, is like a breath of fresh air, in a sea of novels that portray young girls as being conceited, self-centered, and self-absorbed. A LITTLE PRINCESS showcases the ups and downs of a charming child who will, no doubt, win over your heart in an instant, and hold fast to a little place in your mind forever and ever. Simply charming!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

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Sara Crewe lives happily at Miss Minchin's boarding school, where her beautiful clothes and gracious manners make her seem just like a real princess?until the day she loses everything. Now she must wear rags, sleep in the attic, and work hard for her living. Sara is poor and alone, but she keeps telling herself that she can still be a little princess inside, if only she tries hard enough.